Posted by kmontyCA on 7/17/10 3:22pm
Msg #345391

Costco

I'm not a member, but I have a friend who is. Will they allow me to go into the store with him, or do I need a membership card to enter? I want to check out the legal sized paper. Thanks.

Reply by Cam/CA on 7/17/10 3:27pm
Msg #345393

Re: Costco, they will let you go in with him, but if

you want to purchase anything he will have show his card

Reply by CopperheadVA on 7/17/10 3:42pm
Msg #345399

Re: Costco, they will let you go in with him, but if

The member will have to purchase the item. Costco will only accept payment from the member (member's check with their name on it, debit card, AMEX - no VISA or MC). You can give your friend cash to purchase your item for you, or your friend will have to buy your merchandise and you will have to reimburse him/her.

I'm an executive member. It costs $100 per year but I get 2% back and with three teenagers we do spend enough that it's worth it for us Just got my Executive Membership rebate and it was almost $200. Combine that with the $500 cash I get back each year with my Costco AMEX rebate, and I'm ahead by $600. I buy almost all my food at Costco, paper towels, toilet paper, tires, eyeglasses, cell phones, and OF COURSE letter and legal paper - and much more.

I pay off my no-anunual-fee Costco AMEX each month and I ABSOLUTELY LOVE COSTCO!

Reply by Gavina