Here's the deal- we live 3 hours from Costco- someone we know has started a business to pick anything up there for you, 10% commission. What are the things there that you love, and can't produce (or don't want to) on your homestead? Trying to make a list.... so far have dish soap and laundry soap, and nuts. Any ideas? Thanks!
InHisName
We don't go to Costco- we use Sams, but I think they are about the same- but we buy foods in bulk that we use a lot of like flour and sugar and pasta, meat is usually very good quality and cheaper since it's in bulk, we get Tillamook cheese cheaper than at the store. Spices are another and cocoa powder and baking powder and soda too.
What about pet products? We buy our dog food at sams and I know cat litter is a good deal there. Paper products? LOL That's all I can think of....
What about pet products? We buy our dog food at sams and I know cat litter is a good deal there. Paper products? LOL That's all I can think of....
Kirtland High Energy vitamin packs - there are about 180 packets in the box. These are good vitamins.
Shampoo - they have larger containers than other places
Batteries - large packages for a decent price
Doesn't Costco have a website?
At Costco we get gallons of mustard because it is really cheap, gallons of dill pickles because they are cheap (and I like the gallon glass jars), 25# bags of flour, 2# bags of yeast, cheese, butter and lunch. We used to get lettuce but the prices have gone up too much so now we have a garden and we used to get yogurt but that has high fructose corn syrup in it and we refuse to eat that anymore. My DH likes to buy car batteries and oil there, too.
A 10% commission, huh? Do they use their own Costco card? If you didn't have to pay the $40 annual fee or the gas to go get stuff, then it might be worthwhile.
At Costco we get gallons of mustard because it is really cheap, gallons of dill pickles because they are cheap (and I like the gallon glass jars), 25# bags of flour, 2# bags of yeast, cheese, butter and lunch. We used to get lettuce but the prices have gone up too much so now we have a garden and we used to get yogurt but that has high fructose corn syrup in it and we refuse to eat that anymore. My DH likes to buy car batteries and oil there, too.
A 10% commission, huh? Do they use their own Costco card? If you didn't have to pay the $40 annual fee or the gas to go get stuff, then it might be worthwhile.
1 1/2 hrs from me. I hit it when I need to go to Memphis anyway. I can't think of anything I NEED. I did get my landscape fabric there for cheaper than anywhere else. I don't always save money by buying the larger packs of things. So I think the answer here depends on the price of other items in your area. On the other hand, I also have a Sam's membership and I get my milk for 50 cents less per gallon there. Can't live without that.Bananas are much cheaper. Sometimes meat. Everytime I go I have to compare the prices over again.
Paper products: Kleenex, toilet tissue; cleaning products, if you use commercially made stuff; dog food; big bags of flour, rice, salt, beans; 4-lb packages of butter; spices that will keep (like black peppercorns). I would check the website to make sure that the prices will still be competitive if you're paying an extra 10%.
Thanks for the reminders! There is a Costco website, but it is not the staple foods and household supplies. We have only one pricey grocery store here, so the bulk items really save the bucks. Also keeps us out of the grocery store when it is on hand. Please keep the info coming- landscape fabric, batteries, and yeast- three must haves next week!
We were getting DHs meds there and also we got gas there. We have found cheaper sources for both now. I still go for oatmeal, vitamins, shampoo, soap, batteries, sometimes their motor oil is cheaper than we can get elsewhere, kitty litter. Its just handy to be able to buy in bulk. Although its easy to overspend in that place. I think your friend has a good idea.I'd pay 10% to have someone pick up stuff for me. Where is your nearest Costco? Is it in Colville or do you have to go all the way to Spokane? Theres a Walmart in Omak, isn't that nearer?
What a great idea! We have BJ's about 20 mins from us, but I would pay the 10% for someone to save a six hour round trip!
Have you thought of adding cooking oils, pain meds (aspirin, etc)... ?
Have you thought of adding cooking oils, pain meds (aspirin, etc)... ?
Frankly I haven't found a single thing that I regularly use that I can't match or beat their price on. Try getting more inventive in your shopping suppliers and I bet you can. Some of the food wholesalers are open to purchases by the regular public and that is where I get some of my stuff.
By the time I pay Costco's $50+ membership fee and a third of a tank of gas (at over $5.00 per gallon times about 5 to 6 gallons of gas), bridge tokens and a half a day's time, there is no way I am going to actually save anything, and no way I am shopping there unless I attend with somebody who has a membership - and then only about once a year.
I got some good dog beds from them, but geesh - who needs dog beds every week? I got dog food from them a few years back which was the only reason I bought a membership, but the dogs got that they wouldn't eat Kirkland's brand (made by Diamond), and when I did go there to purchase it once a month, they would regularly be out of stock.
Perhaps when they open one that is on my way home from work I may shop there, but here in Canada I do not find that they are competitive. Oh yes - they did have a membership drive for that new local store last spring (April 2007) - that is the one that has never opened and that they won't open because they can't built it at the price they want to spend. Costs are about $5,000,000 more than they want to pay.
I'm certainly glad I didn't renew the membership on their promise of a local store.....that has also happened in other locations than here.
