A recent study by an independent third party has found that Sam’s Club saves consumers an average of 30.4 percent or about $30 for every $100 spent on some of the most often purchased product categories for home and personal use, compared with grocery and specialty retailers.

The study, which was sponsored by the wholesale club division of Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart, Inc., covered 28 randomly selected categories and 324 items, and collected both regular and sale prices in 30 markets at over 650 locations. It was issued to coincide with the national debut of Sam’s Club “Savings Made Simple” tagline in print, radio and online advertising.

“This study clearly demonstrates that families and small business owners can save at Sam’s Club, which is consistent with my personal and professional experience as an expert shopper committed to helping consumers get the most value for their dollar,” said Couponmom.com founder Stephanie Nelson, who was engaged by the chain to offer shopping strategies and savings tips. “In these tough economic times, consumers need to be smart about how to maximize their budgets, and Sam’s Club is making it easier for them.”

A copy of the study’s methodology is available from the company upon request.

Additionally, an online calculator at samsclub.com/savingsmadesimple lets shoppers to determine their savings as a member of Sam’s Club. Consumers can use the tool, which is based on the overall data collected in the study, to estimate their average spend on various product categories, among them baby, pets and groceries. As a result of the study, current Sam’s Club members get an annual benefit summary, which estimates their personal savings and suggests how they can save even more. Current members can also visit their local clubs to review their savings.

“We’ve taken the guesswork out of comparison shopping,” said Cindy Davis, Sam’s Club EVP, membership, marketing and e-commerce.

Value-minded consumers and small businesses can find further savings at the company with recently launched eValues, which provide Plus Members with personalized digital offers that can be redeemed at the register. There are no coupons to clip with eValues, since they’re loaded right onto the Sam’s Club membership card.

Sam’s Club serves over 47 million U.S. members with locations nationwide, as well as in Brazil, China, Mexico and Puerto Rico.