Do you really save at Costco??

[HenDuck]

Like gas, milk, soy milk, eggs, frozen veggies, cereal, bottled water, some cleaning supplies and some meats.

We also shop at Sam's club. We only buy certain things at each store (including other non-warehouse stores). I know what's cheaper at each store. Sam's club has the cheapest film developing (especially if you like to get triple prints like us). Sam's has a better bakery selection. Costco has a better gourmet and specialty selection. Costco also has great deals at Christmas time on toys and gift items.

Sometimes I drive my DH nuts. He goes shopping with me and I tell him, "I don't buy that here". "Why not?" "Because it's cheaper at ___."

Like everyone else said, you gotta know your prices and practice restraint.

 

[ripleysmom]

Costco has some great deals and some okay deals.

Milk, bread, eggs, fish sticks, mac & cheese are all good deals

Costco's meat, while not the cheapest, is very high quality. That is the only place I buy my meat anymore.

Books are a very good price too.

 

[ladydancer]

I read in our local newpaper they are building a Costco in the next town. It will be opened in Nov. What is a Costco? How much is a membership?

 

[skiwee1]

I know I don't. We go to BJs which is the same thing. Every time I go I have to buy more then what I need. I also end up buying all kinds of goodies that I never even thought I needed. I average going there every 2 months and spending almost $500 each time. So I spend way more then I need to.

 

[mommytotwo]

I think it depends on what you buy. If you go to some regular grocery stores and buy when things are on sale, you will most likely save there.
If you use the eye glass/prescription section/film processing, you will most likely save there then going anywhere else.

 

[swilphil]

Originally posted by ladydancer
I read in our local newpaper they are building a Costco in the next town. It will be opened in Nov. What is a Costco? How much is a membership?

When Costco opened here, they gave away free 1 year memberships. It's like Sam's Club, where you buy things in bulk.

I didn't renew our membership because I found I bought things I didn't need, like Ralph Lauren jeans. We would also buy fruit snacks and animal crackers in bulk, and it just meant we would have those things on hand all the time. Normally when we run out, we just don't get those treats until they are on sale again at the grocery store. If I watch the grocery ads, I can save a lot of money. Walmart prices also are often less than Costco, but Costco does have a great selection.

I have heard that Costco has good prices on Disney Cruises. I'm going to check into that when we are ready to take the big trip. I think you can also look that up online.

 

[barbnbrian]

A new Costco just opened recently in Enfield, CT. I just happen to be in Enfield 2x a week now for my son's wrestling practice and was wondering if they were offering a free 1 yr. membership? I already belong to Sam's & BJ's. I would take a free membership if they offered it to me, but wouldn't join since I don't live near this store and already have the other 2 memberships.

 

[heathrow42]

Contact lenses and gasoline-- that's our reason for keeping our membership. My contacts would be $90/box from lenscrafters and they are $30/box from costco! I just can't pass that up. Our costco is also so close to work and has a gas station. Since we drive 40 mi. each way to work, we go through a lot of gas.

We also use their picture printing service for digital prints, 19 cents each compared to most online places which are 29 cents. Their film is also a pretty good deal too (especially when you think what 400 speed film would cost at WDW)

It's just 2 of us, so groceries, esp meat and veggies aren't a great deal for us, unless we are having a party. Although a 5lb. bag of baby carrots doesn't last long in this house, and 5lb for $5 is cheaper than any local shop. We also do the tp and paper towel thing.

If you have a couple of items where you would save significantly or have a large family it can definately be worth while. You really do have to know your prices, and it helps (not only your wallet!) if you keep away from junk food.

Heather

 

[Strings]

We save quite a bit, as long as I keep my DH out of the electronics and DVDs. I limit his exposure to Costco. I go and have a list. I rarely buy anything that is not on the list. It takes major willpower.