Brad and I have been Costco members since we were engaged.  We joined to buy some of the things we needed for our wedding.  We continued to be members because we purchased most of our meats and bulkier items there.  Well recently the yearly membership fee went up, and we started to question whether we should make the move to Sam's Club.  I loved Costco so much, but it was becoming more expensive for us.  Plus it was located on the far end of town, so we had to make a special effort to go there.  Sam's Club is much more centrally located.  The nail on the coffin for Costco was a coupon book we purchased from a neighbor's child.  It contained a coupon for a Sam's Club membership.  For joining, you received a $15 gift card.  And membership was already cheaper than Costco.  So the combo was too much of a deal to pass up.  Our philosophy was that we could re-join Costco next year if we hate Sam's.