What does Costco Have That I Can't Find Other Places?

[Montecfo]

It's an issue for me because they are wasting my time. I already stood in line once at the register. I'm not eager to stand in line twice. If their loss control people have some reason to suspect that I have shoplifted (such as having watched me on camera), then they are free to detain me, call the cops and see if they are right. But to stop me just because I am walking out with a cart of things that I have already paid for and that now belong to me is unacceptable.



It's simple, really. If you want to throw down with me, then do it and live with the consequences. If you can't, then leave me alone.

But are you ok with people in your lawn?

 

[JP.mpls]

I consistently buy the following:

Meat: chicken, steaks, hamburger, salmon, pork chops.
Frozen blueberries
Coffee
Produce: lemons, limes, garlic, asparagus
Corn chips
Lunch meat: turkey and ham.
Wine

I bought tires and batteries once.

Occasionally some misc home goods and clothing.

Sometimes vodka or whiskey.

Never tried their consumer electronics.

 

[arcyallen]

Despite you using only a bike, it can very well be worth it. My wife and I buy everything we possibly can there. A car through their Auto program, many appliances and electronics, multiple cruises, many hotel rooms. and more. And that's all while sitting in my sunroom! Their website is a little clunky but they have fantastic deals and a huge selection most people don't even know about.

And the one thing they have that you may struggle to find at other places: A rebate program. Sign up for the Executive membership ($120 or $60 more than the standard) and you get a rebate every year for about 2% of what you bought. Sign up for the credit card, and it's another 2%+/- on those purchases. I fought for years to not get that Executive membership, until I discovered if you're not happy they'll refund it (minus your rebate). Our Executive rebate this year was a hair over $1k. The credit card one will likely be a similar amount. And that's for only two people!

 

[MarieIG]

Another point is that I find the quality of Kirkland branded items to always be top notch.

The Kirkland organic peanut butter has become a new favorite in our family. (That includes the doggo, who begs atrociously for it, but she's on a strict diet, so she only gets it for dessert once a week.)

 

[misanman]

I'm almost always amazed at how quickly you can check out at Costco. At our store, the self checkout line can be halfway to the back and it seems like it only takes a few minutes and you are ready to exit. It was even better when self checkout allowed you to scan the items without taking them out of the cart but I guess there were too many issues so they shut that down. But there is an assistant available that can scan your items and "pre-certify" your receipt.

 

[Sunset]

I avoid costco.com. As delivery is not really free if you buy over $75.


The prices are higher by 10-20% for an item, AND they charge shipping unless you buy enough in the categories.
Once you have bought over $75, you are paying an extra $7 - $10 or more even with the free shipping via the hidden price increases.

It's a rip off compared to Sam's, who charges the same price as in the store and a bit deceitful.

I have a Costco membership but only shop at the store.

I sometimes wonder if we really get the benefit from Costco, but it's close enough not to worry.
Main benefit for us is:

• Cheap gas (most times save $2-3 a monthly fill).
• The roasted chicken (Saves effort and $5 each)
• Mixed nuts
• Vitamins and OTC drugs.
• Toilet paper (just so convenient and large package per square footage for $20)

 

[Chuckanut]

8 oz of Marscapone cheese at the local Kroger affiliate is $3.69. Trader Joes is better at $2.79. Costco sells a 16 oz container for $3.89.

 

[Gumby]

But are you ok with people in your lawn?

Yes, I don't mind that at all. I will gladly let people use my stuff, including my lawn, and help them when they need a hand. What I dislike is people wasting my time for stupid reasons, because it's a limited resource and growing scarcer by the day.

 

[Gotadimple]

Don't you know anyone that has a Costco membership that would take you with them so you could see what your local warehouse offers? As mentioned previously, if you buy a membership and don't find it beneficial you can turn your membership back in at customer service and get a refund.
Every club warehouse in my area checks your order at the door. It doesn't take that long. The hardest part of waiting in line is the person behind me that starts complaining about the line as soon as they get in line. Have some patience!

Costco will gladly let you shop in the store for a day if you are not a member. Stop at Member Services and ask.

 

[Gotadimple]

We have been members of Costco and its predecessor Price Club for decades.

Ummm. . . sort of close. Price Club was founded in San Diego in 1976. Costco was founded in Seattle in 1983. Price Club eventually was purchased by Costco in 1993.

Having been in Price Club when they expanded to Seattle (pre-merger), I found they didn't have the same broad categories of products that the then-Costco had.

"The Price Company (corporate parent of Price Club) and Costco merged in 1993 to become Price/Costco. In 1997 the corporate name was changed to Costco Companies, Inc., and in 1999 the present corporate name was adopted." https://www.britannica.com/topic/Costco

 

[COcheesehead]

I bought a truck with Costco’s auto buyers program. I know someone will chime in that they can get a better deal without the program, but if you want an in demand, very specific car, Costco’s program is one way to ensure you get a deal.

