Are you a Costco member? What do you buy for your household? (4 Viewers)

[Binky The Doormat]

We've been Costco members for about 5 years now. A year ago, Sams was essentially givung away free memberships through Groupon or some such. We signed up. It had been a few years since we were at Sams but man, night and day difference. The employees were sparce, almost a rarity to see one. And when you did, they had the "I hate my life" look about them. The service sucks, products are so-so and checkout a 20 minute long-line nightmare.

Needless to say we're never going back to Sams even if they hand out free memberships. Costco blows them away in every conceivable way.




 




 

Its all we have here in Arkansas (Sam's Club).   So bummed.  Still get way better than regular grocery store prices on meat and most vegetables.  

Always get a large bag of real bacon bits for $11 every time too.  

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

If you plan on spending that much, just get the execute membership and the 2% back will pay for itself and then some

Don't know if they still offer this, but when I was originally pitched the Exec membership they said if the 2% back didn't at least match the cost of the membership upgrade they would cover the difference on the rebate check.  

 

[Wooderson]

Used Costco again last week for care rental. Always a great price. 

 

[Kafka]

Gas here today is $1.97. The lines are 5 deep behind the two at the pump. 

Kinda like your car?

 

[SayWhat?]

Don't know if they still offer this, but when I was originally pitched the Exec membership they said if the 2% back didn't at least match the cost of the membership upgrade they would cover the difference on the rebate check.  

They still do this.  Thus, there's absolutely no reason not to upgrade from the basic membership to the Executive.  At the end of the year, you'll net enough cash to make the cost of your membership at most the cost of the basic.

 

[Mr. Ected]

Walked in there yesterday to grab $100 worth of stuff, left spending $400 per usual.

My wife and I call it the $200 store. 

Along the same lines we have always referred to Target at as 'The $100 Store' since it's very hard to get in and out of there for less than that, especially with kids.

The fact that we have a Costco and a Target next to each other can do serious damage to the wallet!!

 

[ydoc]

I have gotten a couple of decent travel packages via their travel website, which is certainly run by a third party, but they are the nicest folks ever on the phone and in no hurry to sell you anything and will review itineraries with you and details etc without worry about time on call.  Different discounts than you can get on the direct websites from what I have seen so far too.

yep, there travel people are awesome...

 

[Hawks64]

Love Costco....go weekly.

 

[Charlie Harper]

4% back on gas as well. 

3% on restaurants and travel too.

Pretty much my go to card now. Though I use Citibank Double Cash Back (2%) for everything else. 

 

[Ted Stickles]

I used to have the annual $45 and now $55 Costco membership, but no longer.

I still go shop at Costco monthly, if not every third week.  Now I buy $x,xxx amount worth of gift cards on a family members Costco account and they are charged and shipped directly to me.  I used my 2% cashback Amex to sweeten it a little more.

My shark move the last couple of years. 

 

[Mr. Ected]

I used to have the annual $45 and now $55 Costco membership, but no longer.

I still go shop at Costco monthly, if not every third week.  Now I buy $x,xxx amount worth of gift cards on a family members Costco account and they are charged and shipped directly to me.  I used my 2% cashback Amex to sweeten it a little more.

My shark move the last couple of years. 

Can't do that anymore! Visa only, no AMEX. :(

 

[Ted Stickles]

Can't do that anymore! Visa only, no AMEX. :(

So very true.  I think that I activated a 5% reward on one of my Visa's for the current quarter at Costco   

 

[Mrs DaVinci]

Where in VA?

We are looking in the Tyson/McLean,/Vienna/Burke area.  I think that is Fairfax county.  I usually head stateside at least once a year and always have a visit to Costco.  Love that place...

 

[krista4]

4% back on gas as well. 

Thanks to folks for the tips on this credit card.  I just looked into and saw 3% on restaurants and travel, too.  Just for the 4% gas and 3% restaurants/travel, this is way better than the 2% I'm getting on my heavy-use card.  Filled out the online application, and it's on its way!  

I have gotten a couple of decent travel packages via their travel website, which is certainly run by a third party, but they are the nicest folks ever on the phone and in no hurry to sell you anything and will review itineraries with you and details etc without worry about time on call.  Different discounts than you can get on the direct websites from what I have seen so far too.

I booked a cruise through a cruise line and then transferred the reservation to Costco, getting a $1060 Costco gift card just for doing so as the price and other perks remained the same.   

Love Costco....go weekly.

How do you use enough stuff to need to go weekly?  Big family?  Or you poop a lot?

 

[Hawks64]

Thanks to folks for the tips on this credit card.  I just looked into and saw 3% on restaurants and travel, too.  Just for the 4% gas and 3% restaurants/travel, this is way better than the 2% I'm getting on my heavy-use card.  Filled out the online application, and it's on its way!  

I booked a cruise through a cruise line and then transferred the reservation to Costco, getting a $1060 Costco gift card just for doing so as the price and other perks remained the same.   