They only thing they seem to have not easily available here is more upper end products and housewares that I certainly don't need.
The biggest thing I have found is to keep well aware of the local pricing and sale items and shop those when available. That's also one of the benefits of keeping in quantities of food supplies.
By the time I pay Costco's $50+ membership fee and a third of a tank of gas (at over $5.00 per gallon times about 5 to 6 gallons of gas), bridge tokens and a half a day's time, there is no way I am going to actually save anything, and no way I am shopping there unless I attend with somebody who has a membership - and then only about once a year.
I got some good dog beds from them, but geesh - who needs dog beds every week? I got dog food from them a few years back which was the only reason I bought a membership, but the dogs got that they wouldn't eat Kirkland's brand (made by Diamond), and when I did go there to purchase it once a month, they would regularly be out of stock.
Perhaps when they open one that is on my way home from work I may shop there, but here in Canada I do not find that they are competitive. Oh yes - they did have a membership drive for that new local store last spring (April 2007) - that is the one that has never opened and that they won't open because they can't built it at the price they want to spend. Costs are about $5,000,000 more than they want to pay.
I'm certainly glad I didn't renew the membership on their promise of a local store.....that has also happened in other locations than here.
They only thing they seem to have not easily available here is more upper end products and housewares that I certainly don't need.
The biggest thing I have found is to keep well aware of the local pricing and sale items and shop those when available. That's also one of the benefits of keeping in quantities of food supplies.
Yep, there is a Walmart in Omak, now a Home Depot, too! That is 1 1/2 hrs- tomorrow going there (going to learn how to stain a concrete floor at a camp!), they do have great Chx scratch at Walmart. Spokane is the nearest Costco, airport, etc.
Neolady, you are right about those dog beds. Forgot about those- Have been shopping more off Amazon, too. With the free shipping, some prices cant be beat. Found coconut oil and maple syrup cheapest there.
Neolady, you are right about those dog beds. Forgot about those- Have been shopping more off Amazon, too. With the free shipping, some prices cant be beat. Found coconut oil and maple syrup cheapest there.
Toilet paper! The Kirkland brand is cheap and individually wrapped, so you can stash it anywhere!! But I've been buying their recycled tp, as it's a tad cheaper, and I have a dry cabinet for storage.
The problem with Costco is that you never know what they'll have. I did get 36 pounds of organic butter there a few weeks ago because it was marked down--unadvertised and unexplained--to $1 a pound!! Those are things you just have to hunt for.
If you're needing something in particular in bulk, you can call them and ask them if they have it. Shopping successfully at Costco can be a full-time job, so good luck doing it by proxy!!
The problem with Costco is that you never know what they'll have. I did get 36 pounds of organic butter there a few weeks ago because it was marked down--unadvertised and unexplained--to $1 a pound!! Those are things you just have to hunt for.
If you're needing something in particular in bulk, you can call them and ask them if they have it. Shopping successfully at Costco can be a full-time job, so good luck doing it by proxy!!
I love Costco and it is one of the only stores I will miss if we move over to the other side of Oregon (I bookmarked Costco's store locater so that I could see how far away they would be from certain towns). I would pay 10% for someone to do a 6 hour round trip. I just read an article in Smart Money magazine with the founder and CEO of Costco, he said they only mark up prices 10% and they buy in such bulk they get great prices. I've always wondered why it was so much cheaper on some things. Like someone else said you can never actually be guaranteed what's in stock.
Things that I would miss are the dairy products (cheese-amazing prices! and butter), laundry soap (I use that big bottle of Eco), dog food, spices (again, really amazing prices on spices), and over the counter meds (like generic Tylenol and such). I know there is a lot more, I know I always spend plenty of money when I go!
The other thing that is really nice is their seasonal stuff. Christmas is great and I bought everyone ski gloves last year at wonderful prices. Stuff like that you really wouldn't be able to catch because it's not their all the time and stuff sells really quickly.
My best advice is to make the trip once and see what you think and make sure you really would be getting a good deal on what your family uses. They use to give one day memberships at the customer counter for a trial day. I'm assuming they still do that?
p.s. I forgot all the business stuff like pens, envelopes, pencils, highlighters, those kinds of things. Really can't beat the prices on those things either.
Things that I would miss are the dairy products (cheese-amazing prices! and butter), laundry soap (I use that big bottle of Eco), dog food, spices (again, really amazing prices on spices), and over the counter meds (like generic Tylenol and such). I know there is a lot more, I know I always spend plenty of money when I go!
The other thing that is really nice is their seasonal stuff. Christmas is great and I bought everyone ski gloves last year at wonderful prices. Stuff like that you really wouldn't be able to catch because it's not their all the time and stuff sells really quickly.
My best advice is to make the trip once and see what you think and make sure you really would be getting a good deal on what your family uses. They use to give one day memberships at the customer counter for a trial day. I'm assuming they still do that?
p.s. I forgot all the business stuff like pens, envelopes, pencils, highlighters, those kinds of things. Really can't beat the prices on those things either.
