Sam's vs. Costco vs. Walmart

Just a bout any town has a flour mill that can sell you flour cheaper, better, local and more direct than Wally World. And you'll feel better about it.

I had a Sam's card for a year or two several years ago. I never used it much and here's why. If you buy name brand stuff, you can save money buying it in bulk at Sam's Club. If, like me, you normally buy store-brand stuff, you will be disappointed. The Wal-Mart branded items are not available, and the Sam's Club branded stuff is more expensive than what you could buy the Wal-Mart brand stuff for at Wal-Mart! So, you pay a yearly fee, to get the priviledge of paying MORE for everything you buy! Granted, the Sam's Club branded items MIGHT be better quality, but tell me why we paid for a membership! Here's the trick: Sam's Club is not for poor shoppers like me. Sam's Club is for businesses and for people who only buy "The Best", which loosely translated means "Big Name Brands". As noted by Pioneer Foodie above, you would be better off buying from a local mill, if there is one near by. It will be much better quality, and probably a lower price, too.

I don't know how much searching you've done, or whether this is what you're looking for. I just did a quick Google search and found this: http://www.yellowpages.com/charlotte-nc/flour-mills. Also, you could try home delivery grocery, such as Lettuce Carry. http://www.lettucecarry.com/

We had a Sam's account for years, then switched to Costco a year or two ago.  In terms of buying large quantities, both offer advantages over going to the local supermarket although, as DavidEF notes, you do need to be aware of pricing.  Bigger packages don't always translate to better unit prices.  And, if you only need 1 dozen eggs, why buy 3 dozen?  Prices on things like nuts or oils or chocolate chips or dairy are usually as good or better than the supermarket prices.  The Sam's and Costco stores do let you buy flour in 25# (which have almost disappeared from grocery stores in my area) and 50# bags.  Thing is, you get what they got--there's no such thing as selection.  And the flour is usually either AP or Bread; rarely ever any whole-grain flours.  If you want IDY, and they only stock ADY, then you buy ADY or go elsewhere. 

If you are ramping up for higher output, it might be a good idea to talk to a Sysco or Dawn Foods or other distributor to see what they can do for you.  Or, if you are friendly with a local baker or a supermarket manager, maybe you can special order through them.

Paul

I took a look around the local Costco and saw they sold 25lb of KAAP for 60c per pound compared with $1.10 in the supermarket.   That was it for King Arthur though.  Do they respond to customer requests?   I have heard that they don't, but I have never been a customer.

You need a source that is reliable and cost efficient. I am fortunate enough to live in the town where King Arthur Flour has its northeast distribution center so I'm spoiled. But in a city the size of Charlotte there is certainly some kind of wholesale distribution outfit that sells to the other small bakeries and your task is to find out who that is. (Maybe ask them?)

When I lived in California I belonged to Costco, and loved it. High end stuff at bargain prices. But it goes in and out of stock and you can't get your customers relying on one type of flour then Costco stops selling it. I also found their stock varies unpredictably from store to store. And no, Varda, they're not interested in taking customer requests for specific items. (I tried for years to get them to carry whole briskets.)