Member’s Mark is Sam’s Club’s private label and offers everything from furniture to groceries and household basics at competitive prices.
There are literally hundreds of high-quality items to choose from for budget-conscious consumers, and while most products earn rave reviews online, there are a few things shopping experts warn to avoid. Here are four Member’s Mark items to skip and why.
Member’s Mark Diced Tomatoes in Tomato Juice
- Price: $9.68
To help save you more time in the kitchen, the Member’s Mark diced tomatoes in tomato juice are an easy solution and delicious option for sauces, marinades or as a topping on your favorite bread. The item has a 4.7-star rating from Sam’s Club shoppers, but Bobby Ghoshal, CEO of Dupe.com, an AI-powered website that helps shoppers find lower prices, no longer buys it.
“I didn’t stop buying it because the product was bad necessarily, I just wasn’t using the items in time before they perished,” Ghoshal said. “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.”
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Member’s Mark Paper Towels
- Price: $24.98
Paper towels are a kitchen essential for many households, but despite the Member’s Mark brand earning a strong 4.7-star rating, retail finance expert Melanie Musson at Quote.com said she no longer adds them to her cart.
“They were once comparable to top-name-brand towels, but Sam’s Club recently updated its paper towels, and the quality isn’t what it used to be,” she explained.
Member’s Mark Chicken Broth
- Price: $7.98
The Member’s Mark chicken broth is undeniably flavorful. It instantly elevates any meal, but it comes in a six-pack and is challenging to use unless you’re having a big gathering. It’s another item Musson doesn’t buy.
“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,” she explained.
Member’s Mark Toilet Paper
- Price: $24.58
Higher-quality toilet paper often means you use less per roll, which can save money over time — and it’s less likely to cause clogs, helping you avoid costly plumbing headaches. According to Musson, Member’s Mark toilet paper used to be great, but it’s no longer the same standard.
“It’s not as soft and strong as it was before,” she said. “Name-brand toilet paper is of higher quality.”
Buying in bulk doesn’t always mean you’re saving money. While stocking up on some household essentials can be cost-effective, knowing which brands to skip — and when — can help you keep more money in your wallet.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: I’m a Shopping Expert: 4 Member’s Mark Essentials I Stopped Buying at Sam’s Club
