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The 6 Differences Between Costco And Costco.com –Which One Saves You More Money?
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In 2017, Costco gave discount devotees who hate maneuvering through their warehouses another option: online retail. While one-click shopping at Costco.Com means fewer crowds and more convenience, it doesn't necessarily provide the same deep discounts you'd expect to find at their brick-and-mortar. In fact, depending on how often you shop at Costco and what you buy, it might be far cheaper to brave the crowds and shop in person.
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Here are the six differences between shopping at a Costco store or shopping online at Costco.Com.
Non-MembersOne perk to shopping at Costco.Com is that you don't have to be a member. Non-members are free to fill their online carts, but there's a 5% surcharge to do so.
While this may not be worthwhile if you visit the website often, if you spend less than $1,200 per year at Costco.Com, the 5% surcharge amounts to less than the $60 membership fee. So for a smaller, non-member household that shops at Costco only a few times a year, online shopping is cheaper.
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InventoryWhile Costco.Com has many items that aren't available in stores, across the board the online items are more expensive than what you'd find in person. This is because of shipping and handling fees added to deliver the items to your home or office.
While Costco will do price adjustments on store-bought items that are later marked down, it won't do price adjustments on online items that are priced cheaper at stores. If you have a membership and the item you're looking for is in stock at a brick-and-mortar, you'll save more money shopping in person.
GroceriesDuring the height of the pandemic, many households got used to purchasing groceries online. While Costco has deep discounts on bulk grocery items, CostcoGrocery items are typically priced higher online to account for the packaging. The online shop also charges a delivery fee. For same-day delivery, which is via Instacart and available only to members, the service and delivery fee is included in the price of the item. Plus there's a $35 minimum purchase.
For two-day delivery of non-perishable goods, there's a $3 delivery fee per item. If you buy $75 worth of groceries, you can avoid the delivery fee, but remember the online prices are higher to begin with. If you're looking to avoid fees, it's far cheaper to shop in person.
Buying Prescription DrugsFun fact: You don't need a membership to order prescription drugs on Costco.Com or in person at the warehouse. Non-members also won't be charged a 5% surcharge if they do decide to order them online. If you order your prescription well in advance, standard shipping (6-14 days) is free. Meaning that for both members and non-members shopping online and in the store costs about the same amount.
If you need your prescription ASAP, it's much cheaper to purchase it in person as you'll incur delivery fees on Costco.Com that will set you back $10.95 for three-day UPS delivery and $13.95 for two-day UPS delivery.
Purchasing GlassesWhile Costco.Com has a much larger selection of frames, it doesn't accept vision insurance. If you have insurance and the frames you want are available in store, it's much cheaper to purchase them in person.
Business CenterCostco Business Center is an offshoot of Costco.Com that sells bulk items for all different kinds of businesses, including restaurants, convenience stores and offices. Not only do the business centers sell things you won't find in a regular Costco, but the items come in much bigger sizes. The business center does have brick-and-mortar locations, but there are just 24 (in 12 states).
If you don't live near one of the 24 locations, it's cheaper to order through the business center online than it is to shop for your business at a regular Costco — especially considering Costco waives its $25 surcharge if you purchase more than $250. If you live near a business center, it's cheaper to shop in person, as online items can be more expensive.
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Score A Costco Gold Star Membership With A $30 Digital Costco Shop Card
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Between running a business, summer travel, and the upcoming back-to-school prep and holiday plans, things are busy. Having a place to get nearly all of your shopping done for work and home can take a hefty weight off your shoulders. And Costco has over 500 warehouses to accommodate that need. When you sign up for a one-year Costco Gold Star Membership, you'll receive a $30 Digital Costco Shop Card*.
Costco offers a variety of goods, from groceries and cleaning supplies to furniture and electronics. Get set for back to school with snacks for the kids and grab the ingredients you need to prep meals for a busy work week. On the way home, stop at the Costco Gas Station to fill your gas tank. You can even take advantage of the Costco Tire Center and have brand-name tires installed as you shop.
You aren't limited to shopping in person, either. If you don't have the time, you can go to Costco.Com to purchase select items like groceries and everyday essentials with two-day or same-day delivery.
Get a Costco Gold Star Membership to help you through the busiest times of the year.
Sign up for a Costco Gold Star Membership and get a $30 Digital Costco Shop Card* to get you started for just $60 for a limited time.
Prices subject to change. *To receive a Digital Costco Shop Card, you must provide a valid email address at the time of sign-up. If you elect not to provide a valid email address, a Digital Costco Shop Card will not be emailed. Valid only for nonmembers for their first year of membership. Limit one per household. Nontransferable and may not be combined with any other promotion. New members will receive their Digital Costco Shop Card by email within 2 weeks of sign-up. Costco Shop Cards are not redeemable for cash, except as required by law. Digital Costco Shop Cards are not accepted at Gas Stations, Car Washes, or Food Court Kiosks. A Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each membership includes one free Household Card. May be subject to sales tax. Costco accepts all Visa cards, as well as cash, checks, debit/ATM cards, EBT and Costco Shop Cards. Departments and product selection may vary. *Services are provided to Costco members by third parties.
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Become a Costco MemberCostco memberships start at $60 per year for the Gold Star membership. Upgrade to the Executive Membership for an additional $60, and you will earn 2% cash back on all Costco and Costco gas purchases. This includes online purchases, as well.
