Costco Love <3 (1 Viewer)

[General Malaise]

@General Malaise sighting

I would never in a million years own a cat sized dog.

 

[NutterButter]

@General Malaise sighting

I would never in a million years own a cat sized dog.

everything else tracks though?

 

[Judge Smails]

3. Know what you’re buying, and where it is located. Shopping, like dining, should be tactical.

You need some spontaneity in your life

Hitting Costco with a plan and focus leads to more time to get the hell out of there and go smell the roses somewhere else.

Au contraire. Their deal on 2 dozen roses is ridiculous too. Another value nobody else can touch

 

[General Malaise]

@General Malaise sighting

I would never in a million years own a cat sized dog.

everything else tracks though?

Let's see.....

- 3 things in a giant shopping cart - yeah, that was recently me.
- Overweight, hat, glasses - fair.
- Furious because other shoppers have no consideration for others, clog exits and have no f'n clue how to coexist with others - check and check.
- Zero patience for idiots - yup.

I'd like to think I wouldn't assault a woman though. I'm not THAT bad.

 

[gianmarco]

Anyone get tires at Costco?

Anyone get tired at Costco?

 

[Snoopy]

Anyone get tires at Costco?

Anyone get tired at Costco?

Get some rest while having a hot dog.

 

[Chadstroma]

Costco to phase out this popular section of its stores by 2025​

After raising membership fees in September, Costco is preparing for another significant shift: starting in January 2025, the retailer will eliminate its book section from most stores.

Costco to phase out books in 2025​

In June, The New York Times reported that Costco plans to stop selling books year-round across its more than 600 U.S. locations. Four anonymous publishing executives revealed the details, noting that the chain will only stock books during the holiday season, from September to December, and sporadically at other times.

However, not all stores will lose their book sections entirely. Publisher’s Weekly recently clarified that books will still be available year-round in about 100 Costco locations across the country.

The decision reportedly stems from operational challenges. Stocking books requires significant manual labor, as they must be placed on tables by hand, unlike other products that can be moved with forklifts. Additionally, the rise of online shopping has reduced the demand for physical book purchases in stores.

Costco membership fees: How much do they cost now?​

Costco raised its membership fees for the first time in six years on September 1. The price hike applies to its Gold Star, Business, and Executive memberships.

The retailer explained that membership fees help offset operational costs, allowing them to maintain low prices for customers. “A moderate increase in fees enables us to offer even greater value to our members,” the company said at the time.


Here’s the updated pricing:

• Gold Star Membership: $65 annually (previously $60)
• Business Membership and Additional Business Cards: $65 annually
• Executive Membership: $130 annually (a $65 base fee plus a $65 upgrade for Executive benefits)

A Look at Costco’s Global Reach​

Costco currently operates 892 warehouses worldwide, including 615 in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Other locations include 108 in Canada, 40 in Mexico, 35 in Japan, 29 in the United Kingdom, 19 in Korea, 15 in Australia, and several more across Europe and Asia. The retailer also runs e-commerce sites in countries like the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Japan.

 

[shuke]

Meh. I don't find their book prices to be that good anyway.

 

[Chadstroma]

Meh. I don't find their book prices to be that good anyway.

I do not recall ever buying a book there.... maybe something for the kids for Christmas but I can not recall specifically doing it though I did browse in the past.

 

[krista4]

I didn’t even realize they sold books.

 

[Don Quixote]

I don’t think the one-off book prices are any better than Amazon, but their kids’ box sets are not too bad. Bought my son some Dog Man box set there a year or two ago.

 

[FarFromHome]

One thing to keep in mind for those non Costco people that can't see themselves paying for a membership. I've been a Costco member for 30 years maybe? 25? Either way, the money I get back at the end of the year from Costco spending has always greatly exceeded my membership dues. We spend a lot at Costco and get 500 bucks back at the end of every year. We also have Costco credit card we use to get 4% back on all gas and bigger purchases.

 

[Chadstroma]

The responses about the books is probably a good indication why they are getting rid of it in most stores.

 

[Chadstroma]

One thing to keep in mind for those non Costco people that can't see themselves paying for a membership. I've been a Costco member for 30 years maybe? 25? Either way, the money I get back at the end of the year from Costco spending has always greatly exceeded my membership dues. We spend a lot at Costco and get 500 bucks back at the end of every year. We also have Costco credit card we use to get 4% back on all gas and bigger purchases.

Executive Member here (yes, you can all see the card if you ask nicely to ooo and aaaaww over it)

2% back pays for it's cost plus.
Costco card another 2% and thr 4% on our gas.

