Scot, Costco is targeted at upper middle class people. Their business practices are sound. Employees are paid well with good benefits unlike Wal-Mart/Sam's Club.

Also, Costco's return policy is among the best. You can basically return anything you buy in the store anytime except for computers. Computers still have a 6 month return policy.

 

Hot dog and drink = $1.50 WHAT A F'IN DEAL!

 

55 cents for a drink + refills? Can't get that kind of price anywhere. The food is great, kept fresh, and VERY cheap for the amount you get.

 

I hate Sam's. Love Costco. Best reasons to go (most already mentioned):
-beer, wine, liquor
-toiletries (razors, contact lens solution, misc. other stuff is WAAAAYYY cheap)
-oil
-gas
-stuff you know you'll end up buying somewhere else anyway (salad dressing, cereal, soda, rice, pasta, etc.)

My friend is 6'5", and is living in Japan for a year. He says he goes to Costco over there all the time... says it is the only place he can get "American-sized" food that doesn't leave him feeling hungry

I read somewhere that the markup on Costco merchandise is ridiculously low; they make most of their revenue on membership fees.

 

i have been a member since 85.. and i still see some of the same employees.. so they must be doing something right.

I love their return policy. had something for 1 year, and forgot to return it, they took it back.

The grocery section is good, but only if you are planning on storing it. if you don't have a big fridge, it might be better going somewhere else... since it would end up going bad.

Gas is $.10- .15 cheaper

Electronics, they have good deals, but you might be able to find better ones online somewhere. most of the stuff you get online with costco comes with free shipping.

It is well worth the membership. especially if you have the amex card or the preferred costco membership, you end up receiving a rebate back and it pays for the membership.

 

Sort of, they also have lots of business contracts, Amex contracts, etc...and I'm sure they get some amazing deals from suppliers.

On a bit of a side note, one that I found funny, I was working a shareholders meeting for Costco and the CEO was talking (wearing his cheap costco clothes) he said the biggest complaint they get he won't fix...people want express lanes...his comment, "why am I going to reward people with an express lane when our business model is to sell/buy in bulk?" Made me laugh and plan my trips better knowing I'll never see an express lane at Costco (I was working camera for the meeting so I had to pay attention...it's the only part I remember).

--

 

my costco card is dated 07/1991...

family owned business are great in concept, pathetic in execution. COST > BJ > sam's club

 

funny how no one mentioned 100% return w/o a question

 

Yeah, they did. 7 posts before yours.

Well, it was inferred anyway.

 

You can always return your TV and upgrade it