Simon Jenkins 
, Feb 11, 2012; 12:34 p.m.
A friend has just got me membership for Costco because we house sit their animals when they are away, we don't have kids, so what will be cheaper for two people? I don't have a clue, wine looks dearer and I know they sell memory cards. Anyway I am going out now to check it out.
Josh Root 
, Feb 11, 2012; 12:38 p.m.
Toilet paper, paper towels, laundry/dishwasher soap, batteries, beer, wine, photo printing, etc. Just about anything that doesn't go bad quickly.
David Cavan 
, Feb 11, 2012; 12:53 p.m.
It's always a good idea to know what you want to buy and do a little comparison shopping before you go to Costco. As Josh says, many things are cheaper, but definitely not everything on any given day.
And actually their wine is quite a good deal - they are the largest wine retailer in the country and there are some good bargains.
Matt Laur 
, Feb 11, 2012; 01:15 p.m.
Have saved untold thousands of dollars by being a Costco member. But you do have to learn how to shop there. As Josh points out, non-perishables are great. But then, we also buy things like hamburger, and freeze it. Likewise chicken breast, dairy, eggs, coffee (like Starbucks French Roast? get it far cheaper there than at Starbucks, for example). Oh, and tires. And cheese. And ... folding tables, and office supplies. And socks. No way to know if it's a good fit for you, other than trying it out.
Of note, if it becomes a regular thing - upgrade to an "executive" membership. You get a kickback at the end of the year that more than pays for the cost of membership. We get several hundred dollars back every year. Membership-wise, they're paying us to be members, now. It's a no-brainer if one of their locations is convenient to you.
William Kahn 
, Feb 11, 2012; 01:27 p.m.
" It's a no-brainer if one of their locations is convenient to you."
Aye, there's the rub. We have to drive 30 miles to get to Sam's Club (our version of Costco), which means we have to balance the cost of local shopping with Sam's Club prices plus the cost of gas for the round trip. We tend to go once a month, when we have other things to do in that area that make the trip worthwhile. Usually, we're after bulk items like toile paper, paper towels, some bulk food items, etc
Frank Skomial 
, Feb 11, 2012; 01:27 p.m.
Rotisserie chicken made there is delicious!
Brian S. , Feb 11, 2012; 01:33 p.m.
In addition to the good reccomendations above -- DECENT FILM PROCESSING!
Don't forget to have a hot dog or slice of pizza.
Tom Harvey 
, Feb 11, 2012; 01:35 p.m.
Also, if you're an executive member they have very competitive rates on auto and home insurance through Ameriprise. My insurance bill for 4 vehicles dropped by about 40 percent switching from Allstate.
And the rotisserie chickens are killer!
Michael Chang , Feb 11, 2012; 01:47 p.m.
Simon, while there, try to imagine pushing a gigantic shopping cart with nothing but one cooked chicken in it. :-)
[Link]
Richard Sperry 
, Feb 11, 2012; 02:21 p.m.
Eat a hearty meal before going.
If you are hungry while shopping there, you'll go broke.
