Costco

[o0myles0o]

How do I go about getting a Costco card/membership? I keep reading on here about cheap trolley jacks, oil etc. and want to be a part of it!!

[Vixpy1]

You need to have a business, or be in a certain profession

[bimsb6]

you can also be signed up "on the street" by their marketing people .best bet is to go in and ask at the membership desk .

[o0myles0o]

Aah, I see. Thanks for the input. What are the 'certain professions'?

[Codswallop]

Copied from another forum;

other forum said:

Throughout the year there are several threads on here (and MSE) about Costco and how you can get a membership with seemingly no definitive answer.
Well, the recent mattress deal spurred me on to enquire with them and here's the answer for anyone wondering if their occupation qualifies them for an "individual" membership.........


Good Morning

You would need your ID badge and a home utility bill or bank statement...

Individual Membership - Valid to certain employment groups - details listed below. You will need to bring in your latest payslip or professional qualification plus a current home utility bill or bank statement. The annual cost is £25 plus VAT inc. free Spouse Card. An additional card can be purchased at a cost of £12 plus VAT, but it must be someone aged over 18 residing at the same address, of which you must provide proof. This can be done either in writing or in person at the warehouse. A photograph can be done on the Additional Cardholder's first visit to the warehouse.

If you think you may be an employee of a UK or US Gold Card Company, you can call Central Membership to check on 01923 830477. This number is operated 8.15am til 5.15pm Monday to Friday.

Individual Membership is available to the following:-

Current or Retired Employee of:-
Banking/Finance/Insurance
Civil Service/Armed Forces
Education
Fire/Rescue
Local Government
Medical/Health Service
Police Force
Post Office
Airlines

Qualified as:-
Chartered Architect
Chartered/Civil Engineer
Chartered Surveyor
Dentist
Optician
Pharmacist
Qualified/Certified/Chartered Accountant
Solicitor
Barrister
Magistrate
Advocate

Current or Retired Employee of USA or UK Gold Card Company - Please contact either Central Membership or your local warehouse to confirm whether the company you work for is a registered Gold Card Company. Retired employees must provide a current pension statement and home utility bill as proof of eligibility.

The membership card can only be used by the individual person named on the card. All additional cardholders will expire at the same time as the Primary cardholder.



Hope this helps a few folk?

Cheers,

CJ

But you're best off going into your local Costco and speaking with the membership people there direct. You never know, they may be looking to sign more people on that month etc.

[o0myles0o]

Woo hoo, military qualifies!!

[IndyAndy777]

Is Costco really that much cheaper than Tesco etc?

[o0myles0o]

So far ive seen trolley jacks and oil much cheaper.

[al1991]

IndyAndy777 said:

Is Costco really that much cheaper than Tesco etc?

They do everything on a grander scale

[Robb F]

Genuine question, what is the benefit to them to refuse sales to everyone but a select group?

Surely if anyone was allowed to shop there they would make more money?

[Strachan]

Robb F said:

Genuine question, what is the benefit to them to refuse sales to everyone but a select group?

Surely if anyone was allowed to shop there they would make more money?

Keeps out 'minks'.

[AndrewW-G]

Robb F said:

Genuine question, what is the benefit to them to refuse sales to everyone but a select group?

Surely if anyone was allowed to shop there they would make more money?

Most people go there to buy something and not to browse . . . . . plus by charging a membership fee, there will be a group of people who will shop there more often as they want to get more value out of their yearly fee.

[redtwin]

IndyAndy777 said:

Is Costco really that much cheaper than Tesco etc?

For certain things, but as you are buying in bulk you have to be careful you are not buying more than you can use when dealing with perishable items.

When supermarkets are doing special sales, BOGOFs etc then they will be cheaper by far.

The membership thing is supposed to attract shoppers who will tend to buy in bulk or big ticket items. They aren't going to make much on someone earning minimum wage or unemplyed on benefits just nipping in to buy milk or bread as they aren't the sort to also stick a £1500 telly in their trolley.

I only have a membership as I was able to transfer my US membership when I moved here and that US membership I only got because I worked for a large charge card company that had an exclusive deal with Costco and they were offering employees a membership.

Otherwise they wouldn't want to know me.

[Eggman]

IndyAndy777 said:

Is Costco really that much cheaper than Tesco etc?

Depends what for and whether you mind having to bulk buy. If you've got somewhere to store a hay bale sized pack of bog rolls, that'll be about £12; maybe half supermarket price. For a lot of stuff however, the price difference doesn't make it worth buying the quantity unless you had an enormous family or something. For example, who wants a gallon of brown sauce in the cupboard?

I intend popping in soon for some Finish dishwasher tablets whilst they're on offer (168 for £13.18) and some plastic crates to tidy my shed with. Only trouble is whenever I'm in there I generally spot other 'bargains' and I'm lucky if I escape without spending £100. Looking at other customers' trolleys, I would imagine the typical spend to be considerably greater.

[littlebasher]

Good for big tv's, which all come with 5 year warranty. Then there's the good value Michellin tyres

And if you're really interested, I bought a big bottle of screenwash there for a fiver yesterday as well.

[Strachan]

littlebasher said:

Good for big tv's, which all come with 5 year warranty. Then there's the good value Michellin tyres

And if you're really interested, I bought a big bottle of screenwash there for a fiver yesterday as well.

often do a 4 for 3 deal on michellin's worth watching out for.

[jas xjr]

Robb F said:

Genuine question, what is the benefit to them to refuse sales to everyone but a select group?

Surely if anyone was allowed to shop there they would make more money?

If they operate as a retail business they pay a lot more in business rates. If "trade ," only they pay significantly less. Makro do the same thing.
If they were genuinely for the trade you would see vans in the carpark. Not everything is cheaper

[cuprabob]

Plenty of trade people use Costco as everytime I'm there I'm behind people who are restocking there corner shop.

As said, it depends what you're buying, sometimes it's cheaper sometimes it's not. As with everything you need to do your homework and not assume.

I bought 25 litres of Simoniz car shampoo for about £15, good stuff and will never need to buy again and I'm sure I'll be passing it on in my will

[off_again]

IndyAndy777 said:

Is Costco really that much cheaper than Tesco etc?

At worst they will be the same price on stuff that has little or no margin. On other stuff, its brilliant. BUT bulk is key. Bought toilet roll and kitchen roll about 4 months ago at a fraction of the cost of Sainsburys - still have some but will need to replace. If you have storage great, if not then its not really worth the hassle.

Meat is good quality and way cheaper and stuff on a deal is well worth the money. I am told the cakes and pies are worth it too.

[AndyBrew]

Seems weird we went to Costco in Derby and they were signing everybody up!!!

We didn't signup once we realised they wanted us to pay to go in there, we weren't that desperate to buy a catering pack of salad cream lol!