Stockpiling - Is it worth getting a Costco card?

Onion22

Hi,

I'm leaving my local government job to return to university for a year. My husband will still be working and I have 4 children. I am starting to stockpile tinned food, while I still have an income. 

My question is, I can currently get a Costco Card for around £30 (for a year), is it worth it?
Also, any tips for stockpiling?  I'm thinking canned beans, oil, rice, pasta, tea? 

thanks
 

Ozzig

Unless you particularly like Costco specific items (Kirkland) you might be best sticking to the supermarkets.

We've had a Costco card for decades and apart from toilet rolls which seem to be decent quality for the price, most things we buy there are usually on offer at a better price somewhere.

If you have the time I'd recommend a visitor pass for a look around to gauge the prices before signing up for a membership.

Bigger items can be a bargain when they're in the Hot Buy offers, but even then alternatives are cheaper so great if it's the specific model you want.

pumpkin89

I completely agree with Ozzig.  We got a card for a year as there was a specific large purchase we wanted and the saving vs buying elsewhere was more than the membership fee.

We bought quite a few things in that year but definitely didn't save enough on groceries/household items to cover the membership cost.

Ozzig

I suppose the other benefit is when you're buying 48 toilet rolls in a pandemic, no one there  judges you as that's just the pack size

sarah1972

prices are high and although they are likely to go up further, I would only buy when what I use is on offer. 

Ie baked beans, I buy 8 when it’s buy 4 for x amount 
Pasta, I buy the big 3kg bag (I think that’s the size) in Tesco 

Tinned toms, when there on 4 for x amount 
oil is the wrong time to buy with current problems 
Tea, buy when it’s on offer 
etc …

tastyhog

Wholesalers can rarely beat supermarket prices, it's more about convenience and being able to pick up larger packs sizes or flats of goods,

If you've usually done your shopping in a small corner shop, a place like Costco would offer savings, but not compared to the big supermarkets

PLRFD

I’ve found everything Kirkland Costco’s own brand to be top quality you sometimes do get bargains for example I’ve just got a few jars of Geeta’s mango chutney about £3:50 ish for a kilo and a half compared to a 150g jar in Asda for about £1:89.

[Deleted User]

The food court is worth the fee alone. 

There are some bargains if you specifically want brands like 24 cans Branson beans for £8 for example. And like previous poster said, the own brand Kirkland is top notch. 

The apples and oranges are also the nicest quality available. 

jon81uk

Depends where you normally shop and whether you like branded items.

If you usually goto Aldi/Lidl then Costco will rarely be cheaper.
If you like branded things like Kellogg's cereal, Hovis bread, Catsan cat litter, Lavazza coffee beans, then Costco will be good for you, especially when there are promotions.

Their own brand loo roll and kitchen roll are also excellant quality. The meat is also good.

MysteryMe

I've been a member for years. Costco petrol stations are cheaper than supermarket petrol stations in my area, the branded car tyres are well priced.  The food court is good value although not a massive range to eat. Using these gets my membership cost back.

As for grocery shopping, I echo what others have said. Kirkland is well priced and good quality.  You can get some good buys in the bakery section and when they have hot buys/ special offers but overall it's branded goods are not cheaper than supermarket own brands so it is not necessarily the cheapest place to buy, especially if you are having to travel distance to get to one.

PLRFD

Just a heads up guys strangely enough next Wednesday 8pm Cannel 5 is a programme called Costco is it worth it ? Thought you may be interested.