Anonymous wrote:I join for one month each year to order their contact lenses then cancel the membership and get a refund for the remaining 11 months. I’ve tried to like it but we don’t eat that much processed food and their quantities are ridiculous.

You don’t need a double pack of 60oz Heinz Ketchup bottles?

Costco is like going to a busy ice skating rink where you are afraid you will get run over. At school pickup time it is less crowded without all the parents. It doesn't open until 10, which is another good time to go. Last time I went on a weekend, I swore I would never go on a weekend ever again. I like the meats but the breads are meh. It's good if you need diapers and wipes. Certain things I don't buy. Who needs such huge vats of cream cheese or sour cream? If you don't have a separate freezer good luck finding space for anything. I have a love/hate relationship with Costco if you couldn't tell.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ugh Costco…you go in for toilet paper and come out with a giant TV (and a bunch of other stuff you don’t need!)

I thought it would be like that for me so I delayed joining for so long. But I never ever do that. We just use it for groceries/drugstore stuff that we normally buy and it’s really easy to avoid everything else.

Me again, hit submit too soon and didn’t answer OP’s question. If you work from home and can go at lunch on a weekday it’s much better. My DH will go on weekends but I generally don’t unless it’s just as it’s opening or I only need like four things. The parking lot is the worst part IMO (ours is Wheaton.) And you can’t go at 6 am - it doesn’t open that early.

Anonymous wrote:Ugh Costco…you go in for toilet paper and come out with a giant TV (and a bunch of other stuff you don’t need!)

I thought it would be like that for me so I delayed joining for so long. But I never ever do that. We just use it for groceries/drugstore stuff that we normally buy and it’s really easy to avoid everything else.

I was at the Sterling one (also high volume location) today around 1pm and it wasn’t bad at all. I prefer going after lunchtime because the morning is full of retirees and moms of little kids. I find 1-3pm is the sweet spot before the after work crowd hits.

I join for one month each year to order their contact lenses then cancel the membership and get a refund for the remaining 11 months. I’ve tried to like it but we don’t eat that much processed food and their quantities are ridiculous.

If you want a club store experience that’s not as in your face crazy and crowded, try BJ’s instead. They don’t have as many locations here but it’s worth a look if there’s one near you. BJ’s takes manufacturer’s coupons as well so you can save some money that way. I find Costco is better for food but BJ’s has more name brands and a better baby selection if you’re still in the diapers and formula years.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Costco is for those who lack basic math skills.

Can't afford the membership,huh? Happens sometimes.

LOL. Perhaps they need some remedial maths and economics 🤓

Perhaps you aren't aware of the other threads on this board claiming that we live in highly educated and influential ZIP codes. If these are the smart people...

I think Costco is a good store with great products, but for us it’s never worked. We are now a family of only three- oldest has left the roost. Even when it was four of us, buying in bulk didn’t make a ton of sense. Also. We only have one fridge, no deep freeze and a small pantry. Finally, and the main reason I stopped going to Costco, the store is a zoo. Much prefer my local grocery store- easy in, easy out.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Costco is for those who lack basic math skills.

Can't afford the membership,huh? Happens sometimes.

LOL. Perhaps they need some remedial maths and economics 🤓

Anonymous wrote:Yes it stressed me out too much so I never went. Switched to Sam's. Less crowded, scan and go, curbside pickup, better hours.

Sam's is awful. Why even bother. It's just walmart crap.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Costco is for those who lack basic math skills.

I did the math. Unless the price of gas changes, the membership is worth it.

This. I max out my rewards every year on gas alone. And it does not have to be purchased from their pumps. Until we start driving less, I'm using a costco card til I die.

Yes it stressed me out too much so I never went. Switched to Sam's. Less crowded, scan and go, curbside pickup, better hours.

They should ban shopping groups of more than 2 people.. the biggest obstacle I face in there is when a whole family leisurely moves up and down the isles together- they cause traffic jams. Why do people bring their entire family with them to shop?...

Anonymous wrote:Just order the stuff online. It's well worth an extra $2 to get the toilet paper and paper towels delivered to my door.

We get mostly fresh and frozen stuff from Costco. I don't want 24 rolls of TP or 2 gallons of mayonnaise. But we will eat 4 steaks, 2lb salmon, a rotisserie chicken, 2 loaves fresh bread, fresh fruit and veggies and ice cream bars etc etc