I don't think I can do Costco...

[Deleted]

I go to Sam's, but same difference.

For me, it's more helpful to go about once a month, maybe twice. I do not do most of my normal shopping.

Meat and produce and usually higher quality and much cheaper. Milk is cheaper too. We get a few frozen items that we just restock every couple of months, same with paper products.

A lot of things aren't cheaper (soda is way more expensive), so you just have to pay attention.

If you need bakery items, those are a lot cheaper and seem to be better. Does Costco still have cakes with filling? Those are awesome.

[jackie011]

I felt that way at first. Actually, I still feel that way a lot of times. I have my go to items that I but there and then I use the sale flyer to determine which new things to try. I go back and forth over whether or not it's worth it. I think as DS grows up (and any future children) and starts taking lunches it will become a bigger part of my grocery routine.

[lilibet]

First rule of Costco (or Sams or whatever), don't Costco on weekends.

I think stores like Costco are not necessarily the place to try new things; who wants 47 pounds of hummus you decide you don't want? But they can be great places to stock up on things you know you like and to get ideas of new/different products you are unfamiliar with that you can then pick up in a smaller quantity elsewhere and try. And then get those at Costco if you do like them.

[hbomdiggity]

its a bit of trial and error in figuring out what you like, what makes most sense for you.

its just the 2 of us, so i buy limited fresh produce/meats.

[mlvmd]

I try to go first thing in Saturday or during the week. I live super close so I also try not to go to get too much stuff. I have a goal of a couple of things then I browse the rest of the time. I try not to buy spur of the moment food that I am not certain I will like because that's a lot of waste if I don't.

I often plan to eat one or two of whatever is in the package and freeze the rest: bakery bread, muffins,
desserts, and meat.

I like their eggs, paper goods, cereal, and some toiletries.

[lime]

I hate Costco for all the reasons you listed. The few times I have been there during the week were less crowded, but all the customers were old and very slow moving, so it wasn't like we made it out of there much faster.

We spent three and a half hours in a Costco outside of Vegas one time with H's grandmother. We ended up buying two items. ::shudder::

[mbcdefg]

I kept mentioning a membership to MH and he got me one as a birthday gift, but said he didn't personally think it was worth it.

I won't tell him, but I think I agree The prices really aren't great. In most cases I can do better at Shop Rite. I bought pj pants, a giant bag of chocolate chips, and a four-pack of butter on my first visit. Meat is way more expensive than Shop Rite. I got a $5 rotisserie chicken but the supermarket sells the exact same thing. I probably won't renew it next year.

I have one right by my office, so I went after work on a Wednesday and it was fine. I'm sure I'd be too overwhelmed on a crowded day.

[pumpkin]

Going on the weekends will drive anyone crazy! I either go after work or am there at opening on a weekend.

I stock up on paper products when I need to, and find that a lot of their stuff doesn't make send to me since I'm single and only cook for one. However,being able to freeze meat, get fresh veggies for a week (a couple heads of butter lettuce are great for me for a week), and the prices on things I do use make Costco worth it for me.

[nomad100]

I have to say I love Costco. We go on Sunday morning right when they open and can be in and out in less than 30 minutes. But we know exactly what we want to get since we go several times a month.

[imojoebunny]

I am sure I would save something, but I would rather just buy less. There was a study a while ago about how warehouse shopping didn't really save money. I think it made the rounds on here. Even with 4 people, I can't use the quantities.

[krystee]

Do you have a dog? Their dog food prices are amazing. The grain-free one is supposed to be great.

If you write any checks, the price (online only) is really good. I also think they have the prettiest flowers. I love getting bouquets there for people.

But the one thing I buy most (besides dog food) is the spa gift cards (used to be Spa Finder, now it's another brand like that). They are $80 for $100, so I save $20 every time I go for highlights.

[cransplash]

Oct 19, 2014 17:40:03 GMT -5 lilibet said:

First rule of Costco (or Sams or whatever), don't Costco on weekends.

This 100x. DH goes during the weekday and it is much easier to navigate. Despite the crowds, I still love Costco

[jena]

If you HAVE to go on a weekend, be there when it opens. I can be out in under 30 minutes at that time of day (downside is no samples at that time of day). Anytime on weekdays is usually not too bad.

Also if you buy something and it's disgusting (I bought some unsulphered apricots there which were nasty), they will take it back.

[katb]

Do costco during the week day morning or later evenings - if you HAVE to do saturday - go @ 4:30. Just the eye exams and glasses/contacts are worth it for us. Our insurance reimburses a certain amount but I can get my daughter's eye exam/glasses/lenses for under $200 = steal for me.

I have a big family so obviously my bargains would be different. But at Christmas time, toys/books are very cheap. Bread, milk, seasonal fruit/veggies are also a good bargain - you can freeze what you won't use immediately. We also get our dog's meds a LOT cheaper - her heartguard is $47 a year, rather than $10 a pill at the vet.

The best thing about Costco -if you don't like it you can return it. If you are unhappy with your membership -- you can get a refund.

