Are you a Costco member? What do you buy for your household? (2 Viewers)

[heckmanm]

Looks like the 4% on gas is only for the first year (then drops to 1%)?  Looking at the Costco Anywhere Visa from Citi.

 

[NutterButter]

Looks like the 4% on gas is only for the first year (then drops to 1%)?  Looking at the Costco Anywhere Visa from Citi.

Wtf

 

[belljr]

Looks like the 4% on gas is only for the first year (then drops to 1%)?  Looking at the Costco Anywhere Visa from Citi.

Don't think so.

I've had it since the start

Unless it changed but I pulled that straight from my benefits

Its capped at 7K

 

[Mr. Ected]

$1065 February 2019 costco cash back. Most recent August exec cash back was about equal to the exec member price. I echo the front desk method to get the $$ back

What is this?

TIA

 

[belljr]

What is this?

TIA

My costco until recently had a small customer service desk near the cashiers.  Basically it was a "head cashier" that would assist with different tasks.  If you have a large refund - I was told to go to that desk.  I do that every year now.  She takes my stuff they go in the back and write me a check.

That "desk" is gone now but merchandise pickup desk is up front and they will take your check.  No need to wait for an actual cashier unless its a small amount of cash

 

[Mr. Ected]

My costco until recently had a small customer service desk near the cashiers.  Basically it was a "head cashier" that would assist with different tasks.  If you have a large refund - I was told to go to that desk.  I do that every year now.  She takes my stuff they go in the back and write me a check.

That "desk" is gone now but merchandise pickup desk is up front and they will take your check.  No need to wait for an actual cashier unless its a small amount of cash

So you can get cash back, not having to spend it at the store? Mine's not much, only ~$90, but I'd rather have that as cash.

 

[MAC_32]

Looks like the 4% on gas is only for the first year (then drops to 1%)?  Looking at the Costco Anywhere Visa from Citi.

I won't speak for those that just got one because maybe it's a new thing, but I've had it since it was AmEx and it's always been 4%.

 

[stbugs]

I won't speak for those that just got one because maybe it's a new thing, but I've had it since it was AmEx and it's always been 4%.

I’m pretty sure it’s 4% all time. Hands down the best credit card I have. I do what @belljr does and just bring my rebate ($2002 this year, almost all due to my wife traveling for work too) to the manager and they cut me a check I deposit. They’ll give you cash if it’s $500 or under or you just pay with it and get change back. It’s nice as a check because then I can pay with my credit card and get the 2% in addition (don’t get 2% paying with rebate). 

 

[belljr]

So you can get cash back, not having to spend it at the store? Mine's not much, only ~$90, but I'd rather have that as cash.

Yes - i walked in, went to desk. Walked out.

In the past i've gone to the register for a small amount with just rebate and walked out.

I shop at Costco only a few times a year.

 

[heckmanm]

Don't think so.

I've had it since the start

Unless it changed but I pulled that straight from my benefits

Its capped at 7K

DUH! I can't read.  I saw "first" and "year" and missed the "$7,000 per" in between

 

[belljr]

DUH! I can't read.  I saw "first" and "year" and missed the "$7,000 per" in between

http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/stupid.gif

 

[dino259]

Really struggling on which membership to get--Sams vs Costco.

We have had Sams before and I enjoyed it--but I tend to be brand loyal to stuff and so when they didn't have Angel Soft or Viva, I would then have to go elsewhere to get it.  That is kind of the drawback on these places.

My wife thinks it would just be a wasted expense as there are only her and I and our 14 year old in the the house. I point out that our 19 year old in college is always needing something so we need to figure her in as well.   We use Walmart pickup for our groceries and this has really saved us a ton of money. Walmart prices without the Walmart experience is what I say. I am trying to sell her on buying in bulk some items and this would help us save further money. My wife showed me some numbers of what we have been spending and it is way too much for a family of four. 

The pros for Sams is it is right next door to the Walmart we pick up at. The nearest Costco is 20-25 minutes away.

Sams has a pretty good membership deal going now--$45 and you get a $45 store credit.

But I hear all my friends rave about Costco--so I am torn. 

You will use Sam's way more often if it is next to the walmart you already use.  I doubt you will consistently drive the extra 20-25. 