We have 3 Costcos each within about 70 miles of us (Wenatchee, Yakima, and Issaquah) and I think the membership is worthwhile; agreed they don't always have the cheapest prices on everything, but it does save me a lot of time and multiple shopping trips to get the best deals.
Things we buy regularly are: tp, olive oil, cooking oil, sugar, coffee beans, hamburger patties & buns, charcoal, milk, 1/2 & 1/2, shredded cheese, potstickers, ibuprofen, frozen berries, and PUR water filters come to mind.
They also have very good values on some household goods & furniture. We've been shopping for a recliner chair for months, and I finally found one at Costco last weekend for $325; it's very nice (I gave it to dh for an anniversary present). Car tires are another good thing, and they offer free rotation for life. If you have a need for any higher-end furniture or housewares they have good prices on some pretty fancy stuff (to rich for my taste but nice nevertheless).
Things we buy regularly are: tp, olive oil, cooking oil, sugar, coffee beans, hamburger patties & buns, charcoal, milk, 1/2 & 1/2, shredded cheese, potstickers, ibuprofen, frozen berries, and PUR water filters come to mind.
They also have very good values on some household goods & furniture. We've been shopping for a recliner chair for months, and I finally found one at Costco last weekend for $325; it's very nice (I gave it to dh for an anniversary present). Car tires are another good thing, and they offer free rotation for life. If you have a need for any higher-end furniture or housewares they have good prices on some pretty fancy stuff (to rich for my taste but nice nevertheless).
I'm with the guy who said to go there once to see if it is even worth it for you to do that. If you haven't paid your membership fee, go with the dude that is starting the business as his guest. I love Costco and only make it there about every 3 months myself, but most things you can find the equivalent of at Walmart if you have to.
The main things I buy on a regular basis are dish liquid, toilet paper, paper plates, shampoo & conditioner, beans, rice, sugar, flour, spices, oil, household items and computer ink cartridges. I think that's it. Good Luck.
The main things I buy on a regular basis are dish liquid, toilet paper, paper plates, shampoo & conditioner, beans, rice, sugar, flour, spices, oil, household items and computer ink cartridges. I think that's it. Good Luck.
The Costco website and the stores have very different things. I saw something in the store I wanted to send my parents, but it was heavy and I didn't want to pay shipping from here to there. I tried to order it online and it wasn't there. So I asked in the store and they said they are totally different corporation but with the same name.
I love Costco and although their prices aren't always the very lowest, overall they are consistently lower than Sam's Club, Wal~Mart, and BJ's--here in the DC area, at least. Only place consistently cheaper than that is National Wholesale, but I would never trust food bought from them. Who knows where it's from or how old it is! Great place for small appliances though.
I love Costco and although their prices aren't always the very lowest, overall they are consistently lower than Sam's Club, Wal~Mart, and BJ's--here in the DC area, at least. Only place consistently cheaper than that is National Wholesale, but I would never trust food bought from them. Who knows where it's from or how old it is! Great place for small appliances though.
I save about 1/2 on their glasses - frames, prescription, sun darkening and no line bi-focals. What would cost me well over $350.00 at Walmart paid for my 170 mile one way trip many times over.
Their dog food can't be beat - quality wise. No corn filler in their Lamb and Rice. 40# for 19.99. On my last run to Costco, I bought 400 pounds. When you buy in large quantity is makes it worth while. Just what I saved there paid for the trip for other things.
Yes, if you watch sales, you can buy some things like canned vegies for the same amount. BUT their meat quality is superior to Wally..Oh, I mean Sam's Club. As are other things.
I like stone ground whole wheat bread. Not only am I having a hard time finding stone ground whole wheat bread, but when I do, It's expensive. Costco has it at a reasonable price. Wish I had bought more - freezes well.
The also have a furniture store...You can also buy gas at a good savings at some of their stores .
Have to check tire prices next....
Their dog food can't be beat - quality wise. No corn filler in their Lamb and Rice. 40# for 19.99. On my last run to Costco, I bought 400 pounds. When you buy in large quantity is makes it worth while. Just what I saved there paid for the trip for other things.
Yes, if you watch sales, you can buy some things like canned vegies for the same amount. BUT their meat quality is superior to Wally..Oh, I mean Sam's Club. As are other things.
I like stone ground whole wheat bread. Not only am I having a hard time finding stone ground whole wheat bread, but when I do, It's expensive. Costco has it at a reasonable price. Wish I had bought more - freezes well.
The also have a furniture store...You can also buy gas at a good savings at some of their stores .
Have to check tire prices next....
I am making a spread sheet in exel comparing the prices between COSTCO and the military commissary as well as a couple of other stores, Amazon grocery and Walton Feed. Its rather eye opening. I am done stopping at one place after seeing how it compares!
When I add the 5% surcharge for things at the commissary, COSTO is often a better deal. I only live 2 miles from COSTCO, so its easy for me to pop in and see what is available. I dont usually go in with a list, I just get what they have.
When I add the 5% surcharge for things at the commissary, COSTO is often a better deal. I only live 2 miles from COSTCO, so its easy for me to pop in and see what is available. I dont usually go in with a list, I just get what they have.
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
-
?