[polarbearfans]

I prefer to buy in bulk because I hate having to shop for things like deoderant, totthpaste, etc. sometimes the price is better, sometimes it's not. Since i stay stocked in product and know about what price I usually buy at, I never have to buy anything at a higher price.

Not sure since you bought it through living social, but costco has a great return policy including their membership at any time

[savan]

On my first trip to Costco I realized that it won't replace my weekly grocery trip. I don't want a 2 lb bag of limes when I only need 2. We use Costco to buy nonperishables we use a lot of in bulk, like cat litter, cheez-its, protein bars, tampons, etc. The only perishables we buy there regularly are soy milk and eggs.

[tiffany81]

I sometimes get overwhelmed too, but if you find a few items you love, you'll put up with it. I will probably always have a membership for the tire center alone. I found they have the best prices and best warranties.

[rubytue]

You people clearly don't eat enough cheese! So many yummy cheeses. Asiago. Cheddar. Kerry Gold Dubliner. Brie. OMG the brie. Smoke Gouda. Onion cheddar. Pepper jack. Fresh Parmesan.

Our weekly Costco run is usually bread, cheese, soda, and a chicken.

#thisiswhyimfat

[frlcb]

I can't comprehend not liking Costco.

But I also don't know anyone who shops at Costco as their main grocery store. It is more like a supplemental stop for food items.

[Deleted]

I don't go there to save money. I got there because I love buying non-food stuff in bulk every three months.

I really hate buying paper products, laundry detergent, toiletries, etc. on a regular basis. I suppose I could wait and search for sales at places like Target and Walgreens, but I feel like that takes more time than I want to spend. I walk up in a warehouse store, buy all the shit, and I don't have to think about that stuff for a few months, and DH won't be bitching about something I forgot at the store, and it takes a lot less time than running all over town trying to hit sales and scouring ads.

[huskymom]

We only go every other month or so (to stock up on grain free dog food - pays for the membership right there) and keep the membership even though we moved and joined BJs bc it's much closer. I usually get granola bars, toiletries, dog food and treats, cleaning supplies, paper goods and ziploc/garbage bags, cheese, ravioli and a chicken

[carolinagirl831]

Yes! I don't need massive quantities, I think it makes you overspend. I'm amazon prime all the way!

[dexteroni]

I love Costco, but I only go on weekdays. If you can't do that, I second the suggestion to go as soon as they open on a weekend day. Sometimes I just pick up the couple things I need and get out, but when I'm in the mood and I have time, sometimes I'll browse the entire store.

There are some things that we just can't get through as a two-person household, but once you learn the layout and selection, you learn what you like and can use.

But if you really don't like it, that's cool too. If I recall correctly, that Living Social deal pretty much gave you your membership price back in free stuff, so even if you never go again, you won't really be out any money.

[Deleted]

Oct 19, 2014 20:28:49 GMT -5 carolinagirl831 said:

Yes! I don't need massive quantities, I think it makes you overspend. I'm amazon prime all the way!

I suppose it makes you overspend if you let it...

[gumi]

When my kids were babies, i used to wear one on my front, one on my back, and wander the store during the summer since it was too hot outside. The old ladies that give out samples have watched my kids grow so i will forever love it. Plus, you get a hotdog AND soda for $1.50!!!!

That said, the stuff you can buy is endless so it's best to have an open mind. Some non-food options I like: gas, tires, pharmacy, shampoo/conditioner/razors/etc, printer paper, socks/underwear/clothing, detergent, liquor, car rentals.

I have a small extra freezer so most foods I can freeze, including bread items, nuts, hummus, and as I just learned today, guacamole.

Also if you get an amex card, it easily pays back the membership (for next yr, if you want to stay. Free is good)

sent on phone

[Deleted]

Yeah. Never, ever ever ever go on a weekend. Never ever ever.

I love Costco. This post is blasphemy.

[yentl]

I've never bothered with Costco. My mom shopped there growing up so I definitely remember the Costco experience and stuff but I don't miss it. I know some people love it, but there are only two of us and it just doesn't seem worth it to me. We also don't have a ton of storage space so I don't know where I'd put all that extra stuff.

We're more of Trader Joe's household.

[magpie]

I loathe Costco! Even on weekdays, mine is infuriatingly crowded. We keep our membership though because they have giant packs of diapers that work well for our daughter and an affordable grain free dog food for our dog (she has epilepsy and does better on the grain free stuff). I go there once every 2-3 months and try to get into as zen/patient a mode as I can while I'm there.

[Deleted]

Going to Costco on a Sunday afternoon is my idea of what hell might be like.

After you go a few times, you will get an idea of what is a good deal for your household. It's just H and I, and I don't do my normal grocery shopping there (or else I'd be broke).

Things that seem to be a good deal for us are wine, beer, ground beef (I separate it into 1lb servings and freeze), gas, garbage bags, lettuce, salmon, antacids, and milk.

[Deleted]

Try the take and bake 5 meat pizza. Life (mind?) changing.

If you're throwing a big party, the pizzas there can be a lifesaver when you order ahead and pick them up.

#costco4lyfe