question about costco

[GameBoy27]

I like shopping at Costco because they have consistently low prices on stuff like:

- Butter
- Shrimp
- Cheese
- Cleaning Products
- Cat Litter
- Toilet Paper
- Paper Towels
- Propane (and gas but I won't line up for it)
- Avocado Oil

Just to name a few...

They also carry lots of products I haven't seen anywhere else.

 

[SkyRider]

Still seems to to be a big PITA IMO. Hard way to earn 2%

In the real world, some people value that 2%. In fact, I have seen people at the check-out counter redeem 50 cent coupons and Canadian Tire money. Some people also stock up when stuff goes on sale. One time the lady in front of me at the check-out exceeded her limit for the coffee special so I bought the excess for her. (Yes, she offered to reimburse me for the cost.)

 

[rubbertugger]

One of my female friends has a Costco membership. She encourages me and her other friends to do our shopping through her so she could accumulate more points. I wouldn't be surprised if some other members also do shopping for their friends and families to accumulate more points.

I'm surprised you don't charge her a fee for the priveledge of letting you use her card. seems like it would be right up your alley.

 

[Mable]

Cosco makes almost all there profit off of the membership fee. Think about, they get cold hard cash up front. That is where the profit is. Not that this is bad. They have great products and you can save a lot of money.

 

[Ceiling Cat]

In the real world, some people value that 2%. In fact, I have seen people at the check-out counter redeem 50 cent coupons and Canadian Tire money. Some people also stock up when stuff goes on sale. One time the lady in front of me at the check-out exceeded her limit for the coffee special so I bought the excess for her. (Yes, she offered to reimburse me for the cost.)

Saving 2% can add up, but there are times when I can save up to 80%. If you check the flyers every week you will find items at Canadian Tire where it is discounted 50-60-75 and sometimes 80% off. At 80% even if I do not need the item now, I will buy it for future use. As for coffee, I have three large cans of Presidents Choice coffee, sometimes they go as low as $7.99 a can. It is good by itself, but if you really want to make it special get some good quality whole coffee beans and roast it in a wok for a minute ( let cool ) and then grind and add 25% to the PC coffee. At a recent diner party I did that and you should have seen my guest head for the coffee. It was like opening a bag of catnip in a room full of cats.

 

[SkyRider]

Cosco makes almost all there profit off of the membership fee. Think about, they get cold hard cash up front.

Probably similar to the fee for "extended warranty" charged by electronics store. Cold hard cash upfront.

 

[good to go]

Go to the us and pay $20 for a costco membership.

 

[Mable]

Probably similar to the fee for "extended warranty" charged by electronics store. Cold hard cash upfront.

You got it; never buy that extended shit.

 

[shrek71]

Cosco makes almost all there profit off of the membership fee. Think about, they get cold hard cash up front. That is where the profit is. Not that this is bad. They have great products and you can save a lot of money.

I highly doubt that. The fee is annual, so they would need boat loads of people renewing everyday to make that a main profit center. I saw a documentary on Costco and the CEO of the place said they only mark up items 15% and continue to find ways to optimize processes to keep costs low and that is how they make their billions in annual profits. 1 example sited was the lengths Costco went to keep the price of their hotdogs at $1.50 at their lunch counter.

 

[GameBoy27]

Probably similar to the fee for "extended warranty" charged by electronics store. Cold hard cash upfront.

You're comparing an extended warranty to a Costco membership? Not even close. If you do the math, it makes sense to buy at Costco even if you have to buy a membership. At least it does for us.

1 example sited was the lengths Costco went to keep the price of their hotdogs at $1.50 at their lunch counter.

That's nice, but I can't eat hot dogs. So disgusting!

 

[lovelatinas]

okay, thanks guys. Sounds a bit to risky that I'll get to the cash and look like a fool if they call me out on it...lol.

If the photo on the card looks like a black booty lover than you good. LOL!!!

 

[black booty lover]

You were also wondering how diligently they check the card while checking out. So my answer is a legitimate answer..

I read your entire post, I just didn't read all of your additional posts.

Right, because if I was going to go there, and saw something I liked, I figured might as well give it a shot since I'm already there.


Also, that's exactly what I meant by reading all of my post. I was talking about my additional posts.