I have had both and there are pluses and minuses to each.  I think I actually lean towards sam's.  our sam's got closed and now we are with Costco.  Not everything is a deal.  You still need to watch prices.

 

[belljr]

You will use Sam's way more often if it is next to the walmart you already use.  I doubt you will consistently drive the extra 20-25. 

I have had both and there are pluses and minuses to each.  I think I actually lean towards sam's.  our sam's got closed and now we are with Costco.  Not everything is a deal.  You still need to watch prices.

This could be my own bias.   I don't think Costco always has the best deals but I feel like they have a little bit "nicer" stuff on a whole.

We've had both and I'm not saying Sams is trash or anything, I just like Costco electronics/clothing/certain foods as a whole.

Now if I had a sams around the corner and a costco 25 minutes away I'd join Sams.

I really don't by bulk a lot.  I'll pick up Adidas shorts here and there or golf shirt. Some deli foods etc.   The only reason I still have a membership is its the closest to my houes and part of the credit card 

 

[Hov34]

Really struggling on which membership to get--Sams vs Costco.

We have had Sams before and I enjoyed it--but I tend to be brand loyal to stuff and so when they didn't have Angel Soft or Viva, I would then have to go elsewhere to get it.  That is kind of the drawback on these places.

My wife thinks it would just be a wasted expense as there are only her and I and our 14 year old in the the house. I point out that our 19 year old in college is always needing something so we need to figure her in as well.   We use Walmart pickup for our groceries and this has really saved us a ton of money. Walmart prices without the Walmart experience is what I say. I am trying to sell her on buying in bulk some items and this would help us save further money. My wife showed me some numbers of what we have been spending and it is way too much for a family of four. 

The pros for Sams is it is right next door to the Walmart we pick up at. The nearest Costco is 20-25 minutes away.

Sams has a pretty good membership deal going now--$45 and you get a $45 store credit.

But I hear all my friends rave about Costco--so I am torn. 

We have both (My parents put us on their Sam's card out of college and they've been doing it ever since... 25 years later.)  If we had to choose one we'd pick Costco without a thought.  There are a couple of things we get at Sam's that Costco doesn't have, but for the most part the quality of Costco's meat/produce is better and the customer service is light years ahead of Sam's. Both are within a mile of each other but if I were you I'd go Sam's just because it's closer.

 

[Kraft...]

I have a BJs membership, similar to Costco. The one closest to me started selling gas about a year ago and that is primarily what draws me there these days. It's usually 10-30 cents cheaper per gallon so worth the trip(it's a couple towns away, 10-15 minute drive).  We originally joined for diapers and baby stuff but no more babies. Still buy deli stuff there, cheese alone is a buck cheaper a lb compared to our local Deli, and toiletries plus seltzer and snacks for kids lunches.  

 

[ChiefD]

Really struggling on which membership to get--Sams vs Costco.

We have had Sams before and I enjoyed it--but I tend to be brand loyal to stuff and so when they didn't have Angel Soft or Viva, I would then have to go elsewhere to get it.  That is kind of the drawback on these places.

My wife thinks it would just be a wasted expense as there are only her and I and our 14 year old in the the house. I point out that our 19 year old in college is always needing something so we need to figure her in as well.   We use Walmart pickup for our groceries and this has really saved us a ton of money. Walmart prices without the Walmart experience is what I say. I am trying to sell her on buying in bulk some items and this would help us save further money. My wife showed me some numbers of what we have been spending and it is way too much for a family of four. 

The pros for Sams is it is right next door to the Walmart we pick up at. The nearest Costco is 20-25 minutes away.

Sams has a pretty good membership deal going now--$45 and you get a $45 store credit.

But I hear all my friends rave about Costco--so I am torn. 

We chose Costco for the simple fact that they pay their people a good living wage to work there. This translates into a great customer experience every time I walk in there. Well worth it for me.

 

[Charlie Harper]

Finally got the Costco Visa card - replacing my old Chase card since the reward redemption options have gone down-hill.

Question for those that have it - is the 4% cash back on gas good ONLY at Costco gas stations, or good on ANY gas station?

Any gas station EXCEPT for those attached to other supermarkets or club stores. Also generally pay for it at the pump or they might classify as a convenience store purchase.

 

[Charlie Harper]

Really struggling on which membership to get--Sams vs Costco.