How do you use enough stuff to need to go weekly?  Big family?  Or you poop a lot?

Two pre-teen boys will do that plus Prime brisket for 2.69/lb is enough

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

Two pre-teen boys will do that plus Prime brisket for 2.69/lb is enough

. I alternate the Prime brisket with their bone-in pork shoulders.  The family likes the variety on slow-cooked meats, and the dog throws an entertaining tantrum when the pork gets shredded - the shoulder blade is her favorite treat.

 

[pollardsvision]

$2.69/lb for brisket? Holy ####. I assume this is in the TX/OK/KS area? Choice brisket at Sam's is usually around $7/lb here. The cheapest and damn near the only place in town to even get it.

 

[The Big Guy]

$2.69/lb for brisket? Holy ####. I assume this is in the TX/OK/KS area? Choice brisket at Sam's is usually around $7/lb here. The cheapest and damn near the only place in town to even get it.

I was thinking the same thing. Meat is expensive at my Costco. Quality looking cuts, but no bargains to be had in Jersey.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

I booked our trip to Italy through Costco and couldn't have been happier with it.  

Glad I opened this thread though. I'm going to be buying brisket next week sure.

 

[ditka311]

Two pre-teen boys will do that plus Prime brisket for 2.69/lb is enough

Agreed 100%. Couldn't believe seeing prime briskets for that price. 

 

[Funkley]

.

 

[Hawks64]

Prime brisket just went from 2.99 to 3.75 at my local Costcos :(

I mean, it's still a great deal, just not quite as great

yeah noticed that this weekend too. Still 7-8 less per lb than anywhere else.

 

[tonydead]

We get far more back in rebate than we ever spend on the exec membership. Biggest no brainer in the history of earth. 

They still do this.  Thus, there's absolutely no reason not to upgrade from the basic membership to the Executive.  At the end of the year, you'll net enough cash to make the cost of your membership at most the cost of the basic.

So glad to read this.  I figured it that way, but, have never circled back around to make sure.  

 

[In The Zone]

Doubt they will offer discounted memberships, but be on alert for special store-opening deals.  

Ongoing... my local store sends out a coupon/discount book about once a month of the new deals available at the store and through the website.  

I think I found the answer to my question.

http://u714103.mcclatchymedia.com/

 

[In The Zone]

I'm getting pretty excited watching these videos. This place is huge.

https://youtu.be/JxrO2X0CitA

https://youtu.be/hs8-YUxjX6g

https://youtu.be/UQL2HP08d_o

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

I think I found the answer to my question.

http://u714103.mcclatchymedia.com/

Outstanding!  With an offer like that for the Executive Membership right out of the gate, I strongly recommend paying the extra dollars for the Exec.  You will make a nice return on that investment in no more than a year.

It takes a while to get used to the sheer size of the store and the layout.  The dry goods aisles will have similar items in each aisle, but there won't be category signs at each aisle telling you what is in it.  

There is some difference of opinion on this, but I'm a big fan of Costco's store brand, Kirkland.  It will be higher quality than the cheap competitor, and cheaper than the premium competitor.  That's usually the type of value I seek as a shopper, but YMMV.  

Once your store gets the kinks worked out at the lunch counter, there's a ton a value there if not the most nutritious foods.  Costco's founder (now retired) insisted that his successor keep the hot dog/soda combo at $1.50; it was part of the selection process for the current CEO.  There's also good double-wide pizza slices for $1.99.

Costco has a rep for treating their employees really well.  After you shop there for a while, you will notice how little employee turnover they have for a retailer.  They choose to pay way above market for employees, figuring they will make the money back by attracting higher-quality staff and spending less time constantly interviewing and training new hires.  

 

[Swing 51]

Anyone buy cigarettes at Costco?

 

[In The Zone]

Outstanding!  With an offer like that for the Executive Membership right out of the gate, I strongly recommend paying the extra dollars for the Exec.  You will make a nice return on that investment in no more than a year.

It takes a while to get used to the sheer size of the store and the layout.  The dry goods aisles will have similar items in each aisle, but there won't be category signs at each aisle telling you what is in it.  

There is some difference of opinion on this, but I'm a big fan of Costco's store brand, Kirkland.  It will be higher quality than the cheap competitor, and cheaper than the premium competitor.  That's usually the type of value I seek as a shopper, but YMMV.  

Once your store gets the kinks worked out at the lunch counter, there's a ton a value there if not the most nutritious foods.  Costco's founder (now retired) insisted that his successor keep the hot dog/soda combo at $1.50; it was part of the selection process for the current CEO.  There's also good double-wide pizza slices for $1.99.

Costco has a rep for treating their employees really well.  After you shop there for a while, you will notice how little employee turnover they have for a retailer.  They choose to pay way above market for employees, figuring they will make the money back by attracting higher-quality staff and spending less time constantly interviewing and training new hires.  