 

[TeasePlease]

In the real world, some people value that 2%)

i know. I do. I also collect airmiles religiously. It's one thing to make it part of your routine. I was referring to going out of my way to accommodate taking friends to costco to get their 2%.

Cosco makes almost all there profit off of the membership fee. Think about, they get cold hard cash up front. That is where the profit is. Not that this is bad. They have great products and you can save a lot of money.

actually, the membership is chump change. Costco makes a pretty penny from holding our cash well before it has to pay its suppliers. Remember, it only accepts cash or Amex. It has a special deal with Amex. It has an incredible treasury function.

 

[elise]

I'm a big Costco fan as well. It is a great place to get tires for the car especially when Michelin has a coupon for $80 off a set of four. Their repair policy is excellent for nails etc.

Costco isn't for everyone and not an always for me either. For example if I need ketchup I'm not going to get a 4 litre tub from Costco no matter how much cheaper it works out per unit volume.

Very often Costco will bring in items that are unique and interesting. The draw back is that they don't stay in inventory very long. It will be there for a month or so and then the product disappears from their shelves. They have items that they will always stock that are good deals too like paper towels and toilet paper.

Another benefit is their website Costco.ca where I've ordered things like bed frames, headboards, clock radios etc. - if you don't like it and want a refund you just take it back to the store, no hassle with return shipping costs.

Typically quality stuff at a decent price with a good return policy.

 

[elise]

Remember, it only accepts cash or Amex.

You can use debit (interac) cards as well.
They also take cheques (company cheques for sure, not so sure on personal).

 

[Ceiling Cat]

Costco isn't for everyone and not an always for me either. For example if I need ketchup I'm not going to get a 4 litre tub from Costco no matter how much cheaper it works out per unit volume.

At about $5 for the 4 liter can, the cost is close to the 750 ml. size you get at Loblaws and you get 5 times as much. I buy a can and give 2/3 away to family. You can refill your ketchup bottle by scooping the ketchup into rinsed out milk bags and snipping the corner and then squeezing the ketchup into the old ketchup bottles.

BTW- The ketchup bottle plastic is different from other plastics, it is best that you refill old ketchup bottles because it is made not to discolor or degrade from vinegar.

 

[AdamH]

Right, because if I was going to go there, and saw something I liked, I figured might as well give it a shot since I'm already there.


Also, that's exactly what I meant by reading all of my post. I was talking about my additional posts.

Right, so my point was valid. You'd likely make an asshole out of yourself by being turned away at the cash..

Next time you want to accuse somebody of not reading ALL OF YOUR POSTS (multiple), then say so.. Don't accuse them of not reading your entire POST (singular).. It's important to be clear and concise in these forums.

 

[AdamH]

I find service at Costco is pretty much top tier for a big box store.

I don't actually ever find much at Costco to be cheaper than say No Frills or Walmart, but their quality is so much higher that it's not really comparing apples to apples.

Outside of Walmart (which I've decided to never shop at again based on their shitty business practices) Costco the cheapest place to buy diapers, wipes, shaving cream, razors, and other toiletries. They're a great place to pick up basic clothing (my kid's pajamas for instance)... They often have pretty good deals on their electronics.. And I have to admit that I'm a sucker for their $1.50 hot dogs..

 

[elise]

At about $5 for the 4 liter can it is close to the 750 ml. size you get at Loblaws and you get 5 times as much. I buy a can and give 2/3 away to family. You can refill your ketchup bottle by scooping the ketchup into rinsed out milk bags and snipping the corner and then squeezing the ketchup into the old ketchup bottles.

BTW- The ketchup bottle plastic is different from other plastics, it is best that you refill old ketchup bottles because it is made not to discolor or degrade from vinegar.

I've done similar things where you get multiple bottles (like a 2 pack) and given them to others. Its great if others can benefit, but if you have no place to do that, it either goes bad before you can use it up or jams your fridge with huge items.

Then again, they sometimes have good deals on fridges/freezers - get an extra fridge?

Another item I find a better deal at Costco is razor blades (I prefer blades to electric shavers). Those freakin Gillette fusion blades are a ripoff necessity for me. You get 15 or 20 blades with an up front cost but its a lot cheaper in the end compared to getting them at shoppers or wally mart. Great price when there is a coupon available.

 

[elise]

. And I have to admit that I'm a sucker for their $1.50 hot dogs..

You forgot to mention that you get a free fountain soda with that buck fifty dog too !