I've been feeding my cat Costco's "Kirkland Maintenance Cat" brand food for three years.

That stuff is lousy.*

Damn cat hasn't fixed a single thing.

/*Actually, it's really good.

borg: twidgetfitch: [lovegoodbeer.com image 400x300]

Costco brand beer anybody?

It's made by Gordon Biersch in San Jose and is good stuff! in fact I just opened a pale ale.

They also make many of the Trader Joe's varieties, no?

One more reason that elevates Costco - the CEO limits his salary. For an international chain of warehouses, knowing the CEO only takes home 300k is rather novel.

Granted, that was 10 years ago when I worked the photo department there.

If we HAD a Cosco I might join. Sams? Nah, I got problems with depression already.

One more time -- buying electronics at Costco is a no brainer. No restocking fee on duds, doubles the manu warranty.

And yes, you must know the "real" prices of things to know if bulk is really a deal. Sometimes it is just retail scaled up for a pallet-size.

Suburban people problems.

I love Costco. Of course you can spend a ton of money in there. But if you aren't a moron and do a lot of impulse shopping, you are going to save money. For example, gasoline prices are 10-20 cents cheaper than the stations in the same area. I can stock up on meat for the month and pay a lot less than the local grocery stores. Butter is way cheaper. So are things like vitamins, milk, eggs etc. The auto buyers program is great; and so is the program where you can get a central air and a furnace...........this last one saved me a ton of money.

There are certain things I won't buy there. Dog food............crap dog food in there or any big box store. I only buy my dogs the best and you can only get that in regular pet stores. Certain veggies or fruits but not because of the quality, rather because we wouldn't go through that particular item before half of it goes to waste.

Oh yes, and get the executive membership. It costs more, but I usually get the full price of the membership back in a rebate check at the end of the year.

I comparison shopped the items I buy regularly at Wal-mart, my local grocery store, and a Big Box store (I think it was Costco).

Costco forced me to buy over 2x as much physical stuff as any of the other stores, and the unit savings was miniscule, if any. I used to be an anti-Wal-Mart snob until my salary got cut 60% in the economic downturn. Now I shop wherever the prices are lowest, which means *sigh* Wal-mart.

There are several things I won't buy at Wal-mart, though. Their deli meat is atrociously bad. Their produce also sucks, generally. We have a farmer's market on campus every week in the good weather and I get most of my produce from Farmer Steve or whatever his name is. I'm on a waiting list for a garden plot in the local community garden, so I can grow my own someday.

I_Am_Weasel: Whether it's a warehouse store, supermarket or dollar store, the savings on money comes from being a smart shopper.

Exactly.

Wasting money on stuff you don't need or can't use is just as stupid at Costco or Sam's Club as it is anywhere else. With food and sundries, it also helps to take some notes on prices at the grocery store so you have a basis for comparison.

Their prices on clothing can be very good, as long as you want to buy what they happen to be selling. And their very liberal return policies for electronics beat the crap out of that extended warranty that the salescritter at Best Buy tried to shove up your ass.

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

Yes, Costco comes without the a$$hole employees.

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

They are similar. However, Costco is cleaner and carries better quality items. And you also get the rebate with the Executive membership.........even more of a rebate if you have the American Express tied to the membership. With Sam's the only rebate you get is if you use the Discover Card.

BJs allows the use of coupons, both manufacturer and their own. You can even double, triple, quadruple, etc. the coupons. Assuming all you buy is toilet paper, you can make back the membership fee in about 6 months (assuming 1 trip every 2 weeks). That doesn't count savings on other items through stacking coupons and buying in bulk rather than smaller amounts in stores with higher markups.

Warehouse stores are great places to save money, assuming you SHOP SMART.

/Shop Smart, Shop S-Mart!

Pocket Ninja: I feel that I should have the authority to beat about the head and shoulders with a bamboo cane those individuals who use the word "proponent" to describe their feelings toward warehouse-bought frozen lasagna.

I'm a single guy who likes to save money, so I bought a Costco-sized lasagna and lived off it for a week and a half.

Whatever money I saved was eaten up by my trip to the emergency room at the end of the week and a half. I thought I was dying of a bowel obstruction, but it turned out to be just the worst constipation I have ever experienced. I can't believe they just prescribed a laxative and sent me on my way. I was begging them for morphine.

So I'm not a proponent of warehouse-bought frozen lasagna for single guys. If you're a family of 10, OK.

So I'm not a proponent of warehouse-bought frozen lasagna for single guys. If you're a family of 10, OK.

LOL

Ok, if you want good lasagna I'll send a recipe. You'd just have to get a bunch of small microwave safe containers so you can build single serving sized portions and freeze them for later baking. Store bought any Italian food..........eeeeeeeeeeew!