Bruce, thanks for the info. It sounds like you may know as much about Costco as you do about Disney.

I'm definitely getting the Executive Membership. One question, how do they give out the 2% reward? Visa card? Costco Card? Other?

 

[belljr]

I don't have the executive account but have the Costco credit card. Don't see a need for executive with the card

http://www.costco.com/credit-card.html

I get a check to cash every February

 

[NutterButter]

I don't have the executive account but have the Costco credit card. Don't see a need for executive with the card

http://www.costco.com/credit-card.html

I get a check to cash every February

The executive account is a separate 2% back so with the credit card, you get 4% back total.  

 

[belljr]

The executive account is a separate 2% back so with the credit card, you get 4% back total.  

Only for Costco purchases right?

We don't actually shop there that often

 

[NutterButter]

Only for Costco purchases right?

We don't actually shop there that often

Why are you here?

 

[belljr]

Why are you here?

     I love Costco but with just 3 of us in the house now we maybe go 4 times a year.  

I do agree I like the Kirkland brand and usually hit deals on some cheap adidas clothes

 

[In The Zone]

A couple of more videos that has me raring to go.

Costco Tips

These guys get it

 

[matuski]

Spend bout $1000/month on... Everything?

 

[The Hank]

My FIL and MIL constantly got to the local Costco, upwards of 4-6 times per week. Alot of times for a couple minor items or simply just to walk around without being subjected to stifling heat (they live in PHX)

It's gotten to the point where they have inside jokes with alot of the CostCo staff that most know them on a first name basis. 

 

[The Hank]

Once your store gets the kinks worked out at the lunch counter, there's a ton a value there if not the most nutritious foods.  Costco's founder (now retired) insisted that his successor keep the hot dog/soda combo at $1.50; it was part of the selection process for the current CEO.  There's also good double-wide pizza slices for $1.99.

I took advantage of this often whenever I worked in King of Prussia - there was a CostCo closeby I'd go to once in a while for a quick and cheap lunch

 

[SWC]

i bought a 20 pack of dvd players take that to the bank brohans 

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Brisket $5.39 a pound at my Costco. Still a great deal. Usually $9-12 at the butcher. Have one one the BGE right now.

 

[Hawks64]

Brisket $5.39 a pound at my Costco. Still a great deal. Usually $9-12 at the butcher. Have one one the BGE right now.

Get a packer, it's ~3.50 lb and is Prime. Then you can make burnt ends and have the flat for slicing.

 

[St. Louis Bob]

Get a packer, it's ~3.50 lb and is Prime. Then you can make burnt ends and have the flat for slicing.

Yes, and you've got the trimmed fat to throw in your freezer if you want to grind burgers down the line. Plus, the point is tastier anyway.

Thanks GB's, I'll check this out.  Had Mrs. SLB pick them up so wasn't there myself.

 

[greedygoat]

My Costco only has brisket flats today and they are $4.99/lb.  Picked up two pork shoulders instead.

 

[In The Zone]

It's officially open. 

Costco, Columbia, SC

Man, I can't wait to get over there.

 

[Brunell4MVP]

I spend 1000 a month there. Meats. Protein shakes. Wine. Beans. Tomato sauce. 

But by far the biggest savings is the gas.  80 cents per gallon cheaper. When you drive an LR4 that's mucho dinero.  

 

[NutterButter]

Anybody ever bring back fruit that wasn't to your satisfaction?  I just bought 10 bucks of blueberries and they're very bitter.

 

[The Big Guy]

Anybody ever bring back fruit that wasn't to your satisfaction?  I just bought 10 bucks of blueberries and they're very bitter.

You can return anything. Don't be shy is exactly what they told me.

 

[Al O'Pecia]

I like Costco because it's the only place that I can buy the amount of condoms I go through at a reasonable price.

 

[cosjobs]

My FIL and MIL constantly got to the local Costco, upwards of 4-6 times per week. Alot of times for a couple minor items or simply just to walk around without being subjected to stifling heat (they live in PHX)

It's gotten to the point where they have inside jokes with alot of the CostCo staff that most know them on a first name basis. 

My parents go every Wednesday. They walk around for exercise and maybe buy something, then get a hot dog and soda for $1.50 and call it a day. They've been doing this for years.

 

[cosjobs]

I took advantage of this often whenever I worked in King of Prussia - there was a CostCo closeby I'd go to once in a while for a quick and cheap lunch

Note that you do not need a membership to go eat there

 

[Bruce Dickinson]

You can return anything. Don't be shy is exactly what they told me.

A Costco employee once told me that they will accept returns on just about anything once from a member.  They track how much and how often members return stuff; if you've abused the privilege, they will offer to refund your membership fee and be done with you.  

It's cheaper and easier for them to accept a return on a 10 dollar container of blueberries and keep you as a member than spend the money to advertise/market and acquire a new member.