Should I join Costco ?

[Pool Hall Ace]

Our BJ's membership has expired, and I'm thinking about joining Costco. I understand that BJ's is apolitical, while Costco is a blue company. I can also get the little cans of Mexican coke at Costco. The only disadvantage I can think of is Costco is farther away.

So, anyone have an opinion?

:hi:

[TommyO]

1. If you can justify the extra mileage, definitely join

I've been to Sams (not recently), BJ's and Costco and much prefer Costco. I don't have one in the area that I live, but I do work a few miles from one, so the driving distance isn't an issue, I just stop by after work.

What's extra nice is that they actually pay their employees well, considering they are in retail.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

2. YES!

They pay their employees very well and they have the bestest stuff on the planet. I'll go with you, come on, get your jacket....

[Lex]

3. yes--support the blue companies

nt

[coffeenap]

4. YES--great store and great treatment of employees.

They need a little push in the fake-organic dairy products area, but otherwise, it is fabulous! (No comparison to BJs in terms of quality and service, not to mention cleanliness and courtesy.)

[ThomCat]

5. Costco is a good place to shop.

If there are small, local stories nearby that you like then I'd suggest shopping there first. But if your needs and budget require a big box store then Costco's definitely the best.

[Pool Hall Ace]

6. Yes, for some needs, a big box store is helpful.

Although one time, my husband bought a big thing of nuts from BJ's and a few weeks later, we had an infestation of those pesky moths. The nut jar had one of those white, sinuous -- nests(?) or whatever it is that the moths build. Kinda scary-looking. :scared:

[Initech]

7. Costco is awesome.

I get a ton of stuff at Costco every week. Hell, I even got my car through their auto buying program and saved quite a bit of money.

[THUNDER HANDS]

8. I wouldn't shop there

or any store that I had to pay just to walk in the door.

that seems a little...um, what's the word....STUPID to me.

[QueenOfCalifornia]

9. It is so worth paying for

The amazing stuff they have can not be found anyplace else and it is very good quality. They have excellent customer service too.

[GOPisEvil]

11. The savings in gas alone pays the membership fee.

They are consistently 10-12 cents cheaper per gallon.

[Mojambo]

16. I've been told there are issues with the quality of that gasoline.

You haven't noticed anything?

I don't have a membership, but I'm thinking of joining.

[GOPisEvil]

18. Nope. I haven't noticed anything.

I must admit I don't fill up all the time at Costco though.

[China_cat]

19. We've been using their gas for about 3 years now.

Ever since they opened here. Never had a problem. Never heard of anyone having a problem.

[NMDemDist2]

12. i had an executive membership and the 5% rebate every year MORE

than paid for the membership fees

[jobycom]

17. That's another thing to recommend it, then.

Rat free! :rofl:

[Manifestor_of_Light]

10. Go for it!!!

Their chocolate covered almond clusters are awesome, as is nearly everything else they sell.

[Amerigo Vespucci]

13. Here are a few examples...

...I'm addicted to plain Crystal Geyser mineral waters. It's my beverage of choice, and I go through a lot of them.

Supermarket: Anywhere from $1.99 to $3.99 for FOUR 18 ounce bottles.

Costco: $7.99 for a shrink-wrapped flat of TWENTY EIGHT 18 ounce bottles.

Plain Arrowhead water in the 1 pint 9 oz. bottles is similarly priced.

I get toilet paper, paper towels, laundry soap, dishwasher soap, and all other "non-edible" items here.

Their "house" brand...Kirkland...is pretty solid.

I average one trip per month, two MAX. They also send you coupon books in the mail for additional savings.

I also throw at least one non-essential item in the cart, like the four pound plastic jar of Jelly Bellies for eight bucks (a tiny little BAG is $2.99 in the market).

Their rotisserie chickens are KILLER...take it home and eat it "as is" or remove the meat and use it for the basis of a GAZILLION recipes...enchiladas, salads, you name it.

YES, you should join.

:toast:

[jobycom]

24. I've gotten so sick

from some of those "non essential" item impulse buys. Giant tubs of Cheese Puffs, two-pack of Nutella Spread, two pound bags of kettle chips, drums of peanuts, cases of frozen ice cream treats so large we had to eat a bunch before they melted because they wouldn't fit in the freezer...

It's like a reverse Disney World--too much enjoyment at too little cost! :rofl:

[Zoigal]

14. Definitely join

Been a member since 1985..never a problem. Great pharmacy prices, too.
Can't think of a single negative. p

[MANative]

15. LOVE Costco...just rejoined last month

I easily save more than the $50 membership fee within the first 3 or 4 visits. I usually go about twice a month. Their paper goods and frozen foods are particularly good savings, and I like the quality of their meats. And as Amerigo V said, the rotisserie chicken is OUTSTANDING!

Very blue, very good to employees, and they seem to have a real commitment to customer service/value.

As an aside, my friend Claire went to work at BJ's when she graduated from college about 15 years ago - very pretty young newlywed. Her husband got really upset when they made her wear a button that read "Ask me about BJ's" She didn't stay there very long, because so many men did!

[dembotoz]

20. brand new costco just opened

bout a mile from where i live
it is now my corner grocer.

I LOVE IT.

[FloridaJudy]

21. I wish we had one here.

My sister belongs to one in California, and they have fantastic stuff. All we've got here is a Sam's Club, which is not in the least bit progressive. I had a free membership to Sam's for a year, but it depressed me to shop there.

Just make a few trips a year, but load up when you get to the Costco. It's worth it.

[TreasonousBastard]

22. Dump BJ's, Costco has to be better...

I don't see any reason to continue my BJ's membership since they have very few of the things I often buy in there, and the local supermarket sales tend to beat the crap out of their prices.

Lousy selection, soso pricing... ain't worth the trip.

I would like to see a Costco open around here-- they keep claiming one's coming. From everything I've heard, they've got the other club stores beat.

[Bjornsdotter]

23. Their meat

...is outstanding. I've stopped going to the butcher.

The house brand Kirkland is great, I love the produce and the organic section.

Cheers