YouPeopleAreCrazy: 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.

Maybe my local BJ's is different. Or maybe because I haven't flown in over 10 years I only have what the TV portrays the TSA to be and a few anecdotes to go on. But isn't the TSA screening slightly more involved than "take quick look at basket, punch hole in receipt"?

superdude72: Pocket Ninja: I feel that I should have the authority to beat about the head and shoulders with a bamboo cane those individuals who use the word "proponent" to describe their feelings toward warehouse-bought frozen lasagna.

I'm a single guy who likes to save money, so I bought a Costco-sized lasagna and lived off it for a week and a half.

Whatever money I saved was eaten up by my trip to the emergency room at the end of the week and a half. I thought I was dying of a bowel obstruction, but it turned out to be just the worst constipation I have ever experienced. I can't believe they just prescribed a laxative and sent me on my way. I was begging them for morphine.


If you're going to live on something as cheese-laden as lasagna for a week and a half, you'd better be adding some dried fruit to your diet.

Morphine for constipation? Wait, you aren't the same Farker who complained about people overcharging you for aspirin when you're bleeding to death, are you?

Generic baby formula,store brand wipes/diapers, and milk prices are worth the membership to B.J.'s.

/also worth it to see puzzled responses to fb postings about eating at 5 Guys after B.J.'s.

evaned: exvaxman: I'm surprised how many people say that the save with costco gas. There is only a two cent differential by me - cheaper to go to a local chain like Fleet Farm or Woodman's.

I've heard it varies by states depending on their pricing laws. Some places they're not allowed to cut the cost as a loss leader or something -- WI must be one of those places. But I can't vouch firsthand; I think I've been in one of those places exactly once.

What struck me was how stupid expensive groceries in WI were. Maybe you are right, I know milk and cheese are price protected there. For a flyover state that grows tons of food? Pricing was insane.

No Costco here, no Sam's either. I go to the farmer's market, an awesome local butcher and buy the other stuff on sale when I can.

Cluckity: Also, this idea that you're 'getting your money back' from somewhere you paid to shop is farking weird.

They don't do memberships because they make money on people buying them and then not shopping.

They can negotiate for lower prices by the manufacturer by saying - we have X number of members, and if you don't lower your prices, a competitor will possibly bid lower than you. The subsidy comment is also somewhat correct, I presume - but to my point - that's largely the reason.

Cluckity: evaned:
Eh, it's like gym memberships. People who get it and don't use it subsidize part of the cost of the people who do. So even assuming you're right in the large, that doesn't mean that it's true for everyone.

Costco doesn't need the memberships at all. It's a marketing gimmick to make you feel loyal and special, and make you feel like you need to purchase enough product to justify the membership. The savings come from the fact Costco buys large quantities of a few products from a limited number of suppliers, not from the membership fees.

You are joking I assume...the membership fees make up almost a billion dollars in pure profit for Costco and is very likely something they do "need"...

justoneznot: Like you can save 10 cents per jar of peanut butter if you get a box of 12 jars.

You need to take another stroll and redo your math. You only have to buy two large jars of peanut butter, and that stuff lasts for almost two years, so if you eat peanut butter at all, it won't go bad. And those two large jars are quite literally a third the price of the same amount in a Kroger or Safeway. Not a third off - a third the price.

I buy pretty much evertything from Costco.

Clothing, food, Computer, electronics (TV), furniture, freezer.

When I was drinking milk it was approx $1 /gallon cheaper at Costco than grocery stores, and the gas is usually 10-20 cents cheaper too (not to mention the Amex True Earnings Business 4% cashback on gas).

I'm executive member, so I also get a 2% rebate from Costco that covers my membership - and then every february I get a True Earnings rebate as well.

Worth it to me, but yes if you are not careful you will walk out of there with $500 worth of stuff you don't need and still have nothing to eat.

HoneyDog: They are similar. However, Costco is cleaner and carries better quality items.

I can't agree with this enough. Costco ribeyes in my area are some of the best quality cuts that I've seen, and I have no idea why. Kirkland brand anything fails to disappoint, and this stuff (despite being microwave chicken) is amazingly delicious:


If it wasn't for the consistently good quality, I'd say fark it and just shop at HEB for everything.

GoodyearPimp: YouPeopleAreCrazy: 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.

Maybe my local BJ's is different. Or maybe because I haven't flown in over 10 years I only have what the TV portrays the TSA to be and a few anecdotes to go on. But isn't the TSA screening slightly more involved than "take quick look at basket, punch hole in receipt"?

I called it TSA because is it generally useless.

I have heard two comments on why it is needed.

