9 Costly Mistakes Shoppers Make at Warehouse Clubs

4. Getting lured by $1.50 hot dogs and free snacks

Many warehouse clubs offer free samples, and cheap dining options at Costco and Sam’s Club food courts can be a big draw. But going to a warehouse club for a $1.50 hot dog or a meal consisting of complimentary bites could lead you to make unintended purchases. “You go in thinking you’re getting free lunch or cheap food in the food court,” Murphy says. “You come out with a whole giant cart full of items that will last you a year.”

5. Not using warehouse club apps

You’re probably missing out on savings if you’re not using the free mobile apps offered by BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club. “Apps often give early access to online member events or clearance sales, where high-demand items like electronics or branded apparel are discounted deeply but disappear fast,” says Clay Cary, a senior trends analyst at coupon code and deal site CouponFollow. “If you’re not checking the app regularly, you could be missing out on some of the club’s best deals of the year.”

The apps also offer access to other discounts. For example, the “Scan & Go” feature in the Sam’s Club app, which lets you purchase items as you shop and skip the checkout line, features limited-time deals that often aren’t advertised on store shelves, Cary says.

6. Overlooking extra savings

Costco and Sam’s Club don’t accept manufacturer coupons, but BJ’s does. If you’re a member, you can clip digital coupons using the store’s app or by signing in to your account at BJs.com, and the discounts will be applied automatically when you check out.  

Costco has two under-the-radar perks. The Costco Next section on the store’s website and mobile app offers exclusive discounts, from 10 to 30 percent, on a variety of products from partner brands. When shopping in Costco stores, look for manager’s specials — local markdowns that store managers can apply to move inventory. “We’ve spotted them on everything from toys to housewares,” Markel says.

7. Skipping the gift card section

BJ’s, Costco and Sam’s Club sell discounted gift cards. You can save money by buying them as gifts, or simply purchase them for yourself to save on dining, shopping and more. At the time of this writing, BJ's is offering a $500 Disney gift card for $480, Costco is offering a $50 Regal Cinemas gift card for $40 and Sam’s Club is offering a $50 IHOP gift card for $37.50.

“If you’re going to spend $100 at a restaurant anyway, buying a $100 gift card for $79.99 is a no-brainer,” James says. “I walked right past them for years and stupidly ignored them.”

8. Not using the full benefits of your membership

“If you’re only going in for groceries, you could potentially be leaving serious savings on the table,” says Melissa Cid, a consumer savings specialist for MySavings, a coupon and deal website. One of the biggest savings opportunities is the discounted gasoline sold at warehouse club fuel centers, which can be an average of 20 cents less per gallon.   

Warehouse clubs also offer exclusive deals on prescription drugs, prescription glasses and contact lenses, vacation packages, and other products and services. For example, BJ’s members can get a $250 reward card and up to $1,000 off a new smartphone with an eligible trade-in when switching to AT&T wireless service. Costco offers members savings on auto, home, life and pet insurance. Both Costco and Sam’s Club members can purchase discounted tickets to movies, theme parks, sporting events, shows and concerts, as well as special offers for automobiles and tire purchases.

9. Failing to use the return policy for refunds

Impulse buys at warehouse clubs can become pricey mistakes, like the $700 exercise bicycle James bought several years ago at Costco. “I didn’t plan it. I just saw it, decided I was going to finally get in shape and convinced myself it was an investment in my health,” he says. “That bike basically became a $700 laundry rack.” A second mistake, he admits, was not returning it for a refund.

If you experience buyer’s remorse, don’t pass up an opportunity to get your money back. Most items purchased at Costco and Sam’s Club can be returned at any time for a full refund; BJ’s gives members a year to return most items for a full refund. And all three will refund your membership fee for the current year at any time if you decide to cancel your membership. (BJ’s will refund the basic membership fee, not fees for membership upgrades.)