Costco - am thinking of joining, any advice?

Dibbly

Am trying to save money on our household shopping and am considering cash & carry-style options. I've seen that it's possible to get Costco membership as an individual (if you have the 'right' kind of employment - I am a mum-at-home, so don't count!). Has anyone got any thoughts or advice on Costco (eg, the other option for individual membership is if you work for a "UK gold card company", but I don't know what they mean by this), or the whole cash and carry option? I live in Surrey, so am wondering what other businesses might offer considerable savings on bulk purchases of basics like washing power, kitchen roll, etc. Any advice would be gratefully received!

rdwarr

I don't think you're particularly close to a Costco there. Nearest would be Reading, Thurrock or Watford so travel time and costs are a consideration. Costco don't sell cheap stuff but they do sell good stuff cheap and in bulk.
There is a Makro in Croydon which may be more up your street (especially if you live on the A23) who tend to be cheaper but don't do so much "posh" stuff. If you know anybody who's a member see if you can go with them next time for a look.
I use both Makro and Costco and enjoy the trips a lot.

MickKnipfler

Is there a membership criteria for Makro? Will they just let you in for a look?

trumpet_2

I dont think costco is that cheap depending on how much you you buy in bulk, if i didnt have a trade card cheap i wouldnt bother. you should have a look in there first if you know someone with a card to get you in of course.

fannyadams

I think they will letyou in for a look around without a card but you cna't buy anything though.
There is a costco in Milton Keynes off Jcn 14 of M1

Lychee

Would anyone be able to post criteria for individuals to qualify for a card at Makro and Costco please?

Dibbly

This is the info I had from Costco today:

"Two types of membership - TRADE and INDIVIDUAL
Trade membership - owner or manager of a business, we require a Business
Utility Bill plus two other forms of business identification - VAT
Certificate or Business Cheque or Business Stationery or Business
Insurance Certificate, etc. The annual cost is £20 plus VAT. The first
six additional cards cost £12 plus VAT each and all subsequent cards
cost £20 plus VAT each.
>
Individual membership - valid to certain employment groups - details
listed below You will need to bring proof of your employment or
professional qualification with a current home utility bill. The Annual
cost is £25 plus VAT for a membership card for you plus one for your
spouse/partner. An additional card can be purchase at a cost of £12
plus VAT.
>
If you think you may be an employee of a UK or US Gold Card company you
can call central membership to check - on 01923 830477. This number is
operated 8.30 am till 6pm Monday to Friday, not weekends.
>
Individual membership is available to the following:-
>
Current or retired employee of: -
Banking/Finance/Insurance; Civil Servant; Education; Fire/Rescue/Ambulance; Local Government; Medical/Health Service; Police Force; Post Office/Royal Mail; Airlines
>
Qualified as:
Chartered Architect; Chartered/Civil Engineer; Chartered Surveyor; Dentist; Optician; Pharmacist; Qualified/Certified/Chartered Accountant; Solicitor; Barrister; Magistrate; Doctor
>
Current or retired employee of USA or UK Gold Card company please
contact either central membership or your local warehouse to confirm
whether the company you work for is a registered gold card company."

Katyag

Its easier to get a card for Costco than Makro i think. I like Costco more cause you get a free spouses card so i can take my parents and not have to worry about taking DH too but with Makro i have to have DH with me to get in (its his card).

You used to get day passes for Makro but im sure they stopped them. Costco will let you in for a look but as another poster said you cant buy anything. If you are entitled to join Costco then id advise you to do it, your membership is refundable if you arent happy with anything so you wont lose out.

I find Costco worth its weight in gold for photos, birthday cakes, cases of cans of juice alone. And their in store cafe is just fantastic!!! When i was pregnant we used to go out there regularly so i could get a fix of pie and beans! lol Only 60p!!!

Amanda65

I managed to get a trade card using some details from work (with their permission of course). I went to the Reading store (I'm also in Surrey and it really isn't too bad a trip from me) and when we came back and worked out what we'd saved our shop of £224 would have cost £315 in Tesco so well worth it methinks! I intend to go about 4 times a year - coming up to Xmas is supposed to be fab. The meat we brought wasn't much cheaper but was much better quality than what we get in Tesco and although the branded tinned items like chopped tomatoes etc. where cheaper, they still weren't as cheap as value brands in Tesco so you have to pick and choose what you buy. My biggest saving was on Tresemme shampoo and conditioner - £5 each for a gallon!!

And finally - if you go in on a trade card you can go early (10am I think) and have free coffee and pastries - now if that's not money saving I don't know what is!!!!!! LOL

Wendrie

As with all shops you do best if you check prices and only buy what you need.... I know so many people who shop at Costco or Makro and come out with so many "Bargins" that they don't need.

We buy cleaning supplies, orange juice, cheese, yogurt, some bread bits, meat, dr pepper/beer, some other cooking basics in bulk and often pick up gifts just before Christmas. The quality is very good especially in the fruit and veg but the prices are therefore higher than value as well.

Stuff I am going to buy anyhow and I can not pay retail sounds good to me

yankee_rower

I'm American so I love Costco as they stock many things I miss and can't get anywhere else. Costco in the US caters to the middle to upper middle class and sells quality/luxury items in bulk at a reduced price. You can take anything back to Costco if you aren't happy.

I reccomend going with a list of items you regularly buy at the supermarket and their prices. Compare if you would save anything on them at Costco. Costco doesn't always have the best prices. For instance, the 2L cartons of Tropicana are £4.54 at Costco, but are 2 for £4 at Sainsburys. However, some things are a great deal like the large pizzas, beef burgers, herbs and spices, and their instore baked goods.

Costco will also have specials. Right now Mach3 blades are 20 or 30% the Costco price which makes them a really good buy.

You have to be prepared if you want to save money. Buy a big box of plastic zip top bags there and get ready to freeze and break up for everyday use.