Sam’S Wholesale Tv

Costco Vs. Sam’s Club: How Do Their TV Options & Purchasing Experiences Differ?

Getting a good deal on a TV at a wholesale club is not as automatic as these other items. The sticker price for a TV is going to be the same at Costco and Sam’s Club as it would be at Best Buy. For example, a 65-inch Samsung DU6900 Crystal UHD TV costs $349.99 at a wholesale club and a big-box store. However, there are plenty of times that your local store may be having its own sale, making it beneficial to actually buy from there. You may also see savings if you’re in the market for more than one TV.

What may be surprising to you is that which wholesale club you are a member of limits what kind of TV you can purchase. Costco and Sam’s Club do have some overlap, but there are certain brands you will only find at one store. We are going to break down exactly what to expect if you’re buying a TV from one of these stores.

The Costco TV buying experience

The Sam’s Club TV buying experience

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Do I need to save my receipt?

Yes. Your receipt is required to file a claim.

Do I need to register my plan?

No. You do not need to register your plan for it to be active. However, you will need your receipt to file a claim, so be sure to keep it in a safe place.

How can I cancel my plan?

Bring the receipt for your plan back to the store where you purchased it for a refund.

How does my plan work with the manufacturer’s warranty?

Most items come with a manufacturer’s warranty that lasts 90 days to one year from the date of purchase. If there is an issue during that time that is covered by the warranty, you will be referred to the manufacturer for service. If there is an issue that is not covered by the manufacturer during the warranty period but is included in your Allstate Protection Plan, the plan will cover it.

The Best Places to Buy a TV

Buying a television is a lot more complicated than it once was. Do you want an OLED, a 4K or 8K, or both? What about a smart TV, and, if so, what size? Even if you already know the answers to these questions, the shopping process can quickly get confusing. For better or worse, electronics stores may make a big difference in your shopping experience.

Price Guide

$ = Under $500
$$ = $500 to $1,250
$$$ = $1,250 to $2,000
$$$$ = over $2,000

1. Costco

Known for: This big-box giant offers competitive prices, member-friendly warranty and return policies, and savings on premium TVs.
Price: $$ to $$$$
Our Recommendation: Sony 65-Inch Class – X90CJ Series – 4K UHD LED LCD TV at Costco for $699.99

Costco is based out of Kirkland, Washington, but this membership-only bulk-buy retailer has several stores across the country. The retailer’s warranty extension, tech support, and return policies are some of the most lenient available, making it one of the best places to buy a TV. The company now allows non-members to shop for certain items including TVs, but a Costco member Shop Card is required for purchases. Non-members can also shop on Costco.com, however they must pay extra service fees.

In short, Costco is competitive with many other TV retailers, but the return policy, tech support, and warranty extension add value that goes beyond the price tag.

The downside to Costco is that membership is required to access the best benefits, which includes free tech support, which can help fix any issues that arise. Plus, members get extensions on the manufacturer’s warranty for up to two years from the purchase date, as well as a 90-day and no-receipt return policy.

Executive-level membership ($120 per year) provides two percent cash back on all purchases—and for those who buy in bulk, that percentage can add up quickly. The selection at Costco is not huge, but it’s decent. Moreover, the company provides long-term care of its customers and their purchases.

2. Amazon

Known for: Amazon’s vast selection continues to make it a top television retailer.
Price: $ to $$$$
Our Recommendation: Amazon Fire TV 55-Inch 4-Series 4K UHD smart TV on Amazon for $349.99

Amazon also offers a large selection of TV-related accessories, from TV stands and lights to sound systems. The company offers periodic discounts, which may be the best time to buy a TV. Watch for special deals on Black Friday in November, at the beginning of the year, before The Super Bowl, and in the spring when the new models arrive.

Amazon overall offers a solid experience when shopping online. Variety, shopping assistance, and numerous customer reviews provide a wealth of info and help. Prime members receive the most benefits, but even non-members are likely to get free shipping on a large purchase.

Shopping on Amazon can sometimes be overwhelming because of the sheer volume the retailer offers. So many TVs are available that zeroing in on the best option can be a challenge.

3. Walmart

Known for: Walmart offers some of the best deals around, thanks to price rollbacks and rotating stock.
Price: $ to $$$
Our Recommendation: Samsung 82-Inch Class 4K Crystal UHD LED Smart TV at Walmart for $1,279.99

Walmart’s rollbacks and sales offer some of the best prices around. However, finding those prices takes some digging. Rollbacks occur often, but not always on the most desirable models. Around the Super Bowl and holidays, however, sales and savings are plentiful.