If you only spend $3000 in a year, you will break even on the additional $60 for the Executive Membership. Frequent shoppers know that spending $3000 a year there is easy to do, making the Executive Membership worth it for many people. You'll also be eligible for the annual 2% reward, exclusive offers, additional Costco coupons, and their home magazine delivered to your front door every month.
You will get membership pricing on all purchases. Save on car rentals, hearing aids, treadmills, clothing, food, and offers from partners like insurance and automobile purchases!
Find Savings OffersExplore the offers page at Costco for savings both in-store and online. This page details all the latest info, including discounts, promotions, and sales. You will see what items have been marked down and which specific product categories are temporarily reduced in price.
Recent sales include up to $1100 off washer and dryer bundle purchases, $250 off select laptops, $300 off various furniture pieces, jewelry discounts, $120 off a Sealy mattress, or an LG 4K TV from $270.
Offers vary monthly and usually last for one month or until sold out, so you better act quickly if there's something you want!
Service Member DiscountsMedical professionals, first responders, government employees, and military members can get a $20 Costco shop card when they join and select auto-renewal. Verify your employment, and the offer will be sent to you once you join.
Students in most accredited US colleges and universities can get a $30 Uber credit when they purchase a Gold Star membership and choose auto-renewal. This Uber credit makes getting to the store to make your first purchase that much easier. You will need to verify your student status to claim this offer.
Similarly, teachers can get a $20 Costco shop card when they join. You will need to verify your employment and also choose membership auto-renewal. You will need a Visa card to use any of these auto-renewal options.
Download the AppAlmost anything can be found online today, so why not download the mobile app to access your favorite features on the go? You can view your membership card on the home page for streamlined entry and checkout. With the app, you can also browse their unique selection of products, receive the latest Costco coupons right on your device, view gas prices, order photo prints, view special events, as well take advantage of the many other features their app offers to make your experience that much better.
Costco Black FridayThe best bulk retailer is coming in hot with their Black Friday deals because, at Costco, everything is big! Last year they updated their holiday savings ad with over thirty pages of hard-hitting discounts. With considerable savings ranging from $800 off washing machines to a pair of designer jeans for $9.99, you're guaranteed to find everything you need.
Ensure your Membership is valid, so once the big day comes, you won't have to worry about it expiring or paying a surcharge! You can skip the crowds, lineups, and additional stress of finding parking by shopping online. While you don't need a membership to shop their website, you may be charged an additional fee to do so, and with their fantastic product lineup, it only makes sense to grab a loyalty card today to be prepared!
Costco always releases its ad early, each proving to be bigger and better than the last! Price breaks on 4K TVs, treadmills, kitchen appliances, vacuums, and gaming consoles are just some items you need to keep your eye on. If you're in the market for some cool new electronics, get there early, as the bigger the discount, the more likely it will disappear quickly!
And make sure to check our website here to stay updated on the latest and greatest deals and Costco promo codes all year round!
A Variety of Shipping OptionsYou can choose from several shipping methods and options on the Costco website. Many items are shipped with standard shipping for free. Other items can be shipped with threshold delivery, white glove delivery, appliance delivery, and grocery delivery. Many purchases can also be picked up at your local store, with some offering curbside delivery.
For groceries, you can choose two-day delivery for most non-perishable items, which will run you a $3 delivery surcharge per item for orders under $75. Pad your order over $75 with some toilet paper, for example, to get free delivery. For perishable food items, you will be charged a $10 fee for all orders under $100. Stock up on frozen pizza to get your order over $100 for free perishable grocery delivery!
Make a Return or ExchangeCostco offers a 100% satisfaction guarantee so that you can return virtually any purchase for a full refund. Online returns can be made at any store for free, or you can return your online order through the mail, and any shipping and handling fees will also be refunded.
Note that some items are returnable within 90 days, including most electronics. A select few items are not returnable, and those details vary by item. Rest assured that most items sold at Costco can be returned within 90 days or often longer.
You can cancel your Membership anytime for a full refund if you aren't satisfied. You will get the entire fee back no matter when you cancel.
Sign Up For EmailsCostco members can sign up for the latest deals and promotions in the email newsletter. You will see what sales are coming up, what items are being discounted, and know of any corporate news. There are exclusive offers for email subscribers, too.
The newsletter is a great way to stay in touch with this retail giant. Be in the know about promotional offers, seasonal sales, Black Friday savings, and Cyber Monday deals. You can unsubscribe from the email newsletter at any time.
Costco Anywhere Visa CardThe Anywhere Visa card is one of Costco's best ways to save. Frequent shoppers will find the most value, and the card carries no annual fee for members. It will also serve as your membership card.
You will get 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases, 3% on restaurants and eligible travel, and 2% on all other in-store and online purchases. You will earn 1% back on everything else, making it an excellent incentive for signing up as soon as possible!
Previous Costco Promotional Codes Discount Type Discount Codes & Deals Discount Amount Status Online Coupon 25% off Costco photo promo code 25% Off Expired Online Coupon Costco promo code 10% off 10% Off Expired Online Deal Costco free shipping code Free Shipping Expired Online Deal Costco Membership deals for $10-$40 off $40 Off Expired Online Coupon Costco $10 off coupon $10 Off Expired
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