We have had Sams before and I enjoyed it--but I tend to be brand loyal to stuff and so when they didn't have Angel Soft or Viva, I would then have to go elsewhere to get it.  That is kind of the drawback on these places.

My wife thinks it would just be a wasted expense as there are only her and I and our 14 year old in the the house. I point out that our 19 year old in college is always needing something so we need to figure her in as well.   We use Walmart pickup for our groceries and this has really saved us a ton of money. Walmart prices without the Walmart experience is what I say. I am trying to sell her on buying in bulk some items and this would help us save further money. My wife showed me some numbers of what we have been spending and it is way too much for a family of four. 

The pros for Sams is it is right next door to the Walmart we pick up at. The nearest Costco is 20-25 minutes away.

Sams has a pretty good membership deal going now--$45 and you get a $45 store credit.

But I hear all my friends rave about Costco--so I am torn. 

You'll pay for the Costco membership with gas savings alone. Everything else is gravy.

 

[stbugs]

We have both (My parents put us on their Sam's card out of college and they've been doing it ever since... 25 years later.)  If we had to choose one we'd pick Costco without a thought.  There are a couple of things we get at Sam's that Costco doesn't have, but for the most part the quality of Costco's meat/produce is better and the customer service is light years ahead of Sam's. Both are within a mile of each other but if I were you I'd go Sam's just because it's closer.

I agree. My parents had a membership to both and I never liked Sam’s as much as Costco. Now, would I drive an extra 20-25 minutes if Sam’s is that close? Hard call, I'd have to check out that Sam’s.

 

[stbugs]

We chose Costco for the simple fact that they pay their people a good living wage to work there. This translates into a great customer experience every time I walk in there. Well worth it for me.

Good point as well. I’ve been in Charlotte for 13 years now and I’ve been going to the Costco here (I wish it was closer, just have to get my list) for the same time. I recognize people who have worked there that long or at least many years. I’d have to assume they make a good enough living there because so many have been there for a long, long time. 

 

[Courtjester]

You'll pay for the Costco membership with gas savings alone. Everything else is gravy.

Our Sams has gas pumps that I use now even though I am not a member because their prices are so good.

I think I am going to jump on the Sams deal this weekend--wife be damned. I told her I spend more in one weekend on beer than the cost of this, so to just roll with it.

I get her concern--we used to go there and buy stuff in bulk and then half of it would go to waste. The other thing she brings up is our last time with Sams, we had all this meat and frozen stuff in our garage chest freezer.  It was packed. Well, It was the middle of a very hot August and all of a sudden, there was this smell coming in the house. We couldn't figure out where the smell was coming from.  Yep, you guessed it the garage breaker flipped and the freezer was shut off for probably close to 10 days in near 100 degree heat. Cleaning that mess out was one of the worst things I have ever done. I am gagging just thinking about it.. 

 

[Mr. Ected]

Our Sams has gas pumps that I use now even though I am not a member because their prices are so good.

I think I am going to jump on the Sams deal this weekend--wife be damned. I told her I spend more in one weekend on beer than the cost of this, so to just roll with it.

I get her concern--we used to go there and buy stuff in bulk and then half of it would go to waste. The other thing she brings up is our last time with Sams, we had all this meat and frozen stuff in our garage chest freezer.  It was packed. Well, It was the middle of a very hot August and all of a sudden, there was this smell coming in the house. We couldn't figure out where the smell was coming from.  Yep, you guessed it the garage breaker flipped and the freezer was shut off for probably close to 10 days in near 100 degree heat. Cleaning that mess out was one of the worst things I have ever done. I am gagging just thinking about it.. 

Surprised that you can buy gas at Sam's without being a member. Costco makes you put in a card before pumping.

I would have wrapped the whole chest in plastic, pulled it to the curb and started over!

 

[cosjobs]

Does Costco do prime rib? I usually get mine from fresh market but was thinking we would check them out when we stop this week. 

I got a whole boneless prime ribeye the other day for 9. 99/# at Costco. There was very little waste and it was delicious. Cut it into steaks and vac sealed most of them. I thought about roasting half of it, but I think we like grilled steaks better.

 

[belljr]

Surprised that you can buy gas at Sam's without being a member. Costco makes you put in a card before pumping.

