Darth_Lukecash: namatad: Customers may believe they're paying for a chance to save money, but some experts think membership fees actually cause consumers to spend more.

spend more than what??
more than similar people who are not members?

so these people buy food and then dont eat it - more?
or they buy more at costco and less at other stores?

when adjusted for geo-demographics, do costco shoppers buy more or less in total than other shoppers?
meh, I could look this up on my work computer, but then I cant share the results

Here's the so-called theory. You go into Warehouse store. You buy shiat in bulk: So instead of buying 5 dollars in cookies, you buy the BIGO'BOX of cookies at say $15. Now the BIGO'BOX of cookies may have 4 boxes of cookies in it, So you just saved a $5dollars. But did you really need that many boxes of cookies right now? And you still have to buy food for the week.

People with big families will save a lot more, and they can eat through the massive amounts of perishables quickly. Or if you have lots of freezer space/storage.

For me Cosco is worth it because I get my hearing aids and batteries incredibly cheap. (Paying $1,700 vs paying $3,500) Gas is also twenty cents cheaper. I also get bulk stuff I know can store (Toliet paper, cleaning supplies,)

If I ever do manage to work myself out of this area I'm in, I can get a freezer and fridge and stock up on some stuff.

How often do you buy hearing aids? I have some that I got 7 years ago. They work great. I don't have a couple/several grand to replace them.

Too_many_Brians: revrendjim: Jamdug!: Is Costco any different from Sam's Club? I don't think there are Costco stores in my area.

Yes, Costco has quality meat and produce.

but don't buy the potatoes or apples. They are frozen in shipment and become mealy faster than store bought usually.

and yes i tested it. store bag lasts in the dark for about 3 weeks, costco usually one goes in a week and then by the end of the 2nd week you are trimming large quantity of potato darkness.

/takes potatoes seriously.

I'd suggest that you do a little research on "sprout inhibitors". If your potatoes last three weeks at near-room temperatures, I can practically guarantee that they've been treated.

I went to Costco the other day and used the ATM, but all it would give me were $30 bills. I know everything comes bigger at warehouse club stores, but come on!!

HalfPiper: /you need more stuff
//obscure?

Love that episode. So awesome.

Used to go to Sams and Costco....but I am single w a small apartment...so buying bulk I can't do

But, I can see how money can be saved...esp on canned goods,

However, with Aldi in my area, I can get cheap stuff...although not the name brand...Aldi store brands are actually quite good compared to the name brands

RogermcAllen:
I have never seen separate lanes for membership type. If the line in front is too long, just check out at the cigarettes, bakery, or pharmacy.


They used to have business only lanes. They haven't done that in years, though.

RogermcAllen: wing

So when you walk into the store you are overly burdened by pulling out a card? You have to pull out your credit card to pay at the checkout anyway, just pull out both cards when you walk into the store and put them in your pocket for easy access when you check out.

A huge burden, no? A pain in the ass when someone yapping on the phone is surprised when they have to do it, put down their phone, dig through their shiat and fine their card and the octagenarian checking the codes want to wait for them rather than look at your card? Yes. Let me in the damn store. Can't they check your membership at checkout?



Sam's sells thing that are a lot more expensive than the grocery store. Stealing a $1 candy bar isn't a big deal, but small consumer electronics can get expensive quickly.



And so do many other stores. Hell Wal-Mart and Target do and I don't show my receipt to them. On occasion they may ask, but I don't have to do it. In my experience with an shop that check receipts, I've never seen them dig through the bags to verify what I have in them. They just glance at the paper and the buggy and hit the receipt with a marker. If you've somehow countered the buzzer tags, they'd never know. The only time I can see it helping is with large, very obvious items, like the TV mentioned. If you've stashed an iPod in a buggy full stuff, they'd never see it.


I have never seen separate lanes for membership type. If the line in front is too long, just check out at the cigarettes, bakery, or pharmacy.

The last time I was in a Sam's was over ten years ago. It was the first time I saw such a thing there and the last time I was in the store. Maybe it was short lived trial thing. I really didn't care any more at that point.

wingnut396: I really don't care. Their loss prevention is not my concern (aside from alledgely higher prices). At some corporate level, it was decided that not having to pay for a human cashier is a better payoff than an increase in shrinkage. The consideration of 'time saved' or whatever marketing spin was giving to sell it consumers was undoubtably at a back seat to real cost analysis.

No one likes the self checkouts. You, me, the cashiers that work there....no one. It never works right and you have to get a cashier anyway.

But the "TSA screening" is what you agree to when shopping at a warehouse store, where you can grab stuff and simply head to the door without paying anything.
Or would you prefer the hard sell of extended warranty you get at WorstBuy, after the sales bozo spends 30 minutes not finding the thing you want to buy?

There are three products at Sams Club that I buy frequently. For business.

The savings add up to more than the the cost of membership.

The other things I buy are either bonuses or otherwise unavailable.

/I doubt any of you have a Uline account.

Tax Boy: Jamdug!: Is Costco any different from Sam's Club?

Yes. Costco loves you.

[homepage.mac.com image 450x227]

I love you.

