Costco - Worth Joining? (merged thread)

smokieUK

looby75 wrote:

Can you use a costco card in any store or just the one you joined up at?

The reason I ask is my sister lives in Liverpool and joined up there, but I live in the north east and would like to go to the costco here when she comes up to visit (stock up on washing powder etc) would she be able to use her card at one of the stores up here?

Used my UK card in Florida earlier this year with no problem...


btw, re an earlier poster, all basic foodstuff is VAT free, everywhere - not just Costco!

quoia

smokieUK wrote:

.....................
re an earlier poster, all basic foodstuff is VAT free, everywhere - not just Costco!

Depends what you mean by "basic".

Actually about 25% of foodstuffs DO attract V.A.T at 17.5%

Included in the 17.5% list are:

Ice Cream
Biscuits (not Cakes)
Beer, Wine & Spirits
Canned/bottled drinks - Coke, Pepsi, Ribena, Fruit Juices etc.
Chocolate, Sweets
Crisps
Nuts
WATER


And don't get caught out by all the NON-foodstuffs that you'll think is a good price but isn't when increased by more than a SIXTH !
Dog food (except "working" dogs), Cat food,
ALL the househld products like soap powder, Washing-up liquid, toilet rolls, tissues etc.

And of course just about EVERYTHING ELSE they sell !

lily_the_pink

I am still not overly convinced it is worth the fees - my OH insists it is as he gets his tyres done there and gets car batteries etc.

What I like are

Bakery products - cakes in particular are good value for kids parties
Meat - not nec the cheapest but it is good quality
Buying massive quantity of toilet rolls when on their annual offer (though it may be as cheap to buy via quality save in smaller quantities - I just like not having to buy them month in month out)
Clothes - occaisionally something good value. Had some lovely kids sandals - birkstock ones - for a decent price last time I was there.
AA Batteries - the costco own brand ones are quite good value.
Optical services are very competative
Ditto photographic services

My OH bought a breadmaker there last week - Panasonic 253 one - it was £82 so £6 more expensive than Amazon. However, you do get the return it at any time peace of mind so in this case not the end of the world.

Things that can be an absolute rip off
Juice and a lot of other branded stuff in chiller cabinets
Olive oil
Books

All the electrics I would always price check - though we have a HP printer that we bought from there that is out of guarantee that we will take back as soon as receipt is recovered from accountant.

The instore cafe is very good value too - I cant remember prices but it is very cheap.

quoia

lily_the_pink wrote:

I am still not overly convinced it is worth the fees - my OH insists it is as he gets his tyres done there and gets car batteries etc.

......................

This is the LAST reason to use Costco.

Only sell Michelin tyres and are amongst the most expensive places to buy them from !!

lolly5648

quoia wrote:

This is the LAST reason to use Costco.

Only sell Michelin tyres and are amongst the most expensive places to buy them from !!

Really? Everyone says they are such good value - where do you reckon is better - I need them fitted as well.

Oakey22

try some local garages, or try.
Blackcircles.co.uk

MrsTinks

Sorry I'd argue that the prices of tyres at Costco are a good price if you compare like for like... both OH and I have sports cars (not very OS I know ) and OH shopped around for his tyres and got them done locally and not branded ones just to find that Costco do the michellin ones for about £3 more per tyre and free (or was it £1?) for fitting... For me they were cheaper than even unbranded tyres and they fit them whilst you shop (heehee) so I don't loose any extra time out of my day having them done.

Food there is good quality and they do my fave wine in boxes of 6 which end up saving me £2.71 per bottle compared to cheapest offer at Tesco Also my TOP fave wine is about £4 cheaper per bottle (should be £12 per bottle but works out at about £8 per bottle instead... obviously not one I buy a lot of but still worth remembering )
Their beef burgers are top quality 100% beef, and so the list goes on
As anywhere then use common sense and know what things cost before you go

lily_the_pink

quoia wrote:

This is the LAST reason to use Costco.

Only sell Michelin tyres and are amongst the most expensive places to buy them from !!

Lol - They have an offer on once a year though and as he does a lot of miles due to work he buys them then (then when he actually needs them fitting takes them in and they will do for him for no extra charge). He probably could get cheaper elsewhere but he knows they do a good job fairly quicky (though there can be 4 hour waits or more when the offer is on - might be 4 tyres for the price of 3). The car batteries are reasonable too (cant remember which make or whether it is costco own brand).

nb probably 30% of those waiting for tyre fittings when offer is on are London Taxi Drivers who I would imagine are very price sensistive and would know a bargain. (but obviously only if you want mitchelin).

Personally I think it is my OH's justification of spending the money on the membership fee. His mother would be v. upset if he decided not to renew so I don't make too much of an issue out of it.

EssexGirl

I save the joining fee just by buying dog food (and I only have 1 dog!)
I got a top of the range carpet cleaner for £60 less than Argos.
The birthday cakes are a snip at £10, great for kids parties.
Washing powder is a usually well priced. Wouldn't be without my Costco card.

nutmegman

Hi,

I am a Social worker, I work for the local County Council, does anyone know if i can join?