Costco comments and questions

OldShooter said:

You can also bet that they are watching Amazon's experiments with no-checkout stores and the TSA experience with facial recognition. I'll find out in a couple of months but I've read that Global Entry has gone to facial recognition too. The real experience, though, is within China's surveillance state.

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Yes, Global Entry used facial recognition. You don’t do anything but stand in front of the camera. DH kept trying to put his passport on the machine somewhere even though I’d told him the machines didn’t use the passport any more.

I rejoined Costco applying online and dutifully showing up at the store to present my id and get my photo. Placed my first order online it was automatically cancelled. I contacted numerous customer service people who could not explain why except that I needed to be verified and said I should go back the the warehouse, who also cannot explain the problem. I was told to reorder the items and given case number to get the original price (no longer on sale). Meanwhile on my own, I found a "verification" online that I did - and it says I am verified - but there has been no update, no shipping, no cancel and no one seems to know. (Order delivery estimate was Sat) and rep says they ship same day or next day in that case - nope. I thought you were "verified" once you had picked up the card but definitely not. None of the reps seemed very knowledgeable or interested.

Now I will wind up going to buy the items at a different store as I need them by Monday. . . not impressed at all this go round.

I did notice no one cared in the least when I waved my new card at the door person. Certainly no automated scanning going on. From what the 4 reps said I am surmising that the problem stems from me not applying for the Costco visa but that doesn't make a lot of sense. I rarely use Costco but I got the fee in a Christmas gift with a note to rejoin so I thought I'd give it a go but it has been a lot of trouble. I will probably cancel but not until after i see what happens to this purchase that is in some weird limbo.

Annoyed that I will have to go to a physical store to rebuy (Costco brick and mortar doesn't carry it) so it will be a different retailer.

As a single person I really don't buy enough to make it worth a lot.

Editing to add: Purchase was $55. Hardly going to set off any flags.

I have found costco online items are about 20% -> 25% more expensive than in the store. Plus they charge for shipping.

So I rarely as in almost never buy online from them.

I've also found that the price in the emails for order only items is sometimes higher when I go to order it on their website.
What's up with that Costco?

Well they finally shipped my order but it won't be here in time so tomorrow I will have to go buy something else at a real store (need item by Sunday pm)*. Then I called to give the SR number for the credit and they don't know how to do that either. . . so I will have to try calling again for a smarter rep I guess. Shocked what a mess this was/is. There was no way this was worth the trouble and that is with a free membership - (gift).

What is different about Costco Direct than Costco online, if anyone knows? My flyer shoes shows both.

Costco has a sign up that states as of April 8 food court customers must show their membership to purchase food. Note: not all food courts are inside the store.

badatmath said:

What is different about Costco Direct than Costco online, if anyone knows? My flyer shoes shows both.

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I read in the July 2023 Costco Connection that Costco Direct means the item is stocked at the Costco distribution center for quicker order fulfillment.

Regular Costco Online items might get shipped directly from the manufacturer if they are not on a current promotion.

There were 2 new scanner machines at my Costco, one at either side of the entry. An employee beside each machine was there to provide direction. I used the Costco app on my phone for my ID.

The scanners were not permanently mounted; as I left at closing time, I saw the employees carry the scanners pedestals back inside.

At my Costco, non-members can buy liquor and drugs (Rx). Not clear how these folks will be handled with scanners. But also not sure how they were handled before.

I found out about a new podcast the looks at the history of some well known companies and how they got to where they are. Both the good and the bad.

The first one I listened to was Costco. Three plus hours of what I have to admit was a very entertaining discussion on Costco’s history and why they are so darn successful. If you need something to listen to on a long drive that won’t put you to sleep, this might be it:

Costco is not only Charlie Munger’s favorite company of all time (plus he’s on the board, natch), it’s an absolutely fascinating study in how seemingly opposite characteristics can combine to create incredible company value. For instance: Costco has the cheapest prices of any major retailer in America — and also the wealthiest customer base. They pay their hourly workers 30% above the industry norm (and give them excellent healthcare + 401k benefits) — and are almost 3x more profitable on labor than Walmart.

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...it’s an absolutely fascinating study in how seemingly opposite characteristics can combine to create incredible company value. For instance: Costco has the cheapest prices of any major retailer in America — and also the wealthiest customer base. They pay their hourly workers 30% above the industry norm (and give them excellent healthcare + 401k benefits) — and are almost 3x more profitable on labor than Walmart.

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It should be no surprise that a company which treats its customers and employees well is a success.

We've been brainwashed by the MBAs and investment bankers to believe that corporations only exist to enrich investors, and that the path to success is to reduce quality and employee benefits.

Around 12 years ago I became aware of how Costco does business, treats employees as well as the quality of their products and services. I immediately bought some shares. I wish I had bought more at the $65-67. As of yesterday the price of a share was $787. They must be doing something right.
I also have an Executive membership with the Visa/Costco CC and between the two of them the end of year rebates have always paid for the membership with a couple of hundred+ for my pocket.
I have never had a problem with Costco after all these years. I don't know how I could ever complain.

