Comments on: Costco: Where tech changes, but hot dog prices don't

Twenty-eight million chickens a year are grilled on the spit at the retailing giant, and it sells a lot of TVs too.

[volterwd]

Hotdog combo

was overpriced 18 years ago.

[tjmile]

Pay $50 annually for the ambiance of a warehouse

Who cares about their hot dogs? Why should consumers have to pay to shop in a warehouse? Where does the minimum of $2.35 billion annually in membership fees go? Is that how they can pay an average of $17 per hour? It doesn't go to the decor or shopping experience. Just think how it would be if all stores charged dues like Costco. Would you like that? The practice is contemptible. Costco treats customers like criminals and people can't get enough. The "Gestapo" checkpoint as you leave is ludicrous. "Show me your papers!" Again, what if all stores searched your cart upon leaving, would you go back? Costco's not smart enough to figure out a way to keep people from stealing at the checkout without forcing you through this gauntlet. How about the fact that they don't bag your stuff? Environmentally friendly, or just cheap? The goods are of better than average quality, but so what? The employees are some of the least helpful clerks I've come across, they would fit right in at the post office. They act like they're doing "you" a favor to serve you. There's no question that Costco targets wealthy people who don't care about fees. Poor people aren't good enough, i.e., big spenders, so Costco doesn't bother targeting them. Let these riff-raff peons have WalMart, right? What a great business model, charge people money for absolutely nothing and treat them like crap. I'm in their demographic, but I don't need them.

[its_betty]

OTOH about Costco

I like Costco, and the employees at the one near me are very friendly and helpful. They are even nice as they check our reciept on the way out (a practice that I don't love but that goes quickly enough--there is almost never more than one person ahead of me--that it doesn't affect my day).

So why do I pay $45 a year to shop in a warehouse? There are certain things I like to buy in bulk for the convenience, such as toilet paper. The prepared foods, cheeses and produce are good quality at a very good price. For electronics, the return policy can't be beat--I returned a phone that stopped working after a year, without a recipt, no problem. The sampling is nice too, so I can taste before I buy.

Yes, there are some over-the-top expensive things, but you can save on everyday items. Do I save more than $40 a year? Yep. And if my $40 helps subsidize a higher wage and health insurance for a store worker, is that so bad?

[chuck_whealton]

Re: Pay $50 annually for the ambiance of a warehouse

Well, their yearly fee is a bit high, but overall, I don't believe
they're a bad store in the least.

I have no problem with their employees being paid fair wages
and having decent health care.

I'll agree that I do NOT like the checkpoints as you exit. BJ's
Wholesale Club does that also and it's irritating as all heck.
Especially when you actually have to stand in line waiting for
them to check your cart.

Overall though, I like them.

Charles R. Whealton
Charles Whealton @ pleasedontspam.com

[tmwltrs]

"Show me your papers!"

How many times have you ever arrived home after shopping to find that the product you purchased is not in your posession?. There are several reasons for the door check. First to make sure that you have everything you paid for and second, you have paid for everything. Cashiers make mistakes and this is a way to catch the mistakes before you leave the wharehouse, and get upset with Costco. Theft is a big factor as many people hide small product in big boxes. The check point approach benefits everyone. People who dont want to be checked are the people who are stealing from costco. enough said, thankyou,
Costco employee

[inquiringlee]

re: COSTCO

SO many strong opinions and so little research or knowledge... First of all, let me say that I have no connection to Costco other than as a shopper and one person I know who works there. Costco makes much of their profits from the membership fees. This allows them to use a MUCH LOWER MARKUP on their products than most other stores. In addition, anyone who runs a business with employees knows that employee turn-over is a substantial expense, both in dollars directly, and efficiency and continuity indirectly. Costco is probably one of the best and most respected employers in the country. Costco employees tend to stay with the company longer, know their jobs better, and have a personal stake in the satisfaction of their customers. Yes, on a particular item on a particular day, you might find a lower price elsewhere. But, factor in their consistent high quality, liberal return policies, and helpful staff, and I have no quarrel with the small membership fee and the three second delay as they glance at my cart when I exit. Heck, these days I can save the membership fee in a couple of months at the gas pumps alone. I'm a fan!