I just discovered there is a Costco about 30 miles from me

[motely36]

I think I might check it out this weekend. Is it really worth it?

[judge_smales]

1. I think it is.

BUT- you have to know your unit prices. Just because it's at a wholesale club doesn't mean it's cheaper.

[flyingfysh]

2. Yes

Costco stores are pleasant to shop in, and you can save lots of money. They treat their employees right, and the management donates to Democrats.

They often offer high-end items such as plasma TV sets and pool tables. In some states, they sell cases of wine.

[motely36]

3. Is it like a BJ's or Sam's Club

I mean do they also sell food there or just other stuff?

[mondo joe]

5. MUCH more than just food

Electronics, office supplies, books, DVDs, CDs, rubbermaid, chairs, and on and on.

[mondo joe]

4. I'd say it is. Depends on your circumstance.

I regularly go to Costco - cheap tylenol, toilet paper, wine, coffee filters.

I always have a costco-pack of chicken broth and one of stewed tomatoes.

CDs and DVDs are sometimes good costco purchases.

Plentiful inexpensive office supplies.

[RagingInMiami]

6. Make room in your car and bring extra cash

You might even want to bring a cooler if you live 30 miles away to keep frozen food cold. I love costco.

[truthseeker1]

7. Tips

Costco is great for certain things. You do have to be careful not to overbuy. It's better if you have a family to shop for or if you have a deep freezer. We usually divide things into smaller portions and freeze them (like breads, cheese, etc.) Also beware the prepared and frozen foods usually are not where the savings are.

It's a great place to stock up on: batteries, office supplies, generic drugs, toilet paper, paper towels, paper plates, trash bags, laundry soap, alcohol and beer, bottled water, soda/juice, canned goods, butter, cheese (although if you're used to really good cheese, this is not the place to get it....but it's fine for cooking), nuts, baked goods (bagels, dinner rolls, pies and cakes are all good), chips. You can also find great deals on books, CDs and videogames.

I skip the produce because they don't carry organic, and I skip the meat because well, I'm crossing over to vegetarian (but if you eat meat, just beware that you're getting factory farmed meat, i.e., filled with hormones and antibiotics).

Just my 2 cents. Happy shopping!

[cally]

8. I think you can get a one day pass to

try it out. I love Costco.

[warrens]

9. Yes

And they'll give you a day pass to check it out. The only catch, really, is that you have to buy in bulk. I live in a small apartment, so it really isn't an option for a lot of things they sell. But otherwise, it's a great place.

[motely36]

10. Thanks everyone for the info!

[Midlodemocrat]

11. Absofrikkenlutely.

check out the website. The stuff is great quality, cheap and they have an amazing returns policy. When we went to CA last week, we brought our Aerobed, during the time, it developed a leak, I took it back to the Costco near my brother's house, and they took it back without question without receipt, box, etc. They gave me a full refund on a Costco cash card. I love Costco, plan to do all my shopping there.

[fluffernutter]

12. yeah, Costco has the best refund policy ever.

I love that aspect of it. They also carry some great stuff and have knowledgable sales people in the electronics dept.

[Gothmog]

13. Costco is great

I love Costco and shop there often. I was please to see that it is a blue company. See http://www.choosetheblue.com/main.php?backlevel=002..001Choose%20The%20Blue.002Retail%20Shopping%20and%20Fashion&prodcat=Retail+Stores