Buying in bulk is a great way to save money, but not all consumer-friendly bulk stores are created equal.
For some of us, it may just come down to convenience and which stores are closest. If choices in your area are boundless, though, then there are plenty of other factors to consider.
Costco is a popular choice and with good reason. It’s not perfect, though. BJ’s Wholesale Club — a chain with over 265 locations in 22 U.S. states — is another hot stop and has the upper hand in quite a few areas. Let’s get into them.
The checkout line is entirely optional
One great thing about going to BJ’s is how easy it is to leave.
You can use the ExpressPay feature on the BJ’s app. It lets you pay right from your phone and skip the checkout line entirely.
After you make your in-store purchase, the app will provide a QR code. You just have to show that code to a staff member when you leave. The downside is that you can’t use paper coupons, but you can still “clip” and use digital coupons on the app.
BJ’s has the upper hand against Costco in this area, but there are other grocery stores that let you skip the checkout line, too.
Memberships are cheaper
Both Costco and BJ’s offer big savings for their shoppers … but you have to be a member.
Costco’s basic membership, called the Gold Star Membership, costs $65 a year. The premium membership, aka the Executive Membership, costs $130 a year.
BJ’s, on the other hand, charges $60 a year for the basic Club Card Membership and $120 a year for the Club+ Card Membership.
Some groups get discounted memberships
Speaking of member savings, certain people can even save on membership costs at BJ’s — not just bulk goods.
And the list is long. The following groups are eligible for special membership offers:
- Veterans
- Active military personnel
- Medical professionals
- First responders
- Government employees
- Teachers and other education staff
- College students
Costco, however, doesn’t offer any such discounted fees.
You can use manufacturer coupons
Sure, Costco offers deals and coupons, but they all have to come directly from Costco.
BJ’s lets you use coupons directly from the manufacturer.
You can share your membership on the cheap
A Costco membership allows you to add one other member to your account, and so does BJ’s. But BJ’s has a more “sharing is caring” attitude.
Members can add supplemental memberships to their accounts. The Club Card or the Club+ Card Membership allows you to share your membership with up to three other people for a fee.
Each additional person costs $35 a year instead of the usual $60 or $120 membership fee. That’s a pretty sweet deal.
You don’t have to buy everything in bulk
Costco’s bulk products are great, but it can be difficult for shoppers to find products they’d like to purchase in smaller quantities or packages.
BJ’s also sells bulk products; however, that isn’t the only option they present to their customers. For example, you can snag a small bag of four bell peppers or just two cucumbers.
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