My feed
Premium

Please
or
to access all these features

Use our Cost of Living forum to discuss budgeting and energy saving with other users.

Cost of living

costco membership -worth it?

16 replies

IsletsOfLangerhans · 12/03/2013 13:38

We used to be members about 10 years ago and think we saved a fair bit of money buying items in bulk. However, we moved and there wasn't a local branch, so didn't renew. Is anyone a member now? Is it still good value and good quality? I can get a business membership as I'm self employed and wondering whether to give it another bash....

OP posts:
Report
ExitPursuedByABear · 12/03/2013 13:39

I didn't find it of any use. Stuff wasn't particularly cheap and I bought needless and pointless things. Have not bothered renewing my membership this year.

Report
Fluffycloudland77 · 12/03/2013 14:34

If you want brand stuff it's ok but by shopping around you can buy things cheaper.

You can buy online for big things like furniture now anyway. I wouldn't have membership if Dh's family didn't have the second card.

Report
MTSgroupie · 12/03/2013 14:43

Around here we have all the big supermarket names. At any one time I can rely on someone doing a 'buy one get one free' deal on the household stuff I am shopping for. This kind of negates Costco cheap 'regular' price for most products.

Report
chanie44 · 12/03/2013 15:32

I think it is worth it.

I like the fact that they sell products not widely available in the uk.


I like the huge birthday cakes and stocking up on washing powder.

Not everything is cheaper than the supermarket, but then in the supermarkets don't have any offers on the products I want, Costco is cheaper.

Report
IsletsOfLangerhans · 12/03/2013 16:39

Okay, thanks for all the opinions! We do like unusual products and dh has just reminded me about their cheap car tyres, which might make it worthwhile. I just wanted to check it was still good quality really! I might see if we can go and have a quick look around our nearest one before making up my mind!

Thanks again Smile

OP posts:
Report
BlackandGold · 12/03/2013 18:13

Costco always have excellent meat and were mentioned in a recent Times article the other Sat as always testing and knowing the source of their meat.

Report
PestoFrostissimos · 12/03/2013 18:22

Costco might not always be the cheapest option, but it is the best quality. So for example, the car tyres are Michelins, not the cheapest around, but generally 1/3 cheaper than you can get them elsewhere.

Report
IsletsOfLangerhans · 12/03/2013 19:58

Good to know meat is still good quality. I always found their food and non-food items to be great quality when we used to shop there. I'm also hoping office goods will come in cheaper too for my business.

OP posts:
Report
ItsAllTLAsToMe · 22/03/2013 13:32

So, how much does Costco membership cost then? Can you get cheaper business membership?

Report
PestoFrostissimos · 22/03/2013 15:28

We're business members, think it's about £40 a year.

Report
Want2bSupermum · 22/03/2013 15:38

We are costco members. When I do shop around costco is much cheaper when you compare to similiar quality. We have the 2% cashback membership this year as we get all diapers, formula and wipes for the baby. One thing I do is let our membership lapse for 3 months at the end. To do this I do a huge shop in the last week of membership. Only do the cashback membership if you know you are going to spend enough to get your money back. With two in diapers I know I am going to be paid this year to be a costco member.

Report
notnagging · 22/03/2013 15:49

Yes definitely worth it for me but I have 5ds'. Supermarkets don't have the sizes I need. The savings for me are more to do with the fact I'm not popping in to the supermarket for little things.

Report
PigletJohn · 24/04/2013 20:49

I got their flyer through the door today. Private membership is £25/year.

I am with Bookers though as a trade customer, no charge but you have to provide documents. Some stuff is cheaper in Tescos.

Report
timidviper · 24/04/2013 20:52

For me it may not be worth it in savings but it is worth it as I like going and love it for party food, cakes, etc. Any savings are a bonus.

Report
Tommy · 12/05/2013 18:17

just done my first shop there today and wondering what is worth buying instead of Sainsburys..... I am thinking that I could do a 2-3 monthly shop there for loo roll, kitchen roll, dishwasher stuff, laundry etc and then top up as I need to in a regular supermarket but will it really make a difference?

Report
NorthSouth · 14/05/2013 13:15

We have recently joined and have say with the monthly offers that were on washing up liquid, washing powder and fabric conditioner we have made our annual membership fee back already. Batteries also seemed quite good. Agree it is mainly brand items but still cheaper than other alternatives for me. So one big shop has reduced monthly costs going forward.

Report
Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.