YouPeopleAreCrazy: wingnut396: I really don't care. Their loss prevention is not my concern (aside from alledgely higher prices). At some corporate level, it was decided that not having to pay for a human cashier is a better payoff than an increase in shrinkage. The consideration of 'time saved' or whatever marketing spin was giving to sell it consumers was undoubtably at a back seat to real cost analysis.

No one likes the self checkouts. You, me, the cashiers that work there....no one. It never works right and you have to get a cashier anyway.

But the "TSA screening" is what you agree to when shopping at a warehouse store, where you can grab stuff and simply head to the door without paying anything.
Or would you prefer the hard sell of extended warranty you get at WorstBuy, after the sales bozo spends 30 minutes not finding the thing you want to buy?

I don't see how grabbing stuff and heading out the door is really any different for a warehouse store and any other store. You can grab a TV off the shelf at WalMart and roll it out the door as well. I think there was video of something like that not too long ago.

Yup, and since I don't agree to such things, it is one of the reason's I'll pass on warehouse stores. If they want to accuse me of theft, come out and do it. I usually don't have a problem on places like WorstBuy as I usually only buy small things that don't have a huge discount online, like games or movies. I don't get a hardsell for a warranty on that or get pestered for a receipt when they see I have just come out of the checkout area and then out the door.

This is all predicated on what I saw when I was last in one, I'll admit things may have changed. Back then, small expensived items were in locked cases that an associate had to open. Often, like at the jewelry section, you could pay there. This is how it is in most big box stores today and I would think is very similar in warehouse stores as well.

Funny, because my wife and I did just that... We spent almost $500 at Costco yesterday for bulk stuff, then I bought smaller things at Target today (Target store brand stuff ain't bad either, suprisingly). Since we've got a wee one, Costco is particularly nice for things like baby wipes and diapers. Also, dirt cheap prices on clothing.

Another thing Costco has over Sam's Club: far less Chinese-made crap. I can rest assured that things I buy at Costco aren't coated with thick layers of lead, melamine, and cadmium.

If you aren't taking advantage of Costco pizza (and from this thread... looks like a lot of you aren't) you have much to learn about life... and pizza.

Costco is a fun place to spend the 5 hours it takes them to rotate your tires.

Pray 4 Mojo: If you aren't taking advantage of Costco pizza (and from this thread... looks like a lot of you aren't) you have much to learn about life... and pizza.

also, a footlong Polish sausage inna bun and a drink for a buck fifty.

Mantour: Costco vs Wal-mart:


[windsofchange.net image 457x378]

Costco supports progressive causes. Walmart supports Republicans.

wingnut396: This is all predicated on what I saw when I was last in one, I'll admit things may have changed. Back then, small expensived items were in locked cases that an associate had to open. Often, like at the jewelry section, you could pay there. This is how it is in most big box stores today and I would think is very similar in warehouse stores as well.

At the club Ms YPAC works in...the jewelry is locked up, but the TVs are in boxes under the display. Walk up, put one on the flatbed, head to the checkout line.
Or bypass the checkout line, and follow the direct path from display to front door to parking lot. That's why they have someone at the door, doing the TSA level interrogation.

I get that you don't like going there. For us, it saves some $$ and hassle.

Warehouse stores are great cause you can find wonderful bargains like 4 gallon buckets of mayonnaise.

docfate: GodDAMN I wish Costcos in Canada sold booze.

They do. It's labelled "vanilla extract".

Incontinental_Drift: Costco supports progressive causes. Walmart supports Republicans.

I'm pretty sure I could find a prominent non-Republican who was on the Walmart board of directors for several years. I wonder who that was.

From the comments: "One thing the article failed to mention was that with Costco and Sam's (but not with BJ's) the meat and produce are a full grade above supermarket quality. That means that the meat you buy is not only slightly cheaper than the supermarket, it is a higher grade as well. Even at the same price as the supermarket, it would still be a good deal."
^^^^
This and the almonds, the canned tuna, and those pita chips. And in fascist free states like Florida they sell alcohol at damn near cost. (Sigh, stuck in the People's Republic of Maryland at the moment where such things are illegal.)

Some things though are actually the same price or more expensive then your grocery story. You really need to know your prices.

I go to Costco for their Berry slushi at the fast food counter..yummy..well worth the membership.

jaytkay: Warehouse stores are great cause you can find wonderful bargains like 4 gallon buckets of mayonnaise.

I heard that if you fill a swimming pool with it and walk very quickly, you can make it to the bathroom before you vomit.

LincolnLogolas: Pray 4 Mojo: If you aren't taking advantage of Costco pizza (and from this thread... looks like a lot of you aren't) you have much to learn about life... and pizza.

also, a footlong Polish sausage inna bun and a drink for a buck fifty.

WITH free refills!!!!

On the drink... not the bun.

"Even though I spent over $500, I probably will have to go to the grocery store tomorrow."

Because you're still hungry after eating that flatscreen TV.

YouPeopleAreCrazy: Incontinental_Drift: Costco supports progressive causes. Walmart supports Republicans.