 

[jollystomper]

I'm almost always amazed at how quickly you can check out at Costco. At our store, the self checkout line can be halfway to the back and it seems like it only takes a few minutes and you are ready to exit. It was even better when self checkout allowed you to scan the items without taking them out of the cart but I guess there were too many issues so they shut that down. But there is an assistant available that can scan your items and "pre-certify" your receipt.

+1

At our local Costco, it seems as soon as I pull up to the self checkout register there is an employee looking over my cart ready to zap scan any large items as soon as my membership card is accepted by the register.

As for the delay in getting out when they check your receipt, In the last month I witnessed 3 brazen shoplifting situations at other (not Costco) stores. Once you see that happen up close and personal, you tend to have some sympathy for the store .

 

[NW-Bound]

Ummm. . . sort of close. Price Club was founded in San Diego in 1976. Costco was founded in Seattle in 1983. Price Club eventually was purchased by Costco in 1993.

Having been in Price Club when they expanded to Seattle (pre-merger), I found they didn't have the same broad categories of products that the then-Costco had.

"The Price Company (corporate parent of Price Club) and Costco merged in 1993 to become Price/Costco. In 1997 the corporate name was changed to Costco Companies, Inc., and in 1999 the present corporate name was adopted." https://www.britannica.com/topic/Costco

Yes, I was a member of Price Club back in the late 70s, then became a Costco member when they merged.

PS. If memory serves, back then you had to be a member of a Credit Union to join Price Club. So, before I even started full-time work, I joined a credit union that was opened to university students just for that purpose.

PPS. I never used that credit union for anything. Hmmm... I opened an account with $100 or something like that. Forgot all about it. Wonder if that account is still there. Or perhaps I did close it.

Ummm... Never mind. I did check for "abandoned property" a while back.

 

[Sue J]

Our son and DIL gave me a gift membership one year because they love Costco. I tried to love it. I got a good deal on a new tv and occasionally went for groceries, etc.

The quality was always good but the sizes were just too much for us. And because it was a bit of a drive I had the mentality that I may as well stock up since I made the trip. I have a Foodsaver and some space in the freezer so I could freeze meat in smaller packages. But the sizes of fresh stuff was just too much.

I paid for a 2nd year of membership and bought an outdoor retractable awning in a well priced bundle. Later that year I bought a washer and the membership (and Costco credit card) extended the warranty, which was nice.

I could not use the optical department as I have a prescription that they could not handle. We did buy some pharmacy and health items and I liked the large sizes for those (Kirkland fish oil caplets and D3.) I later found that Amazon sells those same Kirkland items and they ship from a Costco distribution center.

After 2 years we didn’t renew. Last year we joined Sam’s Club for $15 and after the promo $10 gift card the membership was just $5. Sam’s Club was almost identical to Costco, but in our neighborhood. So I went there more often and didn’t feel like I had to stock up since it was close. The fresh items were still too much for us but I did use the membership and enjoyed it. Renewal would have been $60 and while I used the 1st year, I don’t feel the need to pay to shop there.

The issue of an employee checking my cart at exit never bothered me. The line was never long. One of my favorite things at Sam’s Club is the ability to use your phone app to scan as you shop and then check yourself out on your phone. Love that!

 

[Gumby]

+1

At our local Costco, it seems as soon as I pull up to the self checkout register there is an employee looking over my cart ready to zap scan any large items as soon as my membership card is accepted by the register.

As for the delay in getting out when they check your receipt, In the last month I witnessed 3 brazen shoplifting situations at other (not Costco) stores. Once you see that happen up close and personal, you tend to have some sympathy for the store .

I witnessed probably the exact same thing happen at Lowes. Four young people, each carrying an expensive Husqvarna chain saw, just brazenly pushed past the clerk in the garden center who asked to see their receipt. And, even though several other customers followed the thieves out to their car and took pictures of them and their license plate, store management was uninterested in calling the police. Again, the way to stop thieves is to catch them and prosecute them, not bother everyone else with security theater.

 

[harley]

I witnessed probably the exact same thing happen at Lowes. Four young people, each carrying an expensive Husqvarna chain saw, just brazenly pushed past the clerk in the garden center who asked to see their receipt. And, even though several other customers followed the thieves out to their car and took pictures of them and their license plate, store management was uninterested in calling the police. Again, the way to stop thieves is to catch them and prosecute them, not bother everyone else with security theater.

When I worked in retail, lo these many, many, many moons ago, there were the sales clerks and the security folk. The sales folks often saw people stealing and would report them to security. Security would occasionally catch someone and call the cops. But most of the time they would be too late, and would then yell at us sales clerks asking why we didn't stop them. I would always answer "I'm not risking life or limb for this minimum wage job".

The Costco scan isn't security theater. It actually works, although more in favor of the customer than the store. I've actually never seen them catch a customer stealing anything, although I've seen a couple "Hey you forgot to pay for the stuff under the cart" situations. And I've definitely seen a number of catches "Hey you got double charged for this item" situations. Personally, I'm against security theater, especially the TSA, but the Costco process works.

Having said that, if you don't like it, shop somewhere else. The beauty of a free(ish) country.

