Whats Costco like?

Curry_Queen

I'm not sure what the criteria for "proof" of trade is these days but when I joined Bookers I only needed to produce a letter-head and business card as proof of business.

I was also entitled to membership via running a cubscout pack at one point so I could buy all the big packs of sweeties for the tuckshop, and obviously tea/coffee etc for us adults ... not to mention any "personal" shopping :whistle: (out of my own funds of course!)

I think unless you are a trader registered for VAT (thus can claim back your VAT) then the savings are not really that great unless you buy a lot of stock there. I've not used Costco before though so not sure how this compares, but I'd imagine they're all pretty much on a par with each other

Fastflys

I have nothing but praise for COSTCO.

I first discovered Costco in the U.S. at least 15/20 years ago. One of their first warehouses in the U.K. was opened 4 miles from where I live. I registered as a business account in a portacabin on the site before it was built.

Annual business membership is a few pounds cheaper than private membership.
Costco list the professions which qualify for private membership on a large board behind their Customer Services/Returns/Membership counter. Some member companies issue Costco cards to their staff. Worth checking out.

I cannot agree with other posters above who have stated that they have saved very little. I have saved thousands over the years. My purchases are across the board.
To be harsh, if you don’t have the cash to spend, don’t join. Credit cards are no good at Costco. Only debit cards/cheques or cash are accepted. If paying by
debit card/cheque, the name on the account must match that on Costco’s membership card, guests debit card/cheques are not accepted. Trade members can enter Costco at 10 a.m., private members at noon Monday to Friday.

An example of saving:
Purchase a 28” TV, save at least £50. Included in the purchase price is a 3 year repair guarantee saving a further £50 at least.

One purchase – Membership fee covered + minimum saving of £65.

In a previous post it was stated that prices displayed do not include VAT. This is incorrect. There are two prices displayed for each item. The larger printed price does not include VAT., the smaller printed price [usually underneath] does. The only exception is when a product is zero VAT rated. In this case, “No VAT on this product” or similar is printed under the price.

Some products [very few] offered in Costco have been found to be marginally more expensive than elsewhere. Hey, that’s life, don’t buy them. When brought to Costco’s attention, these products are usually reduced to below that of their competitors.

What about the products – Top names, top quality. Costco own brand [Kirkland] products imported from the USA are also good quality and great value for money.

What about their Café. If you need something to eat and drink, Costco prices cannot be beaten. All sodas include free refills.

Costco’s refund policy is beyond brilliant.
Word of warning, when returning a product, don’t lie [I’ve lost the receipt but it’s only 6 months old]. Costco keep a computer record of every item you have ever purchased together with the date and time. As an example, earlier this year I had to return a faulty electrical product. The receipt was not in my box files. I truly believed the product to be a couple of years old. When checked on their computer system I was informed that the product was purchased in 1999.
Costco still gave me a full refund.

Twice a year Costco hold a “Passport” promotion spread over a couple of months when already cheap products are genuinely reduced and you’re not restricted to one purchase.

My only association with Costco is as a satisfied customer.

angelatgraceland

I was offered the chance to join Costco but didnt bother due to the charge. Its an annual charge, so unless you are going there on a regular basis, its not worth it. Ive got a Makreo card but rarely use it. Its not bad prices on some stuff but I dont find the food cheap. I also tend to spend more than I intend so I stay away.

rumpelstiltskin_2

For many years I worked in a large cash and carry (which no longer exists). Reception should have a list of all eligible trades/professions. So if not sure if you qualify for a card ring up and ask.

For example initially we didn't allow solicitors/hairdressers to shop with us. Some years later we changed the rules (cos we hadn't got enough of a customer base-lol).

Some things will not work out cheaper or not much cheaper especially on the food side. You may find better offers on non food items, special offers, bogofs and wigigs (when its gone its gone ie one-offs).

We used to display the shelf price without VAT on, so you need to remember to add 17.5% to items. Many food items do not have VAT but there are many abnormallies (sp?). Cake doesn't carry VAT, Biscuits do. Chocolate cake does. Disposable nappies didn't use to carry vat and sanitary towels did (this may have been changed since I worked there).

Our shelf edge tickets used to have a 1 or 0 in corner of them. o meant item didn't have VAT 1 meant it did. It is possible that some warehouses still follow same system, making it easy for you to spot if you should be adding vat or not. One of the shop floor staff should be able to tell you if the store you're in has an easy system to work out if an item carries VAT or not.

BTW_ Just realised I'm logged in on hubbys name again- this is Spendless

comping_cat

My friends sister is coming to visit her next week, and before she comes down she is going to pop into their local Costcos and bring anything she wants down with her. She has offered to bring some bits down for me too, if i want, so i was wondering what sort of things they do as ive never been to a Costcos before!!!!
What sort of things do you get that would be good value and OS????

MrsTinks

I am biased as I have a membership but may I recommend the chocolate chip muffins They freeze well too

Gers

They do large packs of sliced ham (£10.00 for a huge amount) and turkey. Large packs of mince and various other meats. Yesterday I got 2 huge jars of Hellman's mayo for £3.85 (950ml each) and some lovely new towels which exactly match my bathroom floor (not very OS but I loves 'em!).

Just loads really - need to watch the prices as on the food is VAT free and all other prices are ex-VAT though they do have the inc-VAT price in smaller letters.

Goods are hitty-missy. Sometimes they have some great things in and sometimes not. The bakery department is fabby but you need to buy trays of Danish pastries and trays of muffins and so on. No, you don't NEED to buy them but they are packaged in trays is what I meant to say!!

MrsB_2

Washing powder and fabric softner and dishwasher tablets etc are very good value. They do Ariel, Persil, sometimes Fairy, and usually have a small selection of each brand (eg liquid or loose powder in Ariel, or Persil Tablets) - so they may not have exactly what you would normally buy. Dishwasher tabs are Fairy or Finish.

I love Costco and go at least once per week!

Oh just thought - squash and cans / bottles pop are very good value too. It normally works best to write a list of things you'd like her to check out and then get her to ring whilst she's in there to let you know what they have and how much it is.

MrsTinks

Tinned tomatoes, bottles of lemonade, flank steak, chicken breasts - the list is endless

110frankie

Two large bottles of Thai Chilli sauce wrapped together... yummy, I have it on almost everything.