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ChatterBank1 min ago
costco
10 Answers
thinking about going here but been told membership is over �30 a year?
anyone confirm this?
also any other information would be very useful
found information on it but the most recent is like 2004 so Im not sure if anythings changed
anyone confirm this?
also any other information would be very useful
found information on it but the most recent is like 2004 so Im not sure if anythings changed
Answers
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Membership of Costco is not open to the general public. You need to convince them that you're a bona fide trader.
Membership costs �20 per year, plus VAT. (i.e. �23 per year).
http://www.costco.co.uk/default.htm
I've not used Costco but when I used to run a sports club bar I had a card for another cash-and-carry wholesaler. In general, I found that I could buy most of their goods cheaper from Tesco Extra, Asda or through online stores.
Chris
Membership costs �20 per year, plus VAT. (i.e. �23 per year).
http://www.costco.co.uk/default.htm
I've not used Costco but when I used to run a sports club bar I had a card for another cash-and-carry wholesaler. In general, I found that I could buy most of their goods cheaper from Tesco Extra, Asda or through online stores.
Chris
I'm confused as to how the website can 'tell you nothing'. It quite clearly states "Costco is an exclusive wholesale cash and carry membership warehouse club and is not open to the general public. Membership is required. You are eligible for trade membership if you are a bona fide business owner/manager who can provide evidence of trading".
It then goes on to explain the costs of membership, here:
http://www.costco.co.uk/Membership_home/Trade_ memship/trade_membership.htm
That page states that members can add up to six extra cards at a cost of �12 each per year. In practice, Costco probably follow the practice of other cash-&-carry outlets and make these cards available, for free, to employees of firms which take up membership. (e.g. schools often have some cards to be used by members of their staff. These are theoretically to be used only for purchases on behalf of the school but everyone, including the cash-&-carry company, knows that they'll actually be used for private purchases).
All cash-&-carry outlets have to at least pretend to only supply genuine traders. If they admitted to selling directly to the general public, they'd be breaching their agreements with manufacturers for the supply of goods. More importantly, most cash-&-carry warehouses don't have the relevant planning permission to sell direct to the public. They have to be able to assure the local authority that they only sell to traders, or risk enforced closure.
Chris
It then goes on to explain the costs of membership, here:
http://www.costco.co.uk/Membership_home/Trade_ memship/trade_membership.htm
That page states that members can add up to six extra cards at a cost of �12 each per year. In practice, Costco probably follow the practice of other cash-&-carry outlets and make these cards available, for free, to employees of firms which take up membership. (e.g. schools often have some cards to be used by members of their staff. These are theoretically to be used only for purchases on behalf of the school but everyone, including the cash-&-carry company, knows that they'll actually be used for private purchases).
All cash-&-carry outlets have to at least pretend to only supply genuine traders. If they admitted to selling directly to the general public, they'd be breaching their agreements with manufacturers for the supply of goods. More importantly, most cash-&-carry warehouses don't have the relevant planning permission to sell direct to the public. They have to be able to assure the local authority that they only sell to traders, or risk enforced closure.
Chris
As you state, that card was obtained through an employer. That will probably have happened in the same way as the 'school' example I gave above. Costco will have given ITVYORKS's firm free membership, plus a few cards to give to staff. Such things are fairly standard practice with cash-&-carry outlets. They're happy to sell to anyone but they can't directly offer membership to the general public.
Local authorities now have a general policy (based on guidelines from central government) that they will not, other than in exceptional circumstances, permit any further out-of-town superstore developments. (For example, Waitrose have tried, several times, to open a store on the edge of Ipswich but they've always been denied planning permission). Thus, the only way that firms like Costco can get planning permission is to make it very clear that they are not a retailer. Once they've established that their planning application is only for a wholesale outlet, they'll normally get planning permission. Thereafter, they'll do everything they can to get as many people through their doors as possible (including giving free membership to large firms and providing them with several cards for their employees) but they still can't offer membership to the general public. If they did so, firms like Waitrose, Tesco and Asda (who are all having loads of planning applications turned down) would cry 'foul' and report the breach of planning regulations to the local authority.
Chris
Local authorities now have a general policy (based on guidelines from central government) that they will not, other than in exceptional circumstances, permit any further out-of-town superstore developments. (For example, Waitrose have tried, several times, to open a store on the edge of Ipswich but they've always been denied planning permission). Thus, the only way that firms like Costco can get planning permission is to make it very clear that they are not a retailer. Once they've established that their planning application is only for a wholesale outlet, they'll normally get planning permission. Thereafter, they'll do everything they can to get as many people through their doors as possible (including giving free membership to large firms and providing them with several cards for their employees) but they still can't offer membership to the general public. If they did so, firms like Waitrose, Tesco and Asda (who are all having loads of planning applications turned down) would cry 'foul' and report the breach of planning regulations to the local authority.
Chris
Mr Sense works for a Bank , they are able to offer individual membership, through work account benefits. The hours are slightly different for trade and individual members. They do have a large sign behind the customer services desk that states the professions of those who are eligible to apply - strangely cannot find that list in the web link though.
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