I recently purchased a membership through Groupon for $25 and with the GC and freebies that came with the deal it seemed like a no brainer. I had a previous Sam's Club membership that I had let expire so i had been without one for about three years, and I didn't miss it. Minus fewer crowds Sam's Club's offerings just don't compare to Costco, in my opinion. Their prices on similar or same items are higher or you are getting less product than you would at Costco. Even their gas prices are considerably higher than Costco. They compare to stations around town so not a deal at all.
I'm not a total hater. I will wander in here if I need something and it's not worth the line at Costco like produce items, some cleaning supplies and liquor. I do like their home items and some small electronics. I have purchased TV's, tires and a cell phone under my old membership. So it's nice to have more selection on those items if you are factoring in both stores. And I do like their early morning hours. Will I renew my membership this time when it expires? I don't know, I'm on the fence about that one. The one or two items they have that Costco doesn't, Truvia for example, I can always have a friend pick up for me.