I finally went to the new bulk grocery store in Springfield and saw they're charging a $5 'membership fee' just to walk in and look at prices.

I'm torn because their bulk spices are way cheaper per ounce, but that upfront fee feels like a trick to lock you in, so what's the better deal: paying the fee for the lower prices or sticking with the regular store where you know the total cost right away?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_mary1mo ago

Wait, they charge you just to ENTER the building now? That feels like paying a cover charge for a really boring club. Do the math on how much spice you actually use, because that fee might buy a lot of regular store paprika.

the_mila1mo ago

Actually @the_mary, they usually refund the fee if you buy something, so it's more like a deposit.

grantmartinez1mo ago

Mary's got a point about doing the math on how much you actually use. I ran into this with a store like that last year. Grab a notepad, write down the price per ounce of your five most used spices at the regular store, then go online and see if the bulk store lists their prices. That fee only makes sense if you're buying a lot, and I mean a lot, to make up for that five bucks right away.