Walmart carries a full range of televisions, from 4K and OLED to small TVs for intimate spaces. It sells excellent large TVs, but some of the best bargains are on the models under 35 inches, which are ideal for bedrooms, dorm rooms, or to use as a monitor.

Walmart offers 30-day returns on most televisions. However, if buying online, Walmart’s open market may include non-Walmart sellers who may have return windows as brief as 14 days.

4. Best Buy

Known for: This specialty electronic retailer’s price match guarantee and loyalty program broaden access to great deals and equally great TVs.
Price: $ to $$$$
Our Recommendation: LG 65-Inch Class G2 Series OLED evo 4K UHD Smart webOS TV with Gallery Designfor $1,999.99

Best Buy has earned a reputation for tech support, and the retailer has a wide selection in the store and online. Shoppers get the benefit of a salesperson’s expertise when shopping at the store, which may help those who are not up to date on the latest TV specs.

Don’t be dismayed by Best Buy’s sticker prices, the company has an excellent price match policy that helps savvy customers get the best deals. Its loyalty program offers exclusive deals, including top-quality TVs, as well as access to Geek Squad, which is Best Buy’s tech support team.

Shoppers can purchase a yearly Geek Squad subscription without loyalty membership. However, many of Best Buy’s best deals are only for loyalty members. Members earn points by making regular Best Buy purchases, which may make membership worthwhile.

5. Target

Known for: Target has a smaller TV selection, but it includes tech support and installation options for those who have a Target RedCard.
Price: $ to $$$
Our Recommendation: Vizio V-Series 70-Inch Class 4K HDR Smart TV at Target for $599.99

Target might not be the first place that comes to mind when shopping for TVs, but its selection typically includes smart TVs, gaming models, OLED, and more. The return policy stays open for 90 days with a receipt. However, those with a RedCard receive an additional 30 days, making the total return window up to 120 days after purchase.

Shoppers with a RedCard also receive five percent cash back on all purchases, so devoted Target shoppers should opt to purchase a TV from Target. However, Target also offers great deals for those who don’t have a RedCard. They offer curbside pickup service,, so there’s no need to schlep a huge TV through the store. Plus, installation is available for an extra fee.

6. B&H

Known for: B&H offers the selection and prices of a big-box store but with personal service that feels more like a mom and pop retailer.
Price: $ to $$$$
Our Recommendation: Samsung TU7000 65-Inch Class HDR 4K UHD Smart LED TV at B&H for $497

B&H is a specialty store, and its top-notch customer service offers a personal touch that comes through when talking to its knowledgeable associates. Those visiting a brick-and-mortar store will find a salesperson to guide them through the selection process. Shoppers get that same kind of knowledge and service ordering online by initiating a live chat or call with an expert.

The retailer has a return policy of 30 days as long as the TV is still sealed in the original packaging. Defective items can be repaired, exchanged, or refunded only at the store’s discretion.

B&H’s selection of TVs covers all of the main categories, including 8K and OLED TVs making their way onto the market. The online selection tools help narrow down the search, allowing shoppers to choose the screen size, price, resolution, shipping information, and more.

7. Sam’s Club

Known for: Sam’s Club offers membership perks and a member-friendly return policy.
Price: $ to $$$
Our Recommendation: Vizio 65-Inch Class V-Series 4K HDR Smart TV – V505-J at Sam’s Club for $649

Sam’s Club is a big-box membership store similar to Costco. Members pay a yearly fee and enjoy perks such as members-only discounts. On TV purchases, members receive an extended warranty and a 90-day return window. White glove delivery is available for televisions larger than 70 inches.

Its television selection isn’t the largest, but it covers all the major categories including extra-large models. If paying a membership fee is a turnoff, many deal sites like RetailMeNot and Groupon offer discounted Sam’s Club memberships. Additionally, Sam’s Club offers similar discounts and customer perks for TV-related accessories such as sound bars and entertainment centers. Non-members can shop online for an additional fee.

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Stacey L. Nash

Contributing Writer

Stacey L. Nash has written for BobVila.com since 2020. Diving into research is one of her favorite parts of writing, but she especially enjoys hands-on testing to get a feel for how products really function in everyday life.

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