Big-Ticket Items to Buy at Warehouse Clubs

I've tackled several issues regarding warehouse clubs including:

• The Best and Worst Buys at Warehouse Club Stores

• Warehouse Clubs Are Worth the Annual Fee

• Can You Pay for a Costco Membership by Saving on Gas Alone?

• Can You Pay for a Costco Membership by Eating Free Samples?

• Extreme Saving Tips for Sample Eating at Costco

So when I saw this piece on the big-ticket items to buy at warehouse clubs, I knew I had to comment on it. Here are the five big-ticket items that Smart Money says you should buy at warehouse clubs to save a bundle and my take on each of them:

1) Cars. The one catch: Because there’s a commission for the club, decent negotiators may be able to get a better deal hitting the dealership on their own.

I'll go it alone, thanks. My method of buying a car has proven to work and get me well below what others normally pay (based on Edmunds) and, I suspect, what a warehouse club can negotiate for me.

2) Engagement rings. The only real difference between diamond engagement rings at the warehouse club and the offerings at your local jeweler’s is the fifth C -- cost, says Martin Fuller, a master gemologist appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers.

Too late for me (already married), but not a bad idea. Anyone bought a wedding ring at a warehouse club? Maybe that's the advice we should have given this guy.

3) Major appliances. You’ll find the latest models from your favorite brands, for roughly 10% off other stores' prices.

Two issues: They don't carry Kenmore (exclusive to Sears -- I know, I hate Sears too, but Kenmores regularly do well in Consumer Reports ratings) and you have to get it home yourself. What's the "hassle factor" worth?

4) Electronics. Customers may be drawn to the great electronics deals offered at warehouse clubs, but the real eye-catcher may just be the generous warranty and return policies.

I've had two friends buy TVs from Costco lately and gotten really good deals. I'd certainly go there if I was in the market for a new TV (which I may be if I can convince my wife.) ;-)

5) Caskets. Buy a casket at a funeral home and pay a markup of up to 350%. Warehouse clubs sell the same models as funeral homes and casket retailers, but price them just above wholesale. Prices also include overnight delivery. The funeral home isn't allowed to charge you extra for bringing in your own casket, either. At Costco, an “In God’s Care” casket from Universal Casket costs $925, including shipping and handling. CasketXPress.com charges $1,680 for the same model. You’ll save 45%.

Good idea! But how many people, upon hearing that old Aunt Sally just passed away, say, "Hey, let's run down to Costco to pick out a casket?" I'm surprised they sell any of these at all. Still, it's another great way to save on a funeral and keep costs as low as possible.

Comments

[BobV]

What a great idea buying a casket from a warehouse club. I wonder if you can buy a couple and use them for storage until they are needed? (I just tried to talk my wife into getting one to keep at the end of the bed.... she didn't appear amused. :>

[Dave]

I purchased a washer and dryer from the Sam's Club web site and got a great price. I had it delivered, so no hassle factor at all. The delivery charge was under $30 and that included hooking everything up.

[Blaine Moore]

For my wife's engagement ring, I went w/the family heirloom route. It allowed me to give her a bigger diamond than I could afford to buy and the only cost was about $50 to get it appraised and reset into the ring (my mother had taken the diamond out and had it set into a necklace until such a time as I needed it.)

Much more frugal, and frankly the ring means a lot more to both my wife and to me than if I'd just bought a rock at a jewelry store (or warehouse club).

Here are a couple things that I frequently purchase at my local warehouse club that save me a lot of money:

1. Non-local fruit such as bananas (which don't seem to grow in Maine...) You can get 3 pound bags for about 1/3 the price of buying them at a grocery store, and my wife and I both eat at least 1 banana every day.

2. Gasoline. The price usually ranges from 2 cents more to 20 cents less than the other gas stations nearby and I'm usually there to pick up groceries anyway. The extra pennies are worth it on days it costs more to avoid having to stop again or go out of my way, and on average it costs probably about 3-6 cents less than everywhere else anyway.

[Colin]

I was going to suggest buying the casket ahead of time and setting it up in the guest bedroom... helps your guests feel nice and cozy!

[Jim]

I checked engagement rings at Costco before buying. Their selection was pretty poor and they only had pre mounted rings including the diamond so you couldn't pick ring and diamond separate. Their prices were OK and they have good diamonds. But being able to pick from 100's of diamonds at a jeweler allows a lot more flexibility and options to pick the exact diamond and ring you want for your price range.

[Christine]

I bought my husband's ring at Costco before we were married. I've been happy with it. :)

[Lizbette]

+JMJ+

Buying a casket ahead of time is good planning. And instead of a warehouse store, why not from the Trappists? New Melleray Abbey sells caskets, simplest ones about $800-$1000. www.trappistcaskets.com
No, I'm not a Trappist but seems like a great idea to me!

[Cheap Like Me]

For #3, appliances, if you get a great deal, hire a local trucking agency to help deliver it and avoid the hassle factor. I bought a "scratch and dent" fridge from Home Depot and paid about $75 or $80 to have it picked up from the store, delivered to my home and installed - same day, last minute. It was so worth it to get my counter-depth French-door fridge for $1000 off the new price.

@Blaine, having someone give you a diamond is a great frugal option! Hee hee :)

[Eugene Krabs]

Haha, thanks. Now I know where to shop for a casket.