I would have wrapped the whole chest in plastic, pulled it to the curb and started over!

In NJ it is illegal to have gas memberships.     So here anyone can use Costco gas.   Most people don't know this though 

 

[brun]

Our Sams has gas pumps that I use now even though I am not a member because their prices are so good.

I think I am going to jump on the Sams deal this weekend--wife be damned. I told her I spend more in one weekend on beer than the cost of this, so to just roll with it.

I get her concern--we used to go there and buy stuff in bulk and then half of it would go to waste. The other thing she brings up is our last time with Sams, we had all this meat and frozen stuff in our garage chest freezer.  It was packed. Well, It was the middle of a very hot August and all of a sudden, there was this smell coming in the house. We couldn't figure out where the smell was coming from.  Yep, you guessed it the garage breaker flipped and the freezer was shut off for probably close to 10 days in near 100 degree heat. Cleaning that mess out was one of the worst things I have ever done. I am gagging just thinking about it.. 

Same thing happened to me. Haven't used that freezer since.

 

[cosjobs]

For those of you that drink Bailey's during the holiday pull the trigger on Kirkland's Irish Crème.  It's around $15 for a 1.75 L bottle.  Bailey's is over $20 for a bottle half that size.  Stuff is every bit as good as Baileys and much cheaper.

It is good, but its only 9.99 at my Costco. I mix it with brandy and frangelica or Kaluha for my "special" coffee

 

[cosjobs]

Did one this weekend from Costco (~8 lbs), not going to be home for Xmas, and it's my favorite holiday dinner.

We did this recipe, the meat was delicious. Here is it while resting. We cut it off the bones, and retied them so it would be easier for carving.

The inside was very nice, a bit more than I wanted (but I like my beef on the rare side!); this was due to my confusion with the Bluetooth meat thermometer that I have. I wanted to have it run a couple degrees more than I had originally set it for, and couldn't figure out how to get that changed, so it ran a bit longer than expected.

My issue with this recipe was the Au Jus. It was a bit 'winey' (technical term!) I probably would just do something from a packet in order to save time and effort.

Did roasted nibblet potatoes and Brussels Sprouts as sides that were delicious!!!

You may need to calibrate your thermometer. Use boiling water, since you know that should register at 212°

 

[Mr. Ected]

You may need to calibrate your thermometer. Use boiling water, since you know that should register at 212°

Will try that. Thanks!

 

[cosjobs]

Anybody ever buy a casket there?

No, but I've been looking at their urns, since we prefer the cremation route, but their available ovens seem underpowered

 

[cosjobs]

Yessir. Thank you, both!

Remember to factor in their liberal return policy and dirt cheap extended warranties

 

[cosjobs]

We've started buying the Kirkland's brand Protein Bars.  They are 21g protein, 15 g fiber and only 4 net carbs.  And they are pretty darn tasty.  I don't typically like these types of products both because of taste but usually they have too many carbs for what I'm doing but these are really great.

Thanks, I've been looking for a bar like that. Is that total or net carbs?

 

[cosjobs]

It's somewhere in between - I don't have the time nor energy nor brain reserve to try and figure out which ones qualify and which ones don't so I just get it at Costco.

If it's like Sam's, they don't rebate gas bought at grocery stores or wholesale clubs (other than their own).

 

[cosjobs]

Really struggling on which membership to get--Sams vs Costco.

We have had Sams before and I enjoyed it--but I tend to be brand loyal to stuff and so when they didn't have Angel Soft or Viva, I would then have to go elsewhere to get it.  That is kind of the drawback on these places.

My wife thinks it would just be a wasted expense as there are only her and I and our 14 year old in the the house. I point out that our 19 year old in college is always needing something so we need to figure her in as well.   We use Walmart pickup for our groceries and this has really saved us a ton of money. Walmart prices without the Walmart experience is what I say. I am trying to sell her on buying in bulk some items and this would help us save further money. My wife showed me some numbers of what we have been spending and it is way too much for a family of four. 

The pros for Sams is it is right next door to the Walmart we pick up at. The nearest Costco is 20-25 minutes away.

Sams has a pretty good membership deal going now--$45 and you get a $45 store credit.

But I hear all my friends rave about Costco--so I am torn. 

