Big-Ticket Items to Buy at Warehouse Clubs

In some ways, warehouse clubs can be a budgeter’s worst nightmare: Go in for a value pack of three-dozen eggs, and you could end up walking out with a flat-screen TV (not to mention 10 other things that weren't on your shopping list).

The good news is that when you succumb to those big-item buys, you're at least snagging a great deal. Refrigerators, diamond jewelry and even above-ground pools can be found at prices that are just a fraction above wholesale. That can translate into savings of hundreds -- if not thousands -- of dollars, making that $40 or $50 membership fee well worth it.

Here are five big-ticket items that you can buy at the warehouse club and reap significant savings.

Warehouse club auto-buying programs pre-negotiate prices for their members with local dealerships, allowing you to save up to 20% on the sticker price of a new vehicle (and that's before cash rebates and other incentives come into play). The one catch: Because there’s a commission for the club, decent negotiators may be able to get a better deal hitting the dealership on their own. (For more information on how auto-buying programs work, read our story.)

Savings: Through the Sam’s Club Auto Buying Program, pay $18,427 for a 2009 Toyota Camry, which regularly has a sticker price of $19,865. You'll save 7%.

Ready to buy a car? Read our story for five more ways to make sure you’re getting the best deal.

The only real difference between diamond engagement rings at the warehouse club and the offerings at your local jeweler’s is the fifth C -- cost, says Martin Fuller, a master gemologist appraiser with the American Society of Appraisers. So long as the diamond bears a grading report from a reputable association, you can be satisfied that the cut, color, clarity and carat pass muster. Most warehouse-club stones come with reports from the International Gemological Institute, or IGI. Appraisal values tend to be a little less conservative than those of industry standards, the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) or American Gemological Society (AGS), but their assessment of the four C’s isn’t likely to deviate, says Fuller.

Savings: At Costco Wholesale, a one-carat emerald-cut diamond (VS1, F) flanked by two baguettes on a platinum band goes for $6,700. A similar diamond and ring setting on Diamond.com costs $7,850. You’ll save about 15%.

For more tips on how to get the best engagement ring for your buck, read our buyer’s guide here.

You’ll find the latest models from your favorite brands, for roughly 10% off other stores' prices. Just keep in mind that many appliances bear different model numbers than you’ll find at say, Home Depot (HD) or Sears (SHLD), so bring the specs on appliances you’ve already priced elsewhere to find their discount counterparts.

Savings: BJ’s Wholesale Club (BJ) has a 22.4 cubic-foot LG stainless steel, bottom-freezer refrigerator for $1,200. Typically, Sears offers it for $1,300. You’ll save 8%.

Customers may be drawn to the great electronics deals offered at warehouse clubs, but the real eye-catcher may just be the generous warranty and return policies. “They’re unheard of anywhere else,” says Michael Gartenberg, vice president of strategy and analysis for Interpret LLC, a market researcher. Costco (COST), for example, offers a 90-day return policy (triple the length of Best Buy’s (BBY)). While you’re browsing the shelves, bear in mind that you may not see the same model numbers as in electronics stores, but the differences are limited to superficial changes, he says.

Savings: BJ's Wholesale offers a 46-inch Sharp Aquos LCD screen for $1,000. Best Buy has a comparable model with three additional HDMI ports for $1,300. Forego the extra ports and you’ll save 23%.

Buy a casket at a funeral home and pay a markup of up to 350%, says Lisa Carlson, executive director of the Funeral Ethics Organization, a nonprofit consumer advocate. Warehouse clubs sell the same models as funeral homes and casket retailers, but price them just above wholesale. Prices also include overnight delivery. The funeral home isn't allowed to charge you extra for bringing in your own casket, either. The Federal Trade Commission prohibits charging a handling fee for those who make a purchase elsewhere.

Savings: At Costco, an “In God’s Care” casket from Universal Casket costs $925, including shipping and handling. CasketXPress.com charges $1,680 for the same model. You’ll save 45%.

For more on the best and worst warehouse club buys, read our story.