Sorry to hijack...but while we're on the topic of costco, can our Victorian friends share some insight into their thoughts on the value of membership?
What is the range of goods like? Most importantly, what are the prices like? Do you think it is worth the $60 yearly membership fee. I'm trying to decide whether or not to get the membership card for the upcoming Sydney branch opening.
The membership costs $60 for a personal shopper or $55 for a business (need to provide ABN). That amounts to $5 per month.
If you go once a month and save a minimum of $5 each time, you've paid for your membership.
Next time I'm there, I'll see if I can take some pictures and share.
The range of goods is reasonable. You won't find the selection you have at a supermarket but most of the popular items are there. I also don't have any issue buying Kirkland branded stuff, which is the Costco homebrand.
When you walk in, you will hit the electronic and clothes section first. There is a (not so poor to) fair range of televisions and electronic items such as iPods, computers, hard drives, cameras. My mum has bought a TV at Costco. She saved $500 on the price compared to Good Guys or Harvey Normans. But you have to know your prices!
Clothes are from America so there are Mavi and CK jeans; gym clothes, t-shirts etc. The Mavi's are about $45 - 80, CKs are about $45. It is hit and miss; but I've managed to pick up jeans, a sweat top and a couple of tees.
Then you hit the homewares section - and I quite like looking at this section. I've bought a set of 3 frypans for about $40 (can't remember exactly) but they seemed like a good price to me. I also buy ziplock bags, gladwrap, foil. You have to have the storage space for these things....it is bulk! Gladwrap is 200m...and incredibly cheap on a per meter price comparison....but it still costs money to buy the 200m. I can't remember exactly how much now; but both DH and I think these plastic items are excellent value.
After homewares, comes the fresh food. If I were to entertain for larger than 12 people, I would come here to pick up cakes, muffins, bread. The cakes are HUGE...I think they are either 20" or 24" cakes....and excellent value for under $20. They also sell fruit and veg, which I don't buy.
I buy parmesan cheese. 1 kg = $24 instead of $40 at the market or at a deli. I tend to get 1 kg every 2 or 3 months. This is what pays for my membership.
I will also buy Canadian pure maple syrup. It is packaged under Costco's homebrand, Kirkland and there's nothing wrong with the brand...can't remember exactly now...but I think it is about $12 for 1 litre. You're paying about $8 for 150 ml?
I also like the Kirkland corn chips....it is a huge packet!
I also buy the quiches here. They sell them individually and are about $9.50. They have a use-by date of about 1 month and are a great item to have in my fridge for that quick dinner. I'm buying quiches at $15 elsewhere.
They also have prepared pizzas for you to take home and put in the oven. Think of a Extra Large pizza in New York and that's about the size of it. Pizzas are about $15??
I've looked at the fish and meat section...I just don't eat enough to warrant buying that amount. The prices are akin to getting them at the Vic Market; which is about $2 - $10 per kg cheaper than the supermarkets. Again - you have to know your prices.
We buy Kleenex toilet paper - in a bag of 48 rolls; and the kitchen wipes of 6 in a packet. The pricing here is about the same or a little bit better than waiting for the supermarkets to discount. We happen to have the storage space for these and sometimes can't be bothered hitting the supermarkets when they are on special. This way, we always have plenty on hand at the cheaper price.
We also buy apple juice for DS' lunch box. Again, the pricing here is about the same or a little better than waiting for the discounts at the supermarkets. We just don't have to worry about it going on special and rushing to stock up.
I've bought soya sauce, rice, tinned foods, honey, vegemite, soaps, toothbrushes at Costco. In bulk, there are significant savings in some items and it all adds up towards that minimum $5 breakeven point.
Without taking into account savings on electronic goods, I would say that we probably save about $30 - $50 on items every time we go. We are going about once every 6 weeks.
If you had a large extended family (or friends) to share with, then it definitely could work out for you all. You can get the cashier to subtotal at certain points but the member card holder has to pay for it all in the one transaction; no split bills and no split payments.
Hope this helps.
Is it that poorly lit?!? 