There's a reason Sam's is basically free. Get both

 

[cosjobs]

In NJ it is illegal to have gas memberships.     So here anyone can use Costco gas.   Most people don't know this though 

Same in Texas for alcohol. Costco can only sell be, wine, and fake frangelica here, but anyone can buy them. Membership or not. Same at Sam's.

Also anyone can but prescriptions.

Either booze or pills are a great ticket for entering the store as a non member

 

[Tiger Fan]

Pro tip: break up into 5+- pieces, put either the chocolate chip or brownie in the microwave on parchment paper, microwave 40 seconds.

Fresh warm cookies for you. Do not reheat ever. 

thought this made them taste worse

 

[Slider]

Bought a $30 led light that has a remote for brightness and is motion detected. Another wonderful purchase I put in the mud room. Now every morning when I walk in it comes on, I put my coat on and leave and it goes out. Wife brings laundry in and it comes on. No switch flipping anymore. 

 

[Beef Ravioli]

Bought a $30 led light that has a remote for brightness and is motion detected. Another wonderful purchase I put in the mud room. Now every morning when I walk in it comes on, I put my coat on and leave and it goes out. Wife brings laundry in and it comes on. No switch flipping anymore. 

Where was this located? I have to replace a light in my utility room. How much? 

 

[NutterButter]

Where was this located? I have to replace a light in my utility room. How much? 

I'm guessing $30

 

[Slider]

Where was this located? I have to replace a light in my utility room. How much? 

Back on the left before the bakery in our store. 

https://www.costco.com/Koda-Motion-Activated-LED-Ceiling-Light-with-Remote-Control.product.100409306.html

 

[shuke]

Really struggling on which membership to get--Sams vs Costco.

We have had Sams before and I enjoyed it--but I tend to be brand loyal to stuff and so when they didn't have Angel Soft or Viva, I would then have to go elsewhere to get it.  That is kind of the drawback on these places.

My wife thinks it would just be a wasted expense as there are only her and I and our 14 year old in the the house. I point out that our 19 year old in college is always needing something so we need to figure her in as well.   We use Walmart pickup for our groceries and this has really saved us a ton of money. Walmart prices without the Walmart experience is what I say. I am trying to sell her on buying in bulk some items and this would help us save further money. My wife showed me some numbers of what we have been spending and it is way too much for a family of four. 

The pros for Sams is it is right next door to the Walmart we pick up at. The nearest Costco is 20-25 minutes away.

Sams has a pretty good membership deal going now--$45 and you get a $45 store credit.

But I hear all my friends rave about Costco--so I am torn. 

I hated Sam's so much the one year I had it.  Costo is just so much better.  The quality, cleanliness, staff, return policy.

 

[pollardsvision]

Our Sams has gas pumps that I use now even though I am not a member because their prices are so good.

I think I am going to jump on the Sams deal this weekend--wife be damned. I told her I spend more in one weekend on beer than the cost of this, so to just roll with it.

I get her concern--we used to go there and buy stuff in bulk and then half of it would go to waste. The other thing she brings up is our last time with Sams, we had all this meat and frozen stuff in our garage chest freezer.  It was packed. Well, It was the middle of a very hot August and all of a sudden, there was this smell coming in the house. We couldn't figure out where the smell was coming from.  Yep, you guessed it the garage breaker flipped and the freezer was shut off for probably close to 10 days in near 100 degree heat. Cleaning that mess out was one of the worst things I have ever done. I am gagging just thinking about it.. 

Yeah, Sam's makes sense in your case. I've never been to Costco, but I can't possibly imagine making a 45 minute round trip to get there.

Just make sure to focus on buying stuff that you can prevent going to waste. I know you had a bad freezer experience, but still, a freezer is likely going to be your friend here. I make great use of small chest freezer (dirt cheap at Sam's). I think smaller is helpful because it forces you to keep tabs on what's going in, and not end up with a huge freezer of stuff and no idea what all is in it. 

Sam's is well worth it for our 2-person household, but we don't get a ton of perishables (regular rotation of flank steak, chuck, pork tenderloin in the freezer, then ribs, butts, brisket and ribeye whenever the mood strikes). But almost all the non-perishables come from Sam's.