WINNING

 

[Don Quixote]

One thing to keep in mind for those non Costco people that can't see themselves paying for a membership. I've been a Costco member for 30 years maybe? 25? Either way, the money I get back at the end of the year from Costco spending has always greatly exceeded my membership dues. We spend a lot at Costco and get 500 bucks back at the end of every year. We also have Costco credit card we use to get 4% back on all gas and bigger purchases.

Not the case for me, but I could see myself spending more there to get it back in rewards if it was a bit closer to me.

 

[shuke]

I didn't realize until yesterday they sold Uber gift cards at a discount. $80 for $100 worth, and with an ongoing sale down to $75. We use Uber quite a bit when going to concerts, so keeping my account loaded with these will alone pay for my membership.

 

[belljr]

One thing to keep in mind for those non Costco people that can't see themselves paying for a membership. I've been a Costco member for 30 years maybe? 25? Either way, the money I get back at the end of the year from Costco spending has always greatly exceeded my membership dues. We spend a lot at Costco and get 500 bucks back at the end of every year. We also have Costco credit card we use to get 4% back on all gas and bigger purchases.

500? Amateur

 

[Instinctive]

Just went.

Love the gas station. You can get to any spot, any time, and it doesn't matter what side your gas cap is on. Only like the second time all year I've gotten gas (wife's car) so love how convenient (and cheap) it was.

Remarkably short checkout lines. Like zero wait at 1pm on a Sunday. It was awesome. Got everything I needed and a treat for my wife. Round trip under an hour and twenty+ was driving there and back.

 

[FarFromHome]

One thing to keep in mind for those non Costco people that can't see themselves paying for a membership. I've been a Costco member for 30 years maybe? 25? Either way, the money I get back at the end of the year from Costco spending has always greatly exceeded my membership dues. We spend a lot at Costco and get 500 bucks back at the end of every year. We also have Costco credit card we use to get 4% back on all gas and bigger purchases.

500? Amateur

I don't like to exaggerate on message boards. It was an average of decades so use. Ha ha

 

[Chadstroma]

I didn't realize until yesterday they sold Uber gift cards at a discount. $80 for $100 worth, and with an ongoing sale down to $75. We use Uber quite a bit when going to concerts, so keeping my account loaded with these will alone pay for my membership.

I don't use Uber much but tips like this is pure gold. You can really miss some good deals at Costco very easily

 

[FarFromHome]

I didn't realize until yesterday they sold Uber gift cards at a discount. $80 for $100 worth, and with an ongoing sale down to $75. We use Uber quite a bit when going to concerts, so keeping my account loaded with these will alone pay for my membership.

I don't use Uber much but tips like this is pure gold. You can really miss some good deals at Costco very easily

We buy dominos and longhorn steakhouse gift cards like this. 80 bucks for 100..

 

[Chadstroma]

I didn't realize until yesterday they sold Uber gift cards at a discount. $80 for $100 worth, and with an ongoing sale down to $75. We use Uber quite a bit when going to concerts, so keeping my account loaded with these will alone pay for my membership.

I don't use Uber much but tips like this is pure gold. You can really miss some good deals at Costco very easily

We buy dominos and longhorn steakhouse gift cards like this. 80 bucks for 100..

Well shoot.... I got to look at those gift cards, I go right by them and never even looked.

 

[RG623]

My Costco also offers a few local restaurants gift cards for a discount. Also, if you fly Southwest, currently can get a $500 GC for $430.

 

[Fat Nick]

My Costco also offers a few local restaurants gift cards for a discount. Also, if you fly Southwest, currently can get a $500 GC for $430.

Yep. Same here. There are a few restaurants nearby where we will just detour to Costco and run in and get a $100 gift card for $80 before we go.

 

[GroveDiesel]

The responses about the books is probably a good indication why they are getting rid of it in most stores.

Gotta love clickbait headlines: “Costco to phase out this popular section!”

75% of people reading the story: Huh, I had no clue they even had a book section.

 

[acarey50]

I didn't realize until yesterday they sold Uber gift cards at a discount. $80 for $100 worth, and with an ongoing sale down to $75. We use Uber quite a bit when going to concerts, so keeping my account loaded with these will alone pay for my membership.

I don't use Uber much but tips like this is pure gold. You can really miss some good deals at Costco very easily

We buy dominos and longhorn steakhouse gift cards like this. 80 bucks for 100..

Well shoot.... I got to look at those gift cards, I go right by them and never even looked.

They sell them online as well at the same price. No need to actually go in and purchase the physical gift cards if you have no other reason to go in.

 

[Chadstroma]

The responses about the books is probably a good indication why they are getting rid of it in most stores.

Gotta love clickbait headlines: “Costco to phase out this popular section!”

75% of people reading the story: Huh, I had no clue they even had a book section.

