Intros tend to be expensive. Club treasurers like them for revenue generation.
A five flight package is a good way to get acquainted with a club. Some clubs have personality issues; others are inefficient so that it's hard for students to get sufficient flights to progress. It's wise to get to know them a bit before signing up for annual and initiation fees.
You also want to find out how much opportunity, i.e. equipment, is available for licensed pilots to go cross country.
Find the clubs in your area and visit them all. Talk to the students and especially newly licensed pilots to find out how long they took to get licensed
