Costco - Is It All It`s Cracked Up To Be?

[237SJ]

I joined yesterday and went along to the Farnborough branch. I got a couple of bargains on champagne and a bottle of port for christmas and their meat seemed to be good but apart from that I wasn`t that impressed. Am I missing something?

[Ann]

Costco - their tubs of kitchen/bathroom wet wipes are great, lemon, orange and apple. Three tubs in a pack for £7.99 ish, and smell lovely and clean. Some of the goods aren't really a bargain unless they are on monthly special offer so you have to watch what you buy and price things up with comparisons. I detest the cafe food, all American junk rubbish.

[nungate]

We use the one in Edinburgh quite often, we've always found it to be good.
Much prefer buying things when I can. Their meat is always good as are the baked goods, even the fruit and veg are good. Been members since the store opened up here years ago.

[maggiebee]

Hi nungate, I go to the Edinburgh too with a friend (she is a member). Great for buying in bulk - only problem is that I have no storage space. Friend has garage so makes great savings.

[jno]

I have taken a Panasonic camera back, 237SJ. It didn't break exactly, just started getting spots on the photos - apparently just zooming the lens in and out risks dust getting in. Plus there was a blow-up bed that developed a pinhole puncture, and other little odds and ends. And for some reason even a steak that went off after three days, well before the eat-by date.

Plus you can take things back if you just change your mind.

[nungate]

Hey Maggie, I know it's the storing the stuff that's the problem. Thank heavens for that cupboard under the stairs! (and the garage!) They have all of their Christmas decs on display now, they are good for those things that are just that wee bit different.

[237SJ]

It wouldn`t be worth me taking a steak back as it would cost more in petrol than the price of the steak. I only had a quick peruse at the meat there and there was a lot of British meat which I would buy if I was a red meat eater (which I`m not, really) but some of the beef appeared to be from the US where the animals are routinely given anti-biotics. I wouldn`t buy that.

[jno]

oh, I know, I only took the steak back because I was going there anyway! Watford is not worth a journey just for a bit of sirloin.

[EcclesCake]

I do think it is worth doing your home work and comparing prices of staples such as loo roll, wine, washing powder.

There are things that I just don't bother with in CostCo as I know if I get my timing right Waitrose will be much cheaper.

Although loyal to my butcher I have been impressed with the meat I've bought at CostCo.

I've been a member for a few years and have got my shopping formula just about right!