Back to the OP, cheap gas, $1.50 Hebrew National hotdog and drink (although I wish they still had the chili and sauerkraut), TVs with a wonderful return policy, a delicious spinach artichoke dip, and great prices on berries. Just off the top of my head.

 

[Gumby]

When I worked in retail, lo these many, many, many moons ago, there were the sales clerks and the security folk. The sales folks often saw people stealing and would report them to security. Security would occasionally catch someone and call the cops. But most of the time they would be too late, and would then yell at us sales clerks asking why we didn't stop them. I would always answer "I'm not risking life or limb for this minimum wage job".

The Costco scan isn't security theater. It actually works, although more in favor of the customer than the store. I've actually never seen them catch a customer stealing anything, although I've seen a couple "Hey you forgot to pay for the stuff under the cart" situations. And I've definitely seen a number of catches "Hey you got double charged for this item" situations. Personally, I'm against security theater, especially the TSA, but the Costco process works.

Having said that, if you don't like it, shop somewhere else. The beauty of a free(ish) country.

......

As I alluded to in my very first post on this topic, if you agree to the cart check in order to become a member of Costco, that's a different matter. I asked if that was the case and was subsequently informed that it is indeed a contract term. Therefore, if I signed up for a Costco membership, I would submit to the check because I freely agreed to it. There are other reasons I have no wish to join Costco and have always shopped and will continue to shop elsewhere, so it really is a moot point.

 

[Koolau]

Again, the way to stop thieves is to catch them and prosecute them, not bother everyone else with security theater.

Well, that's the second best way.

 

[Koolau]

Not sure it's been mentioned, but Costco return policy is second to NONE. Take it back, get credit. End of story.

 

[Music Lover]

What I dislike is people wasting my time for stupid reasons, because it's a limited resource and growing scarcer by the day.

I waste more time in a checkout line at a regular grocery store than I do at Costco even when including the few extra seconds it takes to check a receipt on the way out.

At Costco a full cart might be 20 - 25 items, at a regular grocery store a full cart might be 80 or more items.

And I've never seen someone shoplift at Costco but I've seen it at every other grocery store I've been to. Shoplifting makes me angry.

 

[Jerry1]

I waste more time in a checkout line at a regular grocery store than I do at Costco

I feel the same way. At Costco there are employees there working to move you through the lines quicker. There’s nothing like that at the grocery store. It’s rare to see an appropriate number of lanes open and even more rare to see a bagger. They rely way too heavily on self checkout ant their setup for that leaves a lot to be desired.

 

[athena53]

I waste more time in a checkout line at a regular grocery store than I do at Costco even when including the few extra seconds it takes to check a receipt on the way out.

I agree- I encounter a long line occasionally but they manage them well, far better than grocery stores.

 

[Chuckanut]

Again, the way to stop thieves is to catch them and prosecute them, not bother everyone else with security theater.

The catching and prosecuting of shoplifters and other thieves is not up to the store. If the local police are swamped with more dangerous crimes, and the DA won't prosecute shoplifting, what can the merchant do?

The merchant resorts to deterrence. It's a tool that works for them. You gotta play the hand you're dealt.

Back on topic....

Costco often has only the high end models of certain products. And while their price is good, it's still more than many people want to pay. So chalk one up for NOT shopping at Costco.

 

[brett]

We only buy automobile tires at Costco. Our prescriptions are filled by Costco.
Ditto for OTC items. My prescription eyewear is about 40 percent less that I was paying at an another retail outlet.

We purchased 2 gas furnaces w/install through Costco. Immediate savings of $600. Just had a washer/dryer combo delivered and set up yesterday. $350 less than the best price we could get elsewhere.

Same for some other Costco items-grocery, personal care, clothing. In store and on line.

We do not buy everything at Costco-retail or on line. We cherry pick for prices and products that are attractive to us.

We have rented cars through Costco at more attractive rates than we could get elsewhere.

 

[target2019]

Hi,

I'm on the fence of whether to join Costco. They won't let me "try it out" - I have to become a member.

My challenge is I don't own a car. I can ride my bike there, but probably couldn't haul much back.

I could take Uber, or ask for a ride as a back up plan.

Is it worth it? More than finding discounts, I'm more interested in - if they have things I can't find other places. I tend to buy healthy, unprocessed foods, so I'm not sure if Costco is like shopping Walmart or a standard grocery store chain (which I don't usually need to do).

I'm a small household (2 people) and not a big family that need huge quantities of things. But every once and awhile I hear about interesting food items they sell, that other stores don't. Do you have a favorite thing you can't get other places?

When we were younger, and I worked within a 5-minute drive, Costco made a lot of sense. However, it is a big box store, and you find many things you didn't need, but then, how can you live without another <fill in the product).

It's been 8 years since I left that job, and I quickly discovered I hated the drive there. Dropped the membership next year.

We went with BJs when that was built within 10-minute drive. Still, we are not big-box consumers, and the larger quanitities just mean we go there fewer times each year.

On a bike? Never in our suburban area.

Maybe you can find a neighbor who goes there, and make an occasional trip with them.