Sam’s Club’s Member’s Mark label offers competitive prices on bulk goods, but not all deals are created equal. While many products receive positive reviews, several shopping experts have stopped purchasing certain items due to quality changes or practical concerns. Here’s a breakdown of four Member’s Mark products that may not be worth the bulk buy.
Diced Tomatoes in Tomato Juice: Perishability Concerns
Member’s Mark diced tomatoes ($9.68) have a 4.7-star rating, but CEO of Dupe.com, Bobby Ghoshal, no longer buys them. The issue isn’t quality, but waste. Buying in bulk means ensuring the product will be used before it expires, otherwise, you’re throwing money away and wasting storage space.
“It’s important when you’re buying in bulk to ensure that you’re going to actually be using all of the items or you’re throwing money away… and wasting quality shelf space in your kitchen.”
This highlights a key principle of bulk buying: only stock up on items you consistently use.
Paper Towels: Declining Quality
Member’s Mark paper towels ($24.98) once rivaled top brands, but retail finance expert Melanie Musson from Quote.com has stopped purchasing them. Recent updates have reportedly reduced the quality, making them less effective than competitors.
This underscores the fact that bulk pricing doesn’t guarantee value if the product’s performance diminishes.
Chicken Broth: Space and Cost Efficiency
The Member’s Mark chicken broth ($7.98) comes in a six-pack, which can be impractical for smaller households. Musson prefers refrigerated bouillon instead, as it’s more cost-effective and space-efficient.
“I realized that this takes up a lot of room in a pantry, and I’d rather use a refrigerated container of bullion, which is more cost-effective and space-friendly.”
This illustrates that larger quantities don’t always translate to better savings, especially when storage is limited.
Toilet Paper: Reduced Softness and Strength
Member’s Mark toilet paper ($24.58) was once a high-value option, but Musson notes that quality has declined. Name-brand alternatives now offer superior softness and strength.
Higher-quality toilet paper can also reduce usage per roll, potentially saving money long-term, and minimizing plumbing issues.
Buying in bulk is not always the most economical choice. Knowing when to skip certain items can help consumers maximize their savings and avoid unnecessary waste. The experts suggest prioritizing quality and practical usage over sheer quantity.