I already knew it wasn't going to be something 'popular' like what? They are going to get rid of the alcohol section? Come on now.

 

[Navin Johnson]

I didn't realize until yesterday they sold Uber gift cards at a discount. $80 for $100 worth, and with an ongoing sale down to $75. We use Uber quite a bit when going to concerts, so keeping my account loaded with these will alone pay for my membership.

I don't use Uber much but tips like this is pure gold. You can really miss some good deals at Costco very easily

We buy dominos and longhorn steakhouse gift cards like this. 80 bucks for 100..

Well shoot.... I got to look at those gift cards, I go right by them and never even looked.

If you ever got Hawaii, there is usually a local tour that sells 100 for 80. We get the Captain Andy's card for the Napali Coast tour

 

[Chadstroma]

I didn't realize until yesterday they sold Uber gift cards at a discount. $80 for $100 worth, and with an ongoing sale down to $75. We use Uber quite a bit when going to concerts, so keeping my account loaded with these will alone pay for my membership.

I don't use Uber much but tips like this is pure gold. You can really miss some good deals at Costco very easily

We buy dominos and longhorn steakhouse gift cards like this. 80 bucks for 100..

Well shoot.... I got to look at those gift cards, I go right by them and never even looked.

If you ever got Hawaii, there is usually a local tour that sells 100 for 80. We get the Captain Andy's card for the Napali Coast tour

Gawd, I need to get back to Hawaii.... need to get out of financial hell for my wife's fight with cancer for the last two plus years but damn I miss Hawaii.

 

[Desert_Power]

I didn't realize until yesterday they sold Uber gift cards at a discount. $80 for $100 worth, and with an ongoing sale down to $75. We use Uber quite a bit when going to concerts, so keeping my account loaded with these will alone pay for my membership.

I don't use Uber much but tips like this is pure gold. You can really miss some good deals at Costco very easily

We buy dominos and longhorn steakhouse gift cards like this. 80 bucks for 100..

Well shoot.... I got to look at those gift cards, I go right by them and never even looked.

Costco has good stuff at the giftcard section. Particularly when you do the math combined with other credit card rewards...

 

[steelerfan1]

For you stout drinkers, they have BCBS for under $12 per bottle. Haven’t had a beer in over a year, but still bought 3 out of habit…

 

[3C's]

Deschutes has apparently created a Helles for Costco, as well as the imperial stout

aiming to check out the Costco this weekend to find out for myself

Finally got this at my local Costco. Pretty good and for about $14 for a 12 pack it's even better.

 

[Terminalxylem]

I didn't realize until yesterday they sold Uber gift cards at a discount. $80 for $100 worth, and with an ongoing sale down to $75. We use Uber quite a bit when going to concerts, so keeping my account loaded with these will alone pay for my membership.

I don't use Uber much but tips like this is pure gold. You can really miss some good deals at Costco very easily

We buy dominos and longhorn steakhouse gift cards like this. 80 bucks for 100..

Well shoot.... I got to look at those gift cards, I go right by them and never even looked.

If you ever got Hawaii, there is usually a local tour that sells 100 for 80. We get the Captain Andy's card for the Napali Coast tour

Gawd, I need to get back to Hawaii.... need to get out of financial hell for my wife's fight with cancer for the last two plus years but damn I miss Hawaii.

We have the world's busiest Costco!

 

[Ted Stickles]

Deschutes has apparently created a Helles for Costco, as well as the imperial stout

aiming to check out the Costco this weekend to find out for myself

Finally got this at my local Costco. Pretty good and for about $14 for a 12 pack it's even better.

I took this for Christmas and people liked it. Nice and crisp. Would buy again.

 

[Dezbelief]

The $60 Special Reserve Bourbon Costco Is Selling For $20 - Tasting Table

Costco is always offering up major deals on delicious spirits, often with little to no fanfare. This bourbon definitely belongs on your shelf.

www.tastingtable.com

 

[mr. furley]

The $60 Special Reserve Bourbon Costco Is Selling For $20 - Tasting Table

Costco is always offering up major deals on delicious spirits, often with little to no fanfare. This bourbon definitely belongs on your shelf.

www.tastingtable.com

not here. checked last night

 

[SayChowda]

Currently not a Costco member (but I do have a BJs membership). There is a Costco opening next month really close to my house.

Do you Costco regulars have their Visa? Seems to be worth it for the rewards, especially on the gas side of things.

 

[FarFromHome]

Currently not a Costco member (but I do have a BJs membership). There is a Costco opening next month really close to my house.

Do you Costco regulars have their Visa? Seems to be worth it for the rewards, especially on the gas side of things.

Me. My wife yells at me when I don't get gas at Costco with Costco card. I think it's 5% back on gas purchases?