I'm pretty sure I could find a prominent non-Republican who was on the Walmart board of directors for several years. I wonder who that was.

The Freepers say "Support Walmart, Not Costco" Link so I think I'll stick with Costco, thanks.

Mayo in 5-gal tubs. Gotta love it.

Jamdug!: Is Costco any different from Sam's Club? I don't think there are Costco stores in my area.

Costco has good produce, deli, and bakery items. They also have a great selection of wines and beers (not sure about the hard stuff). It also is not owned by the Walton family, so that's nice. The one in Middleton also has a nice lunch special on all-beef franks served at a small food counter inside the store.

Incontinental_Drift: The Freepers say "Support Walmart, Not Costco" Link so I think I'll stick with Costco, thanks.

From your link:
"Wednesday, July 21, 2004"

That same year, a then and current prominent Democrat said: 'her time on the board ''was a great experience in every respect." '

But you go ahead with your Freeper dislike, and disdain for Walmart because Freepers apparently support it. Those who you choose to follow will continue to see and use you as a useful tool.

I buy a bag of chicken breast, a box of protein bars, a bag of fish, strawberrys, large box of eggs, coaches oats, blueberries, other fruits, an muscle milk. It takes about 2 weeks eat everything.
I also stop by the grocery store to pick up a pineapple and bananas and my other vegetables.
About $150-$170 every two weeks for two people.

Draskuul: Meh, the only reason I have a Costco membership is for prescription glasses. Even after the membership fee and them not accepting insurance their prices beat everyone out there, even Wal-mart, by a huge amount. Of course I can still do an out-of-network reimbursement request off my insurance making it even better.

Medical prescriptions are also a bit cheaper, even cheaper than Wal-mart's "top 500" or whatever generics they do cheap.

There just isn't that much I'd care to by there. I try to avoid too much frozen/processed crap, which accounts for at least half of what carry (in terms of food). There are some fair deals in other areas. The problem is *having* to buy in such bulk amounts. It's hard to walk out of there without spending low three-figures.

in Canada (BC at least, but the pharm stuff should be coutry wide), you can walk into a Costco without a membership ( show your prescription at the door) and pay for your cheap prescrip meds at the pharmacy. there ya go:-)

/fyi

the savings i get from buying dog food at costco more than pays for the membership.
/$15 per month from costco
// $60 per month for a similar quality food from the pet store

Costco brand beer anybody?

exvaxman: Someone had mentioned H-Mart.
Incredible prices, good quality. I bought a dozen lobsters (1.25 lbs each) for $5 a piece live. They actually were very fresh and not starved in the tank. Best next bet was $15.

The local H-mart to me is 120 miles round trip. I usually take a couple asian neighbors on the trip and several coolers. The two women just go crazy there. We had to change from my small high mileage cat to a minivan for their purchases.



Remember, shop smart- shop H-Mart!

Gas, diapers, wipes, toilet paper, paper towels, kleenex and maple syrup (real maple syrup, not that maple flavored corn syrup crap). All those things make it worth the membership.

Jamdug!: Is Costco any different from Sam's Club? I don't think there are Costco stores in my area.

Worker complaints at Costco arent addressed with a legal hit-team or a worker reclassification - the meat cutters and contracted sample servers are a big example of both at WMT.



They actually give a fark about theirIncontinental_Drift: YouPeopleAreCrazy: Incontinental_Drift: Costco supports progressive causes. Walmart supports Republicans.

I'm pretty sure I could find a prominent non-Republican who was on the Walmart board of directors for several years. I wonder who that was.

Hillary Clinton, and that was before the company went all derpy on their workers & suppliers.


The Freepers say "Support Walmart, Not Costco" Link so I think I'll stick with Costco, thanks.
As a Republican(registered, and not of the pro-ALEC type), I'd favor Costco for the labor relations freedom. It's not freedom if you grant it only to one party.

revrendjim: Jamdug!: Is Costco any different from Sam's Club? I don't think there are Costco stores in my area.

Yes, Costco has quality meat and produce.

And cheaper gas.

Case in point: Costco card gas in Eureka, CA Friday was $4.39. In Medford, OR 24 hours prior to that it was $3.94. $3.97 as of noon Saturday. What did that mean to me? Home cooked meal from a Cali girl that went the distance for the weekend, and saved money. And make it worth her time and travel.

/yes sir
//.40/gal does make a difference if you can cook Costco chicken together.
///get the fark out of my way.

Alicious: You should check out Zenni optical for prescription glasses. I've been using them for several years now & am very pleased with the selection and the prices. My glasses were under $70 and that included the shipping (4.95).

Many of those online places don't support the high-index type lenses I prefer. Also, I prefer to have someone I can hell at in person and hold accountable when they screw up something as vital as my glasses!


strutin: in Canada (BC at least, but the pharm stuff should be coutry wide), you can walk into a Costco without a membership ( show your prescription at the door) and pay for your cheap prescrip meds at the pharmacy. there ya go:-)

Harry_Seldon: You don't need a membership at Costco to use the pharmacy.

Yep, same in California at least. The actual optical department doesn't count in the 'open access rules' though, and that's my main reason for joining.