To shop at Costco, it is necessary to have a membership card, so that many wonder if the advantages they provide are worth the candle.
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Obviously, the answer will depend for everyone according to purchasing habits and needs. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of the Costco membership card:
Benefits
1. The return policy
Costco offers a “flexible” return policy that allows its loyal customers to take advantage of a “100%satisfaction guarantee”, told Veronica Thatcher, an employee of the channel, to Business Insider.
According to the retailer’s website, it is not necessary to provide the invoice for a refund and there is no specified expiration date.
However, there are certain exceptions, such as electronic devices purchased more than 90 days ago, cigarettes, alcohol, batteries, tires, gold bars and gift cards.
2. The price of gasoline is not expensive
Costco members benefit from a service station with many pumps, as well as car washing stations for certain branches.
And, according to the employee, petrol is often less expensive than in other service stations.
Pierre-Paul Poulin / Le Journal de Montréal
3. Silver discounts
Customers who have a privilege executive membership card receive a 2% money back on eligible purchases, said the employee.
The maximum cash reward amounts to $ 1,000 per year, but, to receive this amount of money, a customer should spend at least $ 62,500 at Costco per year, she added to Business Insider.
4. The catering area
In its catering area-accessible only to members since 2024-Costco offers several low-priced meals, including its successful hot-dog combo and soft drink at 1.50 dollars.
The catering area remains a favorite for members, according to Veronica Thatcher.
5. Save long -term
The retailer offers several essential products, such as toilet paper and toothpaste, at low prices.
“Costco generally offers cheaper prices than its competitors on clothing, electronics and household products,” the employee added to the American media.
Photo Getty Images / AFP
6. The free concierge service
Do you want to buy a refrigerator, a washer or an electronic device? Costco offers a free concierge service, including technical assistance in the event of a problem and a two-year warranty from the date of purchase, she said.
7. Free hearing aids
Some COSTCO stores offer free hearing screenings or attractive offers on hearing aids and their accessories, also added the employee.
Being a member also gives you the advantage of having a warranty on your hearing aid, follow-up meetings or cleaning, continued Ms. Thatcher at Business Insider.
8. Exclusive offers on travel packages
Do you want to go on a trip? You could save on your travel packages with the Costco member card, she said.
9. Savings on certain insurance
According to the employee, the membership card also saves on home insurance or insurance with your animals, can be read.
Disadvantages
Obviously, to ensure that the membership card is an asset and not an constraint, here are some elements to take into consideration:
1. membership fees
The Costco membership card is not free, and starts at least $ 65 per year to have access to the basic package. This means that a certain basic amount will have to be spent before making it profitable.
AFP
2. Few branches
Costco has only 24 branches in Quebec, unlike other large channels like Maxi, Super C and Métro, which has more than 185, 114 and more than 189 respectively in the beautiful province.
If you live near one of them, it can be worth it. Otherwise, it will be necessary to calculate the transport costs to get there when the advantages and disadvantages are balanced.
3. fewer options
In order to make your membership card profitable as much as possible, the logic would thus be to make your purchases as often as possible at Costco, which can limit options in terms of available products.
4. Large quantities
Costco products are sold in very large format, which can be an advantage for a large family … but also a drawback for those who live alone or have a reduced storage space.
You will have to take into account your consumption profile when making its decision.