 

[krista4]

Currently not a Costco member (but I do have a BJs membership). There is a Costco opening next month really close to my house.

Do you Costco regulars have their Visa? Seems to be worth it for the rewards, especially on the gas side of things.

Me. My wife yells at me when I don't get gas at Costco with Costco card. I think it's 5% back on gas purchases?

Yes, it's 5% on gas. I have the card and use it only for gas and for Costco purchases.

 

[the moops]

This probably can go in the peeve thread but here we are.
Samples. Everyone loves samples right? And we all love to purchase said samples so that we further encourage places to offer samples?
My wife feels some royal devotion to holding steady to that tenet regardless of the damn sample's deliciousness. So now I am sitting with a freezer full of some mediocre whatevers.
Still love you Costco though

 

[the moops]

Currently not a Costco member (but I do have a BJs membership). There is a Costco opening next month really close to my house.

Do you Costco regulars have their Visa? Seems to be worth it for the rewards, especially on the gas side of things.

Me. My wife yells at me when I don't get gas at Costco with Costco card. I think it's 5% back on gas purchases?

Yes, it's 5% on gas. I have the card and use it only for gas and for Costco purchases.

I should look into this. We are an Amex household for we fly Delta often enough and it seems worth it. They don't take Amex at Costco though so we just end up using our debit card.

 

[krista4]

I should look into this. We are an Amex household for we fly Delta often enough and it seems worth it. They don't take Amex at Costco though so we just end up using our debit card.

Precisely the reason I got the Costco Visa. I use my Delta Amex for everything else, at least in the US. Lots of issues using Amex abroad, unfortunately.

 

[the moops]

I should look into this. We are an Amex household for we fly Delta often enough and it seems worth it. They don't take Amex at Costco though so we just end up using our debit card.

Precisely the reason I got the Costco Visa. I use my Delta Amex for everything else, at least in the US. Lots of issues using Amex abroad, unfortunately.

We only go abroad once a year. Not as fancy as you my lady

 

[SayChowda]

Currently not a Costco member (but I do have a BJs membership). There is a Costco opening next month really close to my house.

Do you Costco regulars have their Visa? Seems to be worth it for the rewards, especially on the gas side of things.

Me. My wife yells at me when I don't get gas at Costco with Costco card. I think it's 5% back on gas purchases?

Yes, it's 5% on gas. I have the card and use it only for gas and for Costco purchases.

This seems like a no brainer for me. It will now be the closest gas station to my house.

 

[FarFromHome]

My family and I love the adventure of big moves. We have moved over the ocean twice. I'm embarrassed to admit, but when we house shop the location of Costco is a factor. I currently live 2.5 miles from one. Ha ha

 

[MAC_32]

Currently not a Costco member (but I do have a BJs membership). There is a Costco opening next month really close to my house.

Do you Costco regulars have their Visa? Seems to be worth it for the rewards, especially on the gas side of things.

The gas % increased from 4 to 5 at Costco this year, but you also get 4% at all other gas stations. We sometimes leverage custom cards at restaurants when we can get 5%, but when not we get 3% through the Costco visa.

 

[Desert_Power]

Currently not a Costco member (but I do have a BJs membership). There is a Costco opening next month really close to my house.

Do you Costco regulars have their Visa? Seems to be worth it for the rewards, especially on the gas side of things.

We have it, but you can use just any ole Visa as a better option with a signup bonus. I use a BofA card that gets 3.5% when I'm out of gift cards that I've earned more on.

 

[Chadstroma]

Currently not a Costco member (but I do have a BJs membership). There is a Costco opening next month really close to my house.

Do you Costco regulars have their Visa? Seems to be worth it for the rewards, especially on the gas side of things.

100%. 2% at Costco (plus the 2% with Executive Membership.... that 4% adds up fast. 5% on Costco gas with 4% on gas (it is our gas card) and 3% on restaurants and travel is not bad too. Pretty much an automatic add on with a Costco membership in my view.

 

[McBokonon]

Currently not a Costco member (but I do have a BJs membership). There is a Costco opening next month really close to my house.

Do you Costco regulars have their Visa? Seems to be worth it for the rewards, especially on the gas side of things.

We have it, but you can use just any ole Visa as a better option with a signup bonus. I use a BofA card that gets 3.5% when I'm out of gift cards that I've earned more on.

Yeah, I’m almost always working on a sign up bonus of some kind. When it’s not a Visa, I just buy Costco cash cards online and use those at Costco because Costco.com takes whatever.

 

[shuke]

Do you Costco regulars have their Visa? Seems to be worth it for the rewards, especially on the gas side of things.

Yes. It's a no brainer.