Costco worth it?

Hoploz

We are a family of 4. I go about every 6 weeks and stock up on meat (all gets divided up into containers of one family meal's worth) cat food, cat litter (it's the best cat litter you can get!) washing liquid/fabric conditioner (doesn't take up much storage space) and various treats. Occasionally they have great offers on electricals, toys etc. e.g. Model cars 1:18 size £30-40 in the shops for identical box - £10 in Costco

But tbh the kitchen rolls and loo rolls are more bother as they take up so much storage space!

Tiddlywinks

Don't just think about food, Costco is good for electricals too.

I bought the Gtech cordeless cleaner for £40 less than anywhere else. Also, their warranty is second to none... provided you keep up your membership, you can return a product.

I returned a faulty iron after 2 years and got a refund.

I also got a packable padded jacket for £24.

There's a thread here too:
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/66807531#Comment_66807531


As for space, have you got any room on top of wardrobes or under your bed?

Maitane

I love Costco - you can even buy Levi jeans and expensive Polo shirts, vitamins in bulk and all sorts of things.

I'd agree with anyone recommending pairing up with people as splitting large packs would be useful, especially for things like toilet rolls, foil, washing powders etc. It's also good for terribly unhealthy snacks on the way out... Mmm, hot dogs.

raven83

I went to Costco foe the first time last month and I was really impressed! I loved the washing powders and conditioners, the loo rolls, and cat food. I bought a massive sized Tresemme shampoo and conditioner, 1.5 litres for about £6 for both! Loved all their fresh bakery stuff too, didn't really stocked up on any meat, but I plan on going back again soon and will be buying meat! I love it and if you can afford to buy in bulk and have the room to store it then I would definitely go even if it just to buy all the staples and essentials!

Big_Graeme

Don't neglect the cafe too, £1.75 for a huge hot dog and drink

Purple_kitten

Ditto to what Raven says really,

We have been going for years now there will be bits you like and bits that are a bit expensive for what they are, we usually look around and do our research.. The washing powder, loo rolls and some of the meat is exceptional, as always there a good deals and other deals that are better else where.

Molly41

Customer service is excellent - I agree.

pjaj

Molly41 wrote: »

Well worth it for us but we have 6 adults.
The meat is of the highest quality as it the bakery and fresh/ frozen foods.
You have to be affiliated to certain unions or companies and prove this.Im a NHS worker for example.

I agree with your first two points, you need to be able to buy fairly large quantities to achieve significant savings.
As to membership, I think it's actually a bit simpler than that. "Do you have a working pulse?" seems to be the main criteria! Working for or pensioner of any major company, local or national government in any form or self employed. If you are a family then any one of you can join if they meet the requirements then the rest can be family members. And you can bring two guests, although they are not allowed to make purchases (nothing to stop you buying their goods and settling up in the car park!). See membership for further details.

pjaj

Big_Graeme wrote: »

Don't neglect the cafe too, £1.75 for a huge hot dog and drink

I believe this is based on their first store opened in the USA in 1983. They charged something like $1.50 for a meal and promised to keep that price forever.

LittleMissGiggles123

It is definitely worth it for us. Family of 4 & we tend to stock up there so saves us money in the long run. The food is also excellent quality, particularly the meat. We prefer the meat in here compared to any supermarket.


Clothes are also a good price in there but obviously only worth the saving if you were going to buy the item anyway.


They also have some good offers on items, particularly the washing powders, fabric softeners & dishwasher tablets. Plus as someone else has already mentioned, they do huge bulk packs of toilet roll if you've got enough space to store them! We bought them once & I had toilet rolls everywhere.


I also agree that the customer service is very good.