We joined Costco today!

[marstec]

Costco gas is about 6 cents cheaper than anywhere else. I buy just about all my beef and pork from there - prices might not be the best on the beef, but you are getting AAA quality. Chicken and seafood isn't as good a deal, but it is very fresh compared to other places.

I use their car rental services every year when we go on holidays. The spices, nuts and dried fruit are a good deal if you need a lot.

I have the executive membership...it costs around $110 but my rebate cheque was for almost $100, so it worked out better than the regular membership.

If you are only comparing prices, I'm sure you can get better elsewhere, especially if you can use coupons, but I also factor quality into my shopping, and Costco has that in spades. I don't buy a lot of toiletries from there unless there is a good instant rebate.

The warranty is terrific, so you can have confidence buying any of their products. I agree about needing some discipline when shopping...I usually shop with a list and might go over by a few items but not much more. If you do find something you like, buy it and return it (new) if you reconsider...chances are it will be gone the next time. They keep a record of all your purchases, so you don't even need the receipt, although it helps expedite the return.

[KrazE]

The big one for us is Zantac - it is a MUST have and that means that I cannot run out waiting for sales or coupons.

Normally we get the bottles as it's easier for SO to get the pills out, and the bottle is the largest size on the shelves in stores retailing at $23.99 for 50 pills.
At Costco, it sells regular price for $24.99 for 95 pills - just the savings in the cost of Zantac alone pays for the membership many times over in a year.

[couponer2]

My parents have a membership and occasionally I tag along, got to love all the free sample stations up and down the isles lol

By the by you don't need a membership to use the pharmacy.. you just tell the door man that you are going to the pharmacy

[IRefuse_2_PayFullPrice]

I haven't been a member, but I go there and get good deals all the time using CostCo Cash Card...the only drawback is you can't use CC coupons. The CC Cash Card treat like you're a member.

I ask my cousin/neighbor to buy me the $25 denominations cc so I could go there whenever I feel like it

The rx dispensary fee is only $3.xx and you don't have to be a member to buy rx there. Why wonder the place filled 1000+ Rx a day (my friend works there).

[spinster_30]

I refuse to pay to shop somewhere.....they should be paying me.Stuff is way TOOOO BIG there.My JUG of salsa sauce that I bought on a tagalong with my bro was growing trees and I only got halfway thru...I would rather coupon anyday. Plus the crowds there drive me NUTTY!!! Having an anxiety attack just thinking about it.

[momgoneawol]

We have had a membership for a couple of years but I am thinking of NOT renewing this year. Although they do have some great prices on some things, it's a 35 minute drive and half the time the things I want are not there. I do like the croutons, bacon bits, and a some of the meat. They used to have this awesome artisan bread that was SO worth the drive but haven't seen it in years.
Just really have to know your prices and watch what you are buying.

[joseff]

on average, how much are glasses? I just got my eyes checked and I'm quoted arund $500 at one place...that's with progressive lenses, coatings and stuff and ultra thin lenses....anyone able to give a comparison?

[freeisnice]

With Costco , one has to watch, what one shops for( food )...
If you find that you cany consume it,then dont buy it...a lot of it can go waste..
If you have a costco membership a large freezer is a good idea.....
but it does have great prices- cheapest milk, lately I have noticed that if milk ever goes on sale at one of the other stores like NF,FB etc for 3.99, then costco also has milk for that price...
cheapest banana's
great price on eggs
best price for cozyshack( my kids eat a lot of that stuff)
and like most other people have said - their clothes are at a good price too...
welcome to the dark side.

[Chantel]

It's nearly october, which means it's nearly november. Which means costco's aisles will be loaded with sample people handing out everything from lindt balls to brownie bites to tarts to holiday appetizers. Christmas is THE single best time to go up there.

Wrapping paper comes in can-kill-you-if-you-drop-it-on-your-neck, have-a-spotter sized rolls for between 10 and 15 dollars. One roll should last you at least two years even if that's all you'd used, and they're VERY pretty. The doublesided ones are color coordinated so all your things will look nice together. Many have a matte and shiny side.

[jubsies]

I have a costco membership stricky for drugs lolol.. Vitamins (omega 3's) dirt cheap when on sale, i also get my son's cream there .. I forget the name but its a cream base and hypoallergenic,,, you pay $10 for a third of it at shoppers. Costco its $11 i think and its huge. ... Sometimes meat, kids pj's and occasionally yoga pants... I dont do yoga but they are darn comfy to lounge around the house and do your cleaning..lolol

My biggest reason is the pharmacy, my oldest ds has ADHD and is on medication..(i was not an advocate for this option but his concentration went from 5 min intervals and bribbing to 20+ minutes and a full day at school withought bribes,... ) Anyway, the meds at a regular store are $420+ and at costco $290+

So that alone is worth the fee for me...... Their dispensing fee is only around $3 and from the price difference i am assuming they get their drugs cheaper too.....

Hope that helps



BUT like others say its too easy to waste money... I avoid aisle like candies and bathing stuff... Rediculously over priced (for a couponner) lol

[glowworm2k]

I like having a costco membership. We pay for the cost on just the dispensing fees for prescriptions... any other savings are all bonus!

Our trick to not buy too much is to notget a cart!!! If you are limited in what you can carry, it's much easier to stay on track and on budget. My favourite things are the portobello mushrooms (always WAY more than 454g in the package for $4), red raspberry jam (the kind without pectin and tons of sugar - cheaper than the grocery store or than I could make it!), fresh fish, and vitamins. I occasionally get other meats or general merchandise as well.

I think the membership is a good deal provided you really do the math and check your prices. My Dad claims he saves money shopping there, but he's one of the ones coming out with the 4kg tub of cheezy puffs and 8L of barbecue sauce.... I have yet to convert him to my ways

[KrazE]

on average, how much are glasses? I just got my eyes checked and I'm quoted arund $500 at one place...that's with progressive lenses, coatings and stuff and ultra thin lenses....anyone able to give a comparison?

I have no idea what they charge at Costco, but when I needed glasses, I went to clearlycontacts.ca as they were extremely well priced.

[seylz_gurl]

we signed up for a yr to try it out. signed up again for glasses for DH as savings paid for the membership. we go there for specific things, gigantic jar of olives, pickles, the multigrain buns are very good too. you can find good deals on good quality socks, tshirts. the savings on gas swung us to sign up again too. i still price check when i go there though.

[4teenagers]

i love costco. my mom and i share the yearly fee and just split the bill when we go. when it comes to shopping there's not much else i like to do more but with 4 teenagers and a dh that gigantic jar of salsa-that most people laugh at and wonder who could even eat that much- doesn't last long in this house'

i do limit myself to only 1 costco visit per month and i have been known to self-impose a costco ban on myself when i need to watch the $$.

[thriftygranny]

They have the best prices hands down on Panko bread crumbs, garbage bags,spices and edamme beans and the meat is very good. Once you are done being overwhelmed it gets easier to just buy what you need!