1. Because they carry small electronics that are easily concealed in other goods and can be snuck out. I say it is useless as the receipt checker is making a quick glance at your items. How will they know you have squirrled away 4 64GB sd cards in with your tubs of miracle whip?

2. Because people can walk out with large items like TVs. Well, its not really useless to check customers with huge items. I really don't have a problem with checking unbagged large items. Of course, they can do like other stores and put a sticker or some other highly visible proof of purchase on the item when you check out.

Again, to me it seems to be useless theater. It supposedly grants security simply through the having the facade of security. I have never seen retirees they usually hire to work the door at such places really look to see what you have in your basket. Its a silly waste of time for all involved.

Minoritydan: I buy pretty much evertything from Costco.

Clothing, food, Computer, electronics (TV), furniture, freezer.

When I was drinking milk it was approx $1 /gallon cheaper at Costco than grocery stores, and the gas is usually 10-20 cents cheaper too (not to mention the Amex True Earnings Business 4% cashback on gas).

I'm executive member, so I also get a 2% rebate from Costco that covers my membership - and then every february I get a True Earnings rebate as well.

This. And the truly crazy thing is they'll CASH your rebate check and send you out the door with $500-$1000 in your pocket. IF a Costco is any where near you and IF you have the discipline to pay off your credit card bills monthly, not buy crap you don't need it the surest thing to free money going.

Pocket Ninja: I feel that I should have the authority to beat about the head and shoulders with a bamboo cane those individuals who use the word "proponent" to describe their feelings toward warehouse-bought frozen lasagna.

I am a proponent of buying Head and Shoulders shampoo by the 30 gallon drum at Costco.

sprawl15: HoneyDog: They are similar. However, Costco is cleaner and carries better quality items.

I can't agree with this enough. Costco ribeyes in my area are some of the best quality cuts that I've seen, and I have no idea why. Kirkland brand anything fails to disappoint, and this stuff (despite being microwave chicken) is amazingly delicious:
[img571.imageshack.us image 243x315]

If it wasn't for the consistently good quality, I'd say fark it and just shop at HEB for everything.

Because nothing says "quality" like frozen processed pre-cooked chicken!

jst3p: Because nothing says "quality" like frozen processed pre-cooked chicken!

Which is exactly what I said until I tried it. Seriously, it's fantastic.

LincolnLogolas: 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.

Target Diapers are cheaper than Costco diapers. My wife and I did the per-unit math and Target beat Costco and Wal*mart for diapers. Costco wipes are cheaper, though.

I have a family and I live in suburbia, Costco works out for us. But usually, we are only buying meat, vitawaters and long-lasting stuff for lunches (lunchmeat, string-cheese, jerky). Throwing stuff out because I haven't used it before it went bad isn't usually a problem for us because we don't buy that stuff - also non-perishables: cleaning stuff garbage bags, laundry/dish detergent, etc. Also we get everything Kirkland brand possible.

I'll only buy produce there if I know we can get through it all, apples usually and that's it. The rest of my produce I get from the International market near my kid's daycare. It's always fresh because they cycle through it so fast and it's dirt cheap, plus the variety is absurd.

Also, Kirkland Brand beer is surprisingly good. Here it's like ~$18 for a case (24), usually 4 different sixers, I forget what exactly, like a Wit, and Amber, a pale Ale, and maybe an IPA? It's contract brewed depending on where you are, on the east coast it's Contract Brewed by the same brewery that makes Saranac.

Plus, if you're a homebrewer the bottles are pry-off and the labels come off easily. The LHBS will sell you a case of empty bottles for almost the same price, so you can think of it like buying bottles with free beer inside.

YouPeopleAreCrazy: 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.

The behavior of a corporation towards its employees matters much more to me than who sits on the board. The people I know that work at Costco feel that they are treated well, and Mantour's chart supports what I've heard directly from Costco employees.

And I'm in awe of your special powers that allow you to know who I choose to follow , unless you're suggesting I'd be better off following the Freepers. But anyone who sees Reality as something to be embraced rather than disdained as "yet another example of liberal bias" would have a hard time following that path.

RogermcAllen: What does the regular grocery store have that Sam's doesn't?

Apparently about tens of thousands of items.

sethstorm: 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.

Well said. I pine for the days when the Republican party was represented in the majority by folks like yourself. My Republican friends are also of your ilk (and, interestingly, voted for Obama last time; don't know if they will this time).

I'm gonna piss off a bunch of CostCo fanboys here.

I got the executive membership and used it for almost a year. It was through my gym and included a coupon book and two $10 gift cards to CostCo as well. I got the 2% back which ended up being about $45 dollars. Two days before my membership was set to expire for the year, went to customer service and got a full refund for $100 (it's $110 now for the executive). So I got the bonus of all the savings and much more including the membership fee back.