You mentioned a daughter in college. If you send her stuff, you might consider the Plus membership. It's free-shipping on most things at sams.com when you have a Plus membership (no minimum). You could easily put together some nice care packages, or just send single random stuff. And, if you do end up using Sam's often, the Plus is well worth it. It's $100 a year, but you get 2% back on all Sam's purchases. I'm not sure if they still do, but they used to have a deal where if you didn't use the membership enough to pay for the price difference via the 2% rewards, they'd refund the difference. Not sure if they still do that.

For it to make sense on the membership cost alone, you'd need to spend $270/month there. Though that doesn't factor in the free-shipping and early hours benefits (and if you absolutely despise shopping during busy hours sounded by giant hordes of looky-loos, samplers, and slow-walkers like I do, that's worth a lot).

 

[NutterButter]

The thing about buying in bulk is that a lot of time even if you only use half of what you buy you'll still come out ahead on a price per unit compared to the cost from the supermarket.    Now that's just ballparking it and every product is going to be different, but unless you're buying something from the supermarket on some big sale, you'll never need to use up the entire product you bought to come out ahead.   Meat might be the exception.   I'd probably join costco just to crush one of their rotisserie chickens each week.  They're cheaper and way bigger than anything you'll find elsewhere.   Veggies is another thing I don't sweat about losing some of it.   Their bags of fresh broccoli and the mixed greens are a steal.    

 

[greedygoat]

Picked up this mattress three days ago "in store" for $489.99 and couldn't be happier.

 

[stbugs]

The thing about buying in bulk is that a lot of time even if you only use half of what you buy you'll still come out ahead on a price per unit compared to the cost from the supermarket.    Now that's just ballparking it and every product is going to be different, but unless you're buying something from the supermarket on some big sale, you'll never need to use up the entire product you bought to come out ahead.   Meat might be the exception.   I'd probably join costco just to crush one of their rotisserie chickens each week.  They're cheaper and way bigger than anything you'll find elsewhere.   Veggies is another thing I don't sweat about losing some of it.   Their bags of fresh broccoli and the mixed greens are a steal.    

It is a good point, especially comparing to the local grocery store. For instance, fresh mozzarella and blue cheese. The grocery store price is so much more that you could throw away half and still pay a good amount less. Personally, I have definitely gotten better over the years. If I can freeze it (bagels and bread freeze really well), we use it a ton or it’s non-perishable then I will always get it at Costco. We got a new fridge at Costco and put the old one in the garage so we have a ton of storage.

 

[NutterButter]

It is a good point, especially comparing to the local grocery store. For instance, fresh mozzarella and blue cheese. The grocery store price is so much more that you could throw away half and still pay a good amount less. Personally, I have definitely gotten better over the years. If I can freeze it (bagels and bread freeze really well), we use it a ton or it’s non-perishable then I will always get it at Costco. We got a new fridge at Costco and put the old one in the garage so we have a ton of storage.

That realization came to me once when I was shopping for shredded parm cheese at the store b/c I could never finish off the bag from costco before it went bad.   Couldn't believe how much it cost in the supermarket.    

 

[stbugs]

That realization came to me once when I was shopping for shredded parm cheese at the store b/c I could never finish off the bag from costco before it went bad.   Couldn't believe how much it cost in the supermarket.    

Yep, the higher end stuff at grocery stores is ridiculous. Little tiny container of blue cheese crumbles which is a couple ounces costs as much as the pound of blue cheese crumbles or brick of blue cheese. You could use a quarter of the Costco stuff and still be ahead.

I try to not let stuff go bad, but for stuff you use, it’s amazing how much the grocery stores multiply the prices. Almost like the accessories at Best Buy. That’s the high markup stuff. 

 

[heckmanm]

My store has started carrying Dave's Killer Bread for about half what it costs in grocery stores.  

 

[Mr. Ected]

Apologize if it's a Honda, but I was wondering if anyone has ever purchased a vehicle thru Costco? Someone mentioned it on a site I was looking at about one of the minivans I am researching. Didn't know they did that, so I was curious!

TIA!

 

[DaVinci]

Picked up DJ&A Shiitake Mushroom Crisps today out of curiosity. They're pretty tasty. 

 

[eoMMan]

I'm a BJ's member but the wife wants to join Costco today because a co-worker wooed her with some breakfast egg white thing.

Aside from this breakfast egg white thing (and bacon), what should I be targeting at Costco?

Avoid?

Exploit?