COSTCO shoppers are sharing how the membership-only retailer is saving them money on ‘insanely overpriced’ services.
Customers of the megaretailer shared their insider tips for new members looking to make the most of the store.
Costco shoppers are revealing their top tips[/caption]
Shoppers recommend taking advantage of the Costco optical program[/caption]
One shopper posted to Reddit, asking for something other users know about Costco that no one else knows, and over 1,000 users replied with their favorite hacks.
A Reddit user shared their favorite hack regarding the Costco Optical department.
The customer wrote: “Costco Optical (glasses and contact lenses) and Eye Exams/Optometrist are two separate departments.”
“You do NOT need a Costco Membership to get an eye exam, but you WILL need a Costco membership to purchase eyeglasses or contact lenses from Costco,” they continued.
“Eye Doctors do not work for Costco; they sublease a space inside most Costco warehouses for their private practice, so prices and insurance accepted may not be standardized and may vary by location.”
Fellow shoppers praised Costco Optical, saying that the glasses there are much cheaper than glasses at other retailers and are well worth the price.
“I had…insurance that sent me to a LensCrafters, which are insanely overpriced,” one user wrote.
“Even with my insurance, glasses were way higher than going to Costco with no insurance.”
One person even said they worked for an eyeglass manufacturer and that Costco’s are the same as other high-end brands.
“Used to work for an eyeglass lens manufacturer. Costco spectacle lenses are pretty much the same as fancy lenses at independent optometrists for about 70% cheaper,” the commenter wrote.
Other shoppers boasted about Costco’s auto program, which provides members with prearranged pricing for new and used vehicles.
Through the program, members also receive discounts on parts and service at participating dealerships.
Members will also gain access to exclusive offers and incentives from manufacturers.
“For the [auto program], I called around to see if anybody would match/beat the price, but they literally laughed and said that quote couldn’t be real,” one member wrote.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they’ve been cracking down on offenders in recent years.
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
Credit: Costco
“But it was real, and a screaming good deal.”
Another shopper backed up the comment, saying the best part of the auto program is that the sales reps won’t scre their customer over.
“You can just report them to Costco and they lose the leads. Easiest car buying experience of my life,” the customer wrote.
“Also if the dealer doesn’t have the exact car you want, they will do a dealer swap and aren’t allowed to charge you,” they continued.
“So the trick is to ask for a trim package they don’t have, and offer to take the nicer one they do have for a discount.
“They’ll make the deal as it keeps them from having to pay for a swap.”