HoneyDog: I love Costco. Of course you can spend a ton of money in there. But if you aren't a moron and do a lot of impulse shopping, you are going to save money. For example, gasoline prices are 10-20 cents cheaper than the stations in the same area. I can stock up on meat for the month and pay a lot less than the local grocery stores. Butter is way cheaper. So are things like vitamins, milk, eggs etc. The auto buyers program is great; and so is the program where you can get a central air and a furnace...........this last one saved me a ton of money.

There are certain things I won't buy there. Dog food............crap dog food in there or any big box store. I only buy my dogs the best and you can only get that in regular pet stores.

.

The Costco dog food is actually very highly rated. Why do you say it's crap?

RogermcAllen:

Besides, my mom is my guest member so it is really only $37.50 a year.

You know who else is a Costco member?


MY MOM!

stpauler: I'm gonna piss off a bunch of CostCo fanboys here.... So I got the bonus of all the savings and much more including the membership fee back.

Doesn't piss me off, but it should piss you off that you acknowledge you saved money, yet you refused to continue being a member.

Costco: no
Sam's Club: no
BJ's: no
Any other membership-based warehouse "discount" store: no

People who shop at these only think they are saving money. They never consider how much of the bulk foods they buy go to waste. Buying a years' worth of toilet paper, paper towels, sanitary pads, etc. and storing it your basement or garage? You're storing a major fire hazard.

Also, these places can sell pet food cheaper because they sell cheap, poorly formulated brands, which are usually corn-based. Corn is very bad for both cats and dogs. Unless they sell premium brands at discount prices, get your pet food elsewhere. Almost none of the pet foods sold in groceries are good for cats and dog (some of Purina's premium brands are pretty good, though).

The Costco dog food is actually very highly rated. Why do you say it's crap?

Way too many fillers! More garbage in, the more garbage out.

Evil Canadian: I believe it takes a lot of work to shop properly at a warehouse store like Costco. You really have to know what prices are in the outside world - not everything is cheaper there, even in those larger quantities. So, you have to choose wisely.

We are not huge shoppers there ourselves - there are only 3 of us in the house. We don't want Darth_Lukecash's BIGO'BOX of cookies - that would take us 2 months to eat, by which time they would be kinda stale and icky, and probably quite pitchable, thereby costing us money. The times I have shopped there, I have found massive quantities of TP and Paper Towels at reasonable prices, but shopping my local grocery stores I can find them cheaper about once every few weeks, which is plenty long enough for us to use the BIGO'PACK of TP.

I also agree with I_Am_Weasel that you have to know your stuff and be smart, no matter what store you are in. Dollar stores are also not always cheaper, though one might think they are,

I am sure there are markets for Costco, but we aren't it. I can very easily see going in there, dropping a few hundred bucks and still needing to get other stuff the next day (and being stuck with large amounts of stuff we will never use before it goes bad.)

I will point out one thing, I've been to costco in canada and the usa all in one week and the prices are outlandishly different. In the US they were drastically cheaper. Example: Same TV was $500 difference in price, and the canadian dollar vs the US dollar right now is pretty much on par. just thought I'd let ya know...

The Costco dog food is actually very highly rated. Why do you say it's crap?

Way too many fillers! More garbage in, the more garbage out.

For info: Pros & Cons of Kirkland Dog Food

HoneyDog: The Costco dog food is actually very highly rated. Why do you say it's crap?

Way too many fillers! More garbage in, the more garbage out.

kirkland brand dog food is some of the best out there. no fillers. not much grain. mostly real meat and veggies. Lots of chelated vitamins too. Made by blue diamond foods. Blue Diamond was one of the main sources for melamine laced chicken, but I expect that their QC is better now, plus they sell lamb instead of chicken which I don't think comes from China.

HoneyDog: The Costco dog food is actually very highly rated. Why do you say it's crap?

Way too many fillers! More garbage in, the more garbage out.

For info: Pros & Cons of Kirkland Dog Food

your link says it is a really good brand? Dogs do need some fiber unless you let them eat horse poo, and beet pulp is far superior to most grains for dogs. You find me a brand that is as good, or better than Kirkland that costs no more than $20/ 20lbs and I would buy it.

Locally, Costco has better meat and produce - you just got to buy lots of it.

We had a Sams Club. It was located right next door to a WalMart SuperCenter. Several times I did a price comparison, and the prices at Sams Club were the exact same as at Walmart, you just had to buy in bulk. It was ridiculous that you could go next door and buy 1 or 2 items (without the membership) for the same price per unit.

That Sams Club closed a couple of years ago - it wasn't even in business a year. The Costco here is packed all the time.