Costco, is it worth going?

Tiddlywinks

Yes, there is a membership fee of £25 but I save more than that just on getting loo and kitchen rolls in bulk.

Canned tomatoes, Heinz soups, Kirkland bottled water all work out a lot cheaper as does rice and Marriages flour.

If you want cheap and cheerful then you can get cheaper in the supermarkets BUT if you want good quality products for your money then CostCo can more than pay for itself.

skivenov

I used to use them a fair bit, prefer Bookers now. As above, you've got to bear in mind you're going to a wholesalers, and be prepared to buy in bulk. For example, I buy my dog's mixer from there, it costs far less per kilo than supermarket stuff and he loves it, but the bag is 25kg if I recall correctly.

moneypooh

We go probably once a month and easily save the costs of membership.
Save a fortune on soap, shampoo, toothpaste etc.. as well as the food. The meat is not always cheaper but they do run offers every month and we bulk buy. The lamb is amazing
Our nearest on is 25 miles away in Milton Keynes but we do tend to go there once a month for other things and just combine the trip.

sayahu

If you only want to see what its like then why not drive down with the other half when the friend next goes?

If you decide to buy stuff, you can do it off her card rather then buying your own (you can split up shopping so you have seperate reciepts).

That way you get to have a look and only pay for the petrol.

BUT you can always just have a look at the booklet that comes through the door and see if it may be worth it? The friend should have one if not then check out www.addictedtocostco.co.uk

Best to have a clear idea of the k,inds of things you want to buy and how much you are willing to pay for it.

Happy shopping

lazydavy

Costco offers very good savings on a wide range of goods from foodstuff and household items to large televisions and computers car tyres.They also do a wide range of clothes, some well known brands and some of their own Kirkland brand.

All the Kirkland products seem to be of very good quality. Costco have a pretty good no quible returns policy.
The prices are in general a bit cheaper than the main supermarkets although sometimes they are more expensive than supermarket bargain offers.

Most of their foodstuff etc tends to be in large packs so you may need to take that into account for home storage.
Parking is usually very good and free.

Points to bear in mind. they will only accept cash or debit cards - not credit cards.
If possible sweet talk the ladies at reception to allow you to take out a trade card, you can get cards for 2 people for £25 and can add up to 6 at £12 each ( their cards will expire at same time as yours and will need to be renewed on your anniversary date even if they took it out several months after you),

They will take a photo of you and put it on your card so be aware haircuts are in order mine looks like the wild man of Borneo

Further advantage of trade card is you can get in at 9.30 am ordinary members need to wait till 12.am. You can also get through checkouts very quickly

Goods tend to be stacked high as in a warehouse, people of smaller stature may have problems seeing the prices at the top of fixtures ( this is the only criticism my 5 ft 1 wife has of Costco)

If you have problems logging on to https://www.addictedtocostco.co.uk try the USA site https://www.addictedtocostco.com. They have links to the uk site and also a downloadable copy of the current discount voucher booklet.

I save at least the cost of membership in the beer and spirits section,
and snacks and sweets for the kids, also work clothing and even some tools.

roses

Now that they have their website and prices online, it's really great as you can compare before you go.

I have found that it's not worth it at all. Amazon is actually a lot cheaper for overall price. When supermarkets have special offers on, this is much cheaper than both Amazon and Costco.

payless

The only reason I won't recommend you join is to try and make it less busy for when I go...

Good quality at a good price. - although prices won't beat a supermarket BOGOF

I used to travel 30 miles each way before they opened one more local.

On top of regular spending - every now and then I fine a real bargain ;
American fridge at a good £150 less than other places, TV £200 cheaper,

I pay a for the highestUK membership level (Branded Amex/ ecec cashback card) but think it works out a winner.

dawn27

we have been members for a few years and go every couple of months to stock up on Toilet rolls, kitchen towels, washing powder and water.
not everything is cheaper and most of the time i can buy things cheaper in tescos or Aldis, i dont find their meat very cheap nor the fruit and veg.

Tiddlywinks

Yes, you can get cheaper BUT cheaper is not always better and there are other measurements of "worth it".

Teahfc

I find quality in 99% of things better than most places.
TV's you get a 5 guarantee only matched by John Lewis.
Any problems with anything you get no quibble replacement even with no packaging or receipt.