Costco - Products, Prices and Deals

Quickstatus said:
Pros and cons shopping at Costco?
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Dont have any pros from my experiences:
Too few stores.
You're locked into buying from them just to get your yearly membership fee back.
Prices are no better on any item that you can get elsewhere if you shop around/wait for a decent special (may have to factor in things like cashback + WISH cards to get the same or better price on a small number of items).
Profits go overseas.
Poor stock levels.
Long checkout wait times.
Have to buy in bulk just to get a fair price.
 
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Quickstatus said:
Pros and cons shopping at Costco?
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Pro for us - we buy nappies, baby wipes, toilet paper and paper wipes in bulk. We go through the first two quickly with two children (2y & 3 months). Other items are often cheaper such as batteries etc. We also buy Mexican Cheese which is easy to get in the US but not common in supermarkets here.

Con - we also buy random things that we wouldn't see in a supermarket. It never ceases to amaze me what Mr Natalie comes home with that he thought we "needed".

We did purchase a coffee machine on our first visit. The savings covered the membership fee and more.
 
Quickstatus said:
Pros and cons shopping at Costco?
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Good prices on dog and cat food and cat litter. Some very good alcohol prices, great if you're throwing a party, membership fee can be tax deductible if you have a business.

As with anything, you have to know your prices. Some stuff is cheaper, others aren't. It doesn't work for everyone but it sure does for us. Definitely worth going to have a look. Membership is completely refundable so no harm in signing up, walking around and getting refunded if you don't like it.
 
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Quickstatus said:
Pros and cons shopping at Costco?
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IMHO, the categories where you do get bang for your buck ( cheaper than the main supermarkets) is Alcohol and much of the Clothing range ( brands such as Nautica , Diesel ,Calvin Klein, Ben Sherman, Fred Perry etc) Swarovski ( makes for great Christmas gifts, especially for the ladies :) and Brand name household electrical such as vacuum cleaners, toasters, kettles etc, can all be picked up at great prices.

The TV's are a steal, and I can understand why Gerry Harvey constantly complains :)

I would say that Bread, Produce , general ambient grocery items such as ( sauces/spreads/cereal) along with the health & beauty category offer very little value against the major supermarkets.

In fact I've done the sums and many ambient items are in fact more expensive than the supermarket chains on a per unit basis.

But competition is great and Costco are giving all three chains ( woolies , Coles & even Aldi a run for their money).

When they get to 20+ stores in Australia they will achieve some solid momentum I believe.
 
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I'm a member - though I no longer need to travel regularly in the vicinity of their only Queensland outlet, so probably won't renew.

As others have mentioned, clothes, shoess and electronics can be very good value particularly combined with their outstanding guarantee (see below)
Definitely creates downward pressure on fuel prices in the vicinity of the store
Some grocery items cheaper - but need to be selective
Lots of interesting grocery products that aren't available from anywhere else in Australia

Items I've bought and saved enough to easily cover the membership:
* Gas lighters
* Brand name shoes
* Levi jeans
* Speedo goggles
* Carmens Muesli (in big packs)

Given that even the membership can be refunded, it isn't very high risk.

Impossibly busy on the weekend though.

[h=2]Risk-Free 100% Satisfaction Guarantee[/h]
  • On Membership: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied.
  • On Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell, and will refund your purchase price. This is in addition to your rights under the Australian Consumer Law.
 
I go to costco for a number of things I can't otherwise get in the supermarkets near to my house (I live in the CBD). Such as really good potato salad, 1kg bucket of pretzels - a small bag can run $4 in a supermarket, 1kg for $10. Their muffins are great for halving and freezing for work treats, and I think are good value. I bought enough washing powder to last a year for maybe $20. I also love their razors. $2 each in a pack of 24 instead of 4 replacement blades for $16.
 
Quickstatus said:
Pros and cons shopping at Costco?
Click to expand...
(I shop at the Ringwood VIC store)
Pro's:
- Huge savings on some items (ie Levis jeans)
- Have items that you cant get anywhere else or in a size that you cant get in your regular grocery stores
- Big range of items
- Parking is plentiful

Con's:
- Crowded on weekends
- Lack of food samples compared to the America stores
- Lately the prices of some items seem to have risen quite a lot
- I always spend more than I intend on

here is a sample of their latest savings
Welcome to Costco Wholesale Australia
 
I'll add some cons, which I forgot about.
- I don't drive, and always buy more than I expect to. Often leads to carrying boxes full of goods on the tram home.
- First visit was over $500. I live alone. I have no idea how I did that or where I stored everything.
- I don't actually like the clothes they stock. E.g they stock Calvin Klein underwear, but only one type in 3 sizes. There isn't the range. Fine if you're Jane Average and want what they're selling. Otherwise disappointing.
- Brand label clothes are cheaper in the USA, and I go every few months anyway.
 
Natalie_B said:
Your phone is your best friend at Costco. I'm always checking prices against the supermarkets.
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We do the same, and also with alcohol versus DMs. While a lot of stuff is cheaper, there is also a lot that is the same per unit as the supermarkets.
 
I love when they have the big trays of mangoes. Fingers crossed for this weekend.
 
How much is membership now?

At 10-15cpl discount to "retail" how many litres would you need to buy to get back membership?
 
johnsluk said:
(I shop at the Ringwood VIC store)
Pro's:
- Huge savings on some items (ie Levis jeans)
- Have items that you cant get anywhere else or in a size that you cant get in your regular grocery stores
- Big range of items
- Parking is plentiful

Con's:
- Crowded on weekends
- Lack of food samples compared to the America stores
- Lately the prices of some items seem to have risen quite a lot
- I always spend more than I intend on

here is a sample of their latest savings
Welcome to Costco Wholesale Australia
Click to expand...

Wonder how much that 65 inch TV nets out at with the 400 off?
 

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