Costco / Cash & Carry membership
Discussion
No.
Costco have two "types" of membership. "Trade" and "Individual"
"Trade" members need to provide proof of trading. They get slightly cheaper membership and longer opening times.
"Individual" membership costs a bit more, and you get cut down shopping times. The list of "qualifying" trades for individual membership is massive. It's posted instore and seems to include almost every job type you can think of.
Costco have two "types" of membership. "Trade" and "Individual"
"Trade" members need to provide proof of trading. They get slightly cheaper membership and longer opening times.
"Individual" membership costs a bit more, and you get cut down shopping times. The list of "qualifying" trades for individual membership is massive. It's posted instore and seems to include almost every job type you can think of.
They'll let virtually anyone in a an individual member.
They don't take credit cards (which is an advantage in a way)
Don't go bonkers when you first go - it can be a bit of an Alladin's cave. I reckon the make their money on people who impulse buy stuff they never went there for.
They add the VAT at the till (although its displayed in smaller numbers after the non VAT price)
The odd/large formats might give the impression you're getting a bargain but unless you're the regular supermarket shopper and know what you normally pay per litre/kilo/100g you can get caught out and spend over the odds.
Large formats of deli type stuff are OK if your having a party but who eats 300g of parma ham in one go - it doesn't keep.
Electrical gear tends to be a little out of date although what was probably most desirable a year ago.
They are very accomodating with returns. I've got a mate who's a right magpie and they always let him take stuff back.
They tend to stick to premium brands but their own Kirkland stuff is pretty good.
Conspicuous bargains are Lindemans Bin 65 at less than 4 quid a bottle for 6 and the French regional red wines at around 6-7 quid a bottle. Cleaning stuff and large formats of dried fruit coffee, tea, spices, tins etc. work out well as long as you've got space for it when you get home.
They don't take credit cards (which is an advantage in a way)
Don't go bonkers when you first go - it can be a bit of an Alladin's cave. I reckon the make their money on people who impulse buy stuff they never went there for.
They add the VAT at the till (although its displayed in smaller numbers after the non VAT price)
The odd/large formats might give the impression you're getting a bargain but unless you're the regular supermarket shopper and know what you normally pay per litre/kilo/100g you can get caught out and spend over the odds.
Large formats of deli type stuff are OK if your having a party but who eats 300g of parma ham in one go - it doesn't keep.
Electrical gear tends to be a little out of date although what was probably most desirable a year ago.
They are very accomodating with returns. I've got a mate who's a right magpie and they always let him take stuff back.
They tend to stick to premium brands but their own Kirkland stuff is pretty good.
Conspicuous bargains are Lindemans Bin 65 at less than 4 quid a bottle for 6 and the French regional red wines at around 6-7 quid a bottle. Cleaning stuff and large formats of dried fruit coffee, tea, spices, tins etc. work out well as long as you've got space for it when you get home.
I'm a Costco member and it does have it's advantages. I bought everyone's christmas present there last year (apart from the trip to NYC), they will order in any tyres from the Michelin range, including bike tyres and fit them for you. You are also a global member, not just U.K. I went to one in Cincinnati while I was travelling with work and had no problems buying stuff. Got a pretty damn cheap ipod for a buddy. Overall, it's worth a visit just to have a look around. If you see things you may buy regularly, then join. Pizzas are great too. £6 for an 18" pizza, cooked and ready to go. Try the spicy one, it's great.
I was going to post the very same observation... but forgot. 
oddman said:I'll have to disagree with you on that. As an IT professional I wouldn't be able to get an individual membership but since I run a Ltd. company there was no problem. Seems a bit stupid to me since it only costs £100-odd to set up a UK limited company.
They'll let virtually anyone in a an individual member.
Yep - I don't think we've ever visited CostCo and come away with a bill under £100 either.
There are some very good bargains, but you have to be very canny and make sure you buy the loss leaders and not the overpriced products that are there to compensate them.
However, there are occasional stunning bargains like the 15' diameter swimming pool with 3kW heater, filter pump, steps, cover, skimmer, etc. that they are currently selling for £150-odd. I think they're about double that in places like Homebase.
I agree - 'tech is not good value, particularly laptops and computers. Out-of-date and overpriced.
However, if you do accidentally buy something overpriced their returns policy is exemplary (as has already been mentioned).
>> Edited by JonRB on Monday 15th August 15:57
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