1-Year Costco Gold Star Membership + $20 Costco Shop Card + Coupons Expired

I have both memberships (basic level). I don't have any loyalty to either. Below is my experience; a long story but I hope it helps someone. TL;DR: Both Costco and Sam's have their own strengths, but Sam's is better for me in my experience. You should explore more and see which one suits (or both are worth) your way of life.

Both Sam's and Costco are pretty close to my place and on my way to work. So they are even in distance-wise. I go to Costco mostly for cheap gas (about 10-15c/gallon cheaper than the other close by locations). I also get some occasional deals. I got better tire deal and laptop deal last year than Sam's. But my main grocery and other items are from Sams. Sam's have more brand items and varieties. Meat is cheaper than Costco, but comparable quality. I like the steamable frozen veg of Sam's which are packed in small four packets inside the huge bag (not available at Costco last time I looked (may be it was there).

Sam's online and shop technology is far superior. I like Sam's fast checkout (self and 'scan and go' app based) even with a lot of shoppers. (Costco, please learn from Sam's!). Sam's website is better to navigate and use in my opinion. Costco web pages of some products vanishes after deal! I cannot check back their reviews or write reviews later!!

Experience with Sam's online photo print was horrible recently. I ordered online for store pickup. But the order disappeared from their system! Did not use Costco yet, So cannot compare.

Sam's inventory management technology is also much better/efficient in my opinion. I heard that Costco has aging technology running behind. Costco recently cancelled my online order after waiting for two weeks and sent me the email below with no apology!

"Thank you for your recent order from Costco.com. This email is to inform you the order below has been cancelled. Cancellation Reason: The item ordered is Out of Stock. Your credit card has not been charged and we've contacted your bank to released the bank pre-authorization (if applicable). If the purchase was made using a Costco Shop Card, please allow 24-48 hours for this shop card to be reloaded. To continue shopping or to place a new order, please visit Costco.com. Thank You, Costco.com Customer Service"

In fact, I would have lost a low price deal of the same product from another vendor (but higher deal price than Costco) because of waiting for this. I wish they put something like "We apologize" or "We are sorry, we cannot fulfill your order at this time". Not the customer care I was expecting! I will probably reach out to Costco corporate headquarters to voice my opinion when I have some motivation and time.

I think Costco can do better. But I will probably continue Costco membership. For my use, I save about $30 with Costco gas alone per year. Rest $30 I likely save with some other deals. So $60 membership is fine. Costco try to upsell me the $120 membership. But I decline because upgrading mentally motivate me to buy more products thinking I save more with 2% cashback (a general problem with warehouse I guess). By the way, I make $150 to $200 annually with Sam's membership with regular grocery shopping etc on top of sign-up perks every year. I'm sure SD's already know about it.

I will be pleased to know if anyone has unbiased and fact-based comments/observations and I would be glad to correct myself if I am wrong.

Just a note for anyone who is on the edge of getting Costco Membership, I switched to their Home Insurance and Auto insurance which saved me a total of about $700 / year. Their auto insurance is a 6 month premium (but you pay monthly) and the actual 6th month is free so out of a complete year you're only paying 10 months. Their home insurance you pay 11 months (the last month you get free). This sold me to just continue getting Costco membership as saving $700 / year is a no brainer compare to their membership cost.

I change between myself and my wife every year with no issues. One year she will be the primary and the next I am. I just wonder if you can buy 2 to use for the executive membership.