Badger said:

Around 12 years ago I became aware of how Costco does business, treats employees as well as the quality of their products and services. I immediately bought some shares. I wish I had bought more at the $65-67. As of yesterday the price of a share was $787. They must be doing something right.
I also have an Executive membership with the Visa/Costco CC and between the two of them the end of year rebates have always paid for the membership with a couple of hundred+ for my pocket.
I have never had a problem with Costco after all these years. I don't know how I could ever complain.

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My big "issue" with Costco for years was the long waits in lines. Now that they have self-check-out, that issue has pretty much gone away. I don't mind showing my card to a human at the check out and the floaters at the self-check-out often wand my stuff for me so I don't have to lift it out. That's actually the only remaining issue at Costco. Sams has a wand you can use while Costco requires putting purchases across the scanner (or letting an employee use their scanner.)

I'll admit that I have a bit of a soft spot for Costco as I used to shop at the original Costco store on 4th Ave S in the warehouse district of Seattle in the early 80-ies. I still like it, but the stores are getting too crowded for my taste. I watched this happen in the San Antonio area and now in my current neck of the woods in NC where I can no longer find a day or time of the week where I don't have to cruise the parking lot to look for a spot to open up. I guess from Costco's point of view, this is optimal use of facilities, but for me it is getting too tedious. Need to open more stores!

Doesn't Sams allow you to scan with your smart phone and bypass the registers?
Costco needs to step up their game.
BTW we like their pizza, for $10 for a whole large pizza we add some veggies, ham, bacon, or whatever else we have on hand and enjoy a good pizza.

euro said:

I'll admit that I have a bit of a soft spot for Costco as I used to shop at the original Costco store on 4th Ave S in the warehouse district of Seattle in the early 80-ies. I still like it, but the stores are getting too crowded for my taste. I watched this happen in the San Antonio area and now in my current neck of the woods in NC where I can no longer find a day or time of the week where I don't have to cruise the parking lot to look for a spot to open up. I guess from Costco's point of view, this is optimal use of facilities, but for me it is getting too tedious. Need to open more stores!

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I guess I look at the relatively crowded stores and parking lots as part of the "admission price" to low prices on quality merchandise. On so many items that I can't count them, Costco saves us up to 50% or more. Well worth cruising the parking lot and crowded aisles IMHO but YMMV.

Chuckanut said:

I found out about a new podcast the looks at the history of some well known companies and how they got to where they are. Both the good and the bad.

The first one I listened to was Costco. Three plus hours of what I have to admit was a very entertaining discussion on Costco’s history and why they are so darn successful. If you need something to listen to on a long drive that won’t put you to sleep, this might be it:

Costco | Acquired Podcast

The complete podcast (and transcript!) of Costco’s history and current business strategy.

www.acquired.fm

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I had a chance to listen to this podcast and it was quite enjoyable.

Afterwards I listened to their podcast with Charlie Munger, which was short and enlightening. Really interesting to hear his thoughts on a variety of topics.

I’m now listening my way through Microsoft. Thank you for sharing!

How often do you (anyone) go to Costco? Yes, the tough parking, long lines at checkout and crowded stores are a hassle, but how frequently do you really go? Those massive packages of Kirkland paper towels and toilet paper last me a long time in my home and shore home. Once a month, maybe less for me?

Luvtoride said:

How often do you (anyone) go to Costco? Yes, the tough parking, long lines at checkout and crowded stores are a hassle, but how frequently do you really go? Those massive packages of Kirkland paper towels and toilet paper last me a long time in my home and shore home. Once a month, maybe less for me?

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I'd say, we go every couple weeks. And it's just the two of us. My DW loves Costco.

chicamuxen said:

I'd say, we go every couple weeks. And it's just the two of us. My DW loves Costco.

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LOL that’s the problem…maybe a better question is how much do you spend (minimum) every time you go?? About $774 for us last week when we were stocking up with supplies and snacks (and gift cards) for our summer home at the Jersey shore

I go maybe once every week or two. But I rarely buy bulk stuff, as I go for their fresh foods and sales. Mine is only about 2 miles away, and I never go in the afternoon.

I go whenever my car needs gasoline which is about once every 2 weeks plus a few recurring items like bananas and eggs which are good deals. Best time to go is probably mid afternoon on weekdays or near closing time.

I go roughly once a month. It's a 30 minute drive, so a significant errand where I live.
Always right when they open at 10 am on a weekday, and recently I've noticed that they open around ten minutes or more early on many days.

We go once a week, no pain at all. We just purchased a cruise from Costco Travel, it was painless and we got lots of Costco rebates not offered by the Cruise line for less than they were posting for us.

I go around once a month and mostly buy only non-perishable items.

I went the other day and spent around $150. It would have been more if I stocked up on wine.

Luvtoride said:

How often do you (anyone) go to Costco? Yes, the tough parking, long lines at checkout and crowded stores are a hassle, but how frequently do you really go? Those massive packages of Kirkland paper towels and toilet paper last me a long time in my home and shore home. Once a month, maybe less for me?

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I will drop over to my local Costco just to pick up one or two items. It’s not a big problem if I go mid-day Mon-Fri. I do a major Costco run about once a month. Being a retired bloke, I avoid the weekends.