Bargain Junkie's Paradise - BJ's Warehouse
Written: Oct 21 '01 (Updated Nov 21 '06)
The Bottom Line
BJ's is my favorite Warehouse Club. Great savings can be had on many products and services.
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Today we are interviewing Mr.Spudman, legendary tightwad and bargain hunter, about his favorite shopping and savings haunt, BJ’s Wholesale Club.
WHEN AND WHY DID YOU START FREQUENTING BJ’S WHOLESALE CLUB?
I had been a member of the Price Club (now Costco) for a couple years but never really felt comfortable in that crowded, cavernous, drab behemoth of a warehouse and didn’t enjoy standing in long lines behind people buying 200 rolls of toilet paper or 20 cases of bottled water. For about five years now I’ve been a BJ’s member. The store is closer to my home in the same shopping complex as the learning center where I now work part time. I like its smaller size and less overwhelming atmosphere and have long since let my Costco membership expire.
HOW MUCH IS MEMBERSHIP? IS IT COST EFFECTIVE?
Membership has now risen to $40 annually. The careful shopper can recoup those dues easily with one or two purchases. Before committing, go to the service desk and get a one day shopping pass.
GIVE ME SOME EXAMPLES.
Bargains abound in the well-stocked aisles of BJ’s. One can purchase a complete pair of glasses for a hundred dollars; a pair with unlined bifocal lenses is $139. Unfortunately, at our local BJ’s eye examinations are not offered. Tire prices are terrific as are those for electronics such as televisions, stereos and DVD players. For fifty dollars I purchased a portable tire inflator/battery that can jump start car batteries or power other devices. This particular unit sells for much more at other stores. Our Uniden phone/answering machine cost 20 dollars less at BJ’s than any local business.
Last year I bought my nephew a tub of Potato Heads for 12 dollars!!!!!
Other deals:
$10.95 - two 25 bags of Kingsford charcoal
$4.99 - 25 bags of microwave popcorn
$2.99 - two 16 oz boxes of Keebler club crackers (Safeway has them on sale this week – two for five dollars)
$10 - a three pack of fluorescent night lights
$7.99 - a 15 watt fluorescent globe bulb (Lowes has the identical item for $16.50)
$6.99 - bottle of ibuprofen with 750 pills
$8.99 - 100 lawn/leaf bags (39 gallon)
$11.99 - an 8 pack of Kodak Gold 200 speed film (with rebate)
I could go on and on and on.
WHAT KINDS OF PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE AT BJ’S?
You can buy packaged food in large sizes or multipacks, fresh baked goods, produce (including large, beautiful russet potatoes), soft drinks, juices, candy and snacks. There is a nice selection of electronics, small appliances, computer software, movies, music CD’s, office and school supplies, towels, sheets and toiletries.
Also available are clothing, auto supplies (including tires, batteries and service) seasonal items, jewelry, cameras, hardware, light bulbs, paper products, storage, laundry products, pet food and supplies, toys, books cleaning products. This listing is not all-inclusive, but I’ll stop here for the sake of “brevity”.
SO YOU CAN’T HELP BUT SAVE MONEY HERE, CAN YOU?
That’s not necessarily true. Some people, including my wife, lapse into a buying frenzy there and start filling up the large shopping cart willy nilly. Yes, the five-gallon tub of mustard is irresistible, but you’ll most likely outlive that much condiment. With the best intentions she bought me a box of 600 plastic spoons three years ago. The price was great, but we’ll end up passing on hundreds of unused plastic spoons to our grandchildren.
Some shoppers fill their carts erroneously assuming every item in the store is a bargain. By monitoring the local ads I can almost always find better prices for Coke, paper towels, toilet paper, and other items elsewhere. BJ’s Journal, a periodic publication offers money saving coupons that sometimes can be substantial. Also accepted are manufacturer’s coupons, though they are not doubled.
Myriad savings are there for the taking for the wise and careful shopper.
WHAT ELSE DOES BJ’S HAVE TO OFFER?
BJ’s offers 50% discounts on greeting cards and wrapping paper, 20% discounts on magazines, and 43% discounts on New York Times best sellers. Film developing is available for 3 dollars. For a few dollars more one can opt for one hour developing or Kodak developing. I’ve been satisfied with the least expensive option.
With a BJ’s membership one can purchase discounted phone cards, cell phones, and cell phone services. Discounts are even offered on car rentals, car purchases, cruises, and personalized checks. The hungry shopper can also pick up a soft drink, an inexpensive hot dog , soft pretzel, or pizza slice at BJ’s.
ANY FINAL THOUGHTS?
Yes, I do have a bit of advice, which I often don’t follow myself. There’s no guarantee that any particular item will always be there at BJ’s, excluding some of the staples.
If you see a bargain, buy it quickly because it may not be there the following week. More than once I have missed out on some great deals because I was indecisive and wanted to think about it for a couple weeks. When I finally decided the items were gone. Two weeks ago for example there were some beautiful glass crystal angels for ten dollars.
There were so many in stock, I figured there was no rush. A little more than a week later, they were all gone.
Prices and service in the auto department will vary from location to location. The one I frequent has improved service in the last five years. I got better prices and selection on tires at Tire Rack. It was convenient for me to have the tires mounted at BJ's.
Occasionally deep discounts are offered on last of a kinds, closeouts, clothing or seasonal items. They don’t last long; so frequent visits to BJ’s are recommended.
BJ’s is definitely worth a look, and looking is free.
UPDATE FIVE YEARS LATER I'm still a member of and big fan of BJ's. Working right next door to BJ's doesn't hurt. The prices and deals are still there for the taking.
I buy salt there for the water softener and nobody's price anywhere around comes within two dollars for a bag.
Optical prices are very good but most stores don't offer eye exams and the customer must self submit any insurance claims. Look at frames before committing because choices are limited.
BJ's offers many coupon specials via mail or in store. Look for these coupons to take advantage of even better bargains.
Many pet snacks are terrific deals here also. Check them out. You'll not find a better price anywhere for Pupperoni though you'll have to buy a large bag. If your pups are like mine, there's no worry about the Pupperoni's going stale.
Recommended:
Yes
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