Like others,I agree,it depends,what do you consume?For me,I am good with my savings.It’s my time,I don’t want to drive all over to save because my time’s worth more.Now if I can only learn that couponing thing,and eat for free:)

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We had always thought that Costco prices were comparable to other “big box” retailers and never got a membership because of the membership fee. Everyone insisted that Costco had unbeatable prices and so, when we received a Costco membership as a gift, we decided to try it. We are very savvy shoppers and so the first thing we did was walk around the entire store and price out our regularly-purchased items. We were disappointed to say the least and could only find three grocery items in the entire store that were cheaper than what we pay elsewhere.

Their eggs (A 5-dozen case I might add) were $2.54 per dozen. We pay $2.46 at Superstore and don’t have to purchase 5 dozen at once.

Cranberry Almond Crunch: $8.99 per box (the large box) and $7.99 per box (same size) at Superstore

Cheese: $1.16 per 100g and you have to buy the giant block to get this price. We pay $1.00 per 100g at Sobeys and can purchase smaller packages.

Meat: All of the meat was either the same price per kg or more AND Costco’s meat is constantly being recalled.

Apples: 2.68 per lb vs. 1.97 per lb at Superstore (for the same brand).

The list goes on and on. You can certainly save on non-grocery-related products, but just because Costco sells groceries in bulk does not mean that the price per unit is cheaper. They just make you think it is by having giant boxes.

I like that they do have some products that you can’t get elsewhere (yam fries), but it certainly isn’t worth it for us. Add to the fact that you can’t use manufacturer coupons (or can only use one per giant pack vs. using several for several smaller packs) and it is definitely more expensive. They also never have sales like other retailers, which adds up quickly. Take, for instance, the purchase of formula: Superstore has Similac on regularly for $24.99 a can. Costco had a three-pack (same-size cans) for $72.99 – BUT, Superstore regularly has a sale price of $16.00 a can PLUS I have several $5.00 Similac coupons. Therefore, 3 cans at Costco with ONE coupon (if they even allow it) is $67.99 but at Superstore on sale with my 3 coupons and 3 cans comes to $33.00 SAVING 34.99.

All in all, a savvy shopper can see that it is not worth it (for regular groceries) and I would rather put my savings towards my children’s education.

I agree with Kristine.

1..It’s always in stock. I have only had one experience in 6 years where what I wanted wasn’t in stock, and it wasn’t in stock because the truck broke down and would be in the next day, now I always shop the day before, just in case…
2.. consistent quality, its not 10/10, but as long I can always expect 8/10 all the time, i know how to cook it for my clients, I can’t say that for Loblaws stuff.
3..Large cuts, or not…I can rarely get full prime ribs or full tenderloins at grocery stores and I can walk in and get them without question 7 days a week. I can also get trimmed goods if i need it then and the price point doesn t break me.
4.. Cost..their price points are always the same as any other place, which saves me stops, and my time has a cost too.

Now if only they would adopt an animal welfare program like Whole Foods, THAT would be cool…

Next important point already mentioned many times – you can not beat Costco’s return policy – no questions asked, they just give you your money back. I bought a bath room rain shower unit, installed it and did not like the way it worked. After 5 months I took it back and got a full refund.

I also know other people who buy expensive items used them for 10 months and then take the item back and get something new again, once again a great return policy.

As Micheal noted electonic items at Costco are very good, but I will need to check the return policy since some comments indicate that you may only have 30 to 60 days to return an item.

Absolutely INCORRECT Martin … Future Shop and Best buy are notorious for selling old models, case in point is a recent purchase of an HP tablet … FS and BB were selling theirs for $30.00 more than Costco with the “g” network card, where Costco’s was the latest chip set with the much faster “N” card. Also on a recent purchase of Garmin GPS … free lifetime maps model for less than subscription map pricing of same unit at FS & BB. The dog and pop for 2 bucks sure beats the roach cart outside C – Tire. With respect to Walmart, I stopped shopping there years ago … sale items never in stock and their assanine “Limited Time Offer” (WTF – a sale is always limited time) cop out on rainchecks … I happily use the Walmart flyer for price matching at Superstore or Loblaws.