13 Overpriced Sam’s Club Items You Should Skip

Buying in bulk is one of the best ways to get the most out of your Sam’s Club membership ,

whether you’re stocking up your pantry, freezer, or just for a special occasion.

However, not everything at Sam’s Club is a great deal. Here are some items that may not save money at the bulk warehouse retailer.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Sam's Club Secrets: 7 genius hacks all Sam's Club shoppers should know

1. Fresh fruit

Fresh foods like fruits and vegetables can get costly at your local grocery store, but Sam’s Club may not be a good alternative.

Take into account the per-unit cost for things like apples and pears. You’ll also want to factor in if you can finish a package of fresh fruit in bulk before it goes bad compared to smaller options from a local grocery store that you can finish before it goes bad.

2. Milk

You may be quick to grab a staple like milk to toss in your cart, as prices have been going up at your local grocery store in recent years.

It’s important to compare costs as Sam’s Club offers shoppers a one-gallon option similar to milk at grocery stores, but you may be surprised at how much you can save when you grab it at Walmart, which owns Sam’s Club.

3. Books

You may enjoy browsing the Sam’s Club book section when you’re shopping, but this could cost you more than you save.

Instead, shop online for books that could be cheaper somewhere else, like Amazon. The online retailer has new books and gives you the option to buy used books at a deeper discount.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially

4. Spices

Spices are a great option to add to recipes that give your foods an extra kick of flavor.

They can also lose their taste over time, especially if you buy a bulk-sized version that takes a long time to work through. So grab those types of spices in smaller quantities at your local grocery store.

5. Soda

Sam’s Club has a variety of soda options that you can buy in bulk, either for your household or for a special occasion like a summer barbecue.

It’s a good idea to check with your local grocery store before going to Sam’s Club. Local stores regularly put soda on sale, so you may find a better deal per can than at Sam’s Club.

6. Laundry detergent

You may be surprised to find that laundry detergent has an expiration date and may not clean your clothes as well after a certain time.

Calculate how much laundry you do and how long it takes to get through a bulk version of laundry detergent before you get some at Sam’s Club. You may be better off buying smaller versions at your local grocery store.

7. Diapers

Babies can be expensive, and diapers are one of the biggest costs for parents, which may be why you should consider getting diapers at Sam’s Club.

However, diapers are another product that could be cheaper at other stores like Walmart than Sam’s Club at a per-unit cost, so compare prices before you grab a box for your baby.

8. Dog bed

Remember to include items for your pets on your list when you’re shopping at Sam’s Club. But be cautious about which items you end up buying.

Things like dog beds could be appealing to your perfect pooches, although you might be surprised to find them at a more affordable price at other retailers.

9. Chips

Chips are another option if you’re trying to save money on snack foods.

But, like soda, you may be better off checking your local grocery store first for deals and sales to save cash before you buy in bulk.

10. Holiday decor

Holidays are great times to decorate your home and celebrate with festive decor.

However, before you grab items from Sam's Club, give a good look to other stores. Dollar stores may have similar decor for less, and craft stores usually have items on sale to help you save money.

11. Furniture

You may be able to cover the cost of your Sam’s Club membership with the money you save by purchasing furniture there.

However, that depends on what furniture you buy, as some stores may have better deals and a wider selection than Sam’s Club.

12. Medication

It can be good to stock up on medication like aspirin or allergy medication when you’re at Sam’s Club.

But you might want to consider how much of the medication you’ll use before it expires. It could be better for you to get a smaller option than stocking up at Sam’s Club.

Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt

13. Toothpaste

Toothpaste is always good to have as you probably go through plenty of tubes, especially as a family.

You may want to check on deals and sales at your local grocery store or pharmacy before heading to Sam’s Club to pick up toothpaste on sale or use extra coupons for deals.

14. Bottom line

Sam’s Club may offer some good options for saving money on groceries or picking up items in bulk, but it’s also a good idea to comparison shop to ensure you’re getting the best deal.

Make sure you compare per-unit costs when buying in bulk to get the best deals on items, even if you may save money by getting them at your local grocery store instead of Sam’s Club.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt.