I had been contemplating a Costco membership recently after an offer arrived in my inbox. A basic membership costs $50. The offer was for points through MyPoints. There are definitely things I could buy there, specifically, generic zyrtec. For a years supply it would cost me about $16!
However, Costco is on the other side of town. I find pretty good deals at regular stores and don't have to store the bulky items.
Today, I found the same generic zyrtec on Amazon for the same price. No shipping either (not sure why). I decided to skip that Costco membership, save the $50 and avoid buying large bulk items just because they are a good deal.
Do you have a club membership? Do you think it is worth it? Can you find the same deals in other places?
Skipped the Membership
May 4th, 2011 at 01:15 am
May 4th, 2011 at 01:46 am 1304473563
However, I do order stuff through mrrebates dot com with a free membership. You can find all kinds of rebates, coupons, free shipping, etc. that will save you money. If you want to try it, go to my profile and click on the mrrebates link on the left side of the screen and I will get a small bonus for referring someone. I think it is under links or something like that.
Good luck.
May 4th, 2011 at 02:21 am 1304475660
I know I'm weak in those type of stores, and it's better for me to stay away. I really don't like huge quantities of things either.
May 4th, 2011 at 02:30 am 1304476213
I was literally looking for a Costco once (had my mom and her membership in my car) and we couldn't find it. I still don't know where it is. LOL. I believe there is a newer one closer to our house but it is still a LONG drive.
I keep saying it might make more sense when my kids are teenage boys. When I maybe will REALLY need to buy some serious bulk...
May 4th, 2011 at 02:33 am 1304476420
I almost always go with a neighbor who loves to try all the new products and buys the restaurant quality, frozen, convenience foods.
Costco is not for everyone. If the location is not convenient, if you like the deals at the stores you currently use, if you prefer not to store bulk items, you may not shop at Costco enough to make the $50. fee worthwhile. I don't view wholesale membership as 'weird.'
May 4th, 2011 at 03:24 am 1304479466
May 4th, 2011 at 12:39 pm 1304512750
I do get certain items there, like Jiff Peanut Butter, which is a really good deal for the large jars, and we eat a lot of PB in our home, and water softener salt. We also will eat out there. Their pizza is really inexpensive.
I have never used it for their clothing, tvs, or anything like that, because I feel I can find those items cheaper somewhere else.
It came in handy last year, because of my daughter's Graduation Open House, but I am trying to decide if it as good a deal for me to spend $50 again for another year.
May 4th, 2011 at 05:26 pm 1304529989
I will need to buy contacts again in November/December and will investigate prices for the style I want before I buy a membership. If I really need something I will go shopping with my sister.
May 4th, 2011 at 05:28 pm 1304530106
The gas there is always cheaper by around 5 cents per gallon. It is close to the WalMart and Sam's Club so the crowds and traffic are split between these mega-stores. Costco is much less crowded and has more interesting stuff.
I do get a select amount of food there and enjoy not only better prices but some unique things that the regular grocery store does not have.
I have found lots of great deals there as well as good quality items for less money. Examples include:
1) a sturdy basketball hoop for my two DSs that was half the price of all the sports stores.
2) a ping pong table of fantastic quality and lower price than those in the sports stores
3) Clothes, underwear and socks of good quality and closeout type prices.
4) Kids' toys around Christmas at much lower cost than in regular stores. I have gotten many bargains there.
I love my Costco!
May 4th, 2011 at 07:15 pm 1304536520
May 6th, 2011 at 10:52 am 1304679159
For example, Costco's cat litter is the cheapest you can find anywhere. 44 pound box for $6.99. Compare that to what you'd get at a supermarket.
While many specialty items at Costco can be just as pricey as elsewhere, Costco has the best prices on staples, especially milk and bananas, I've noticed. They also sell a 2-pound loaf of bread for the same cost as the usual size bread at supermarkets. their spices are also a good buy.
We don't have Costco gas here.
I always try to bring a calculator with me, because, as in a regular supermarket, you should be looking at the unit price, and with Costco's extra large containers and bulk packaging, unit price doesn't mean much. As I said, there are many items there that don't beat prices I could find elsewhere.
The worst thing about Costco, in my opinion, is the hassle of finding a parking place and waiting in line at checkout. If I start working f/t again, I doubt I'll renew my membership. Just too much hassle and eats up my precious free time; weekends are the worst. Even on weekdays, it's super busy.
May 6th, 2011 at 09:48 pm 1304718536
May 7th, 2011 at 01:26 am 1304731601
May 28th, 2011 at 12:10 am 1306541443
May 28th, 2011 at 01:36 am 1306546570