AIBU to ask if Costco membership is worth it?

[gassylady]

In laws used to have membership years ago and used to buy enormous trays of scones which were lovely. Am now eligible myself and when we move house will have room to do a bit of bulk storage for pasta, rice etc. But is it worth my £50 do they sell decent stuff or is it all dodgy own brands?

But people are saying that it saves money buying in bulk. I'm saying it doesn't save me money as I can get the same stuff more cheaply elsewhere, without bulk buying.

It’s cheaper than Aldi / Lidl if you buy in bulk and the veg can last up to 2 months if you refrigerate properly. It’s good value for seafood (frozen and fresh), veg, eggs, all dairy, bread, and household cleaning products.

Except it wasn't when I went. I did a price comparison while I was in there to check! Many things weren't cheaper by kg / wash / sheet etc. Even in bulk.

Considering a lot of Aldi veg go off after a week you need to look at more than price per kg. Quality is important too.

I grow most of my own veg.

Costco absolutely do take Amex, I've used it there for years.
Not sure where the £50 membership is from, I pay £20 ish pounds and that includes a card for my mum.
Really have to laugh at people saying Aldi is cheaper! Yes that's because Aldi is shit compared to Costco. Costco fresh meat and fish is far superior to any supermarket.
We also use it for buffet food quite a bit and the personalised birthday cakes are amazing value for £15. The Kirkland Malbec is also fantastic value.
The petrol is also far cheaper

Pampers nappies and nappy pants are always on a good deal, yes I could use Aldi but they're crap they leak and when the nursery used them on DS he got nappy rash for the first time. Also Purina one cat biscuits, DH loves the pastries and they can be frozen. I also like the big bags of frozen raw prawns, really handy to have in the freezer, defrost quickly for quick stir fries etc. They have some good toys too, we got a friend's son a build your own robot last year and it was fantastic. My parents have a card and we get additional membership for £16 (not that my DF will ever take the money for it). Oh San Pellegrino pomegranate and cheap petrol are other go to things for us.

It is for me. I save $.10/gallon on gas, 19 gallons a week. That's $1.90/week which is $98.80 annually. The membership is $55, so it more than pays for itself in gas savings. But I shop there all the time. Their meat prices are good, produce prices are good, they have lots of organic options. I love it.

Never ever had bad. Anything.

And if you did get something bad, their return policy is crazy generous. At least in the US.

Can't beat having a Costco card. AmaIng for dog beds and their food. An then coffee is so cheap
Brilliant at Easter and buying summer toys
Also can drop in with TVs and other household bits!
An the hotdogs are amazing - I want one now urghhhhh

Costco is fab. Amazing cakes (and their fresh pizza is wonderful) but we mainly use card for bulk buying things like toilet roll and non alcoholic drinks. My DH also gets his tyres from there and we got a great deal on nursery furniture!

Ok bit confused here. They advertise an Online Shopping only subscription - how does that work? Can't see anything about delivery. Is it like Click n Collect? I'm confused!!

If you order online from Costco the goods are delivered.

I find if you have space to store stuff, it's great. We do spend over £150 per trip, but stuff lasts a while. It took a year to use our tea bag purchase!

Ok ta. And do you know how much delivery is? Can't see it!

It's great for Pampers. We buy two sizes and it's always cheaper.

It may not be cheaper than Aldi or Lidl, or even, as cheap. However, in terms of quality, Costco wins out every time. Their own brand is exceptional and in every way superior to Aldi. Because you are buying in bulk, it takes a few months to get to 'peak savings' ime, but once at that point, you do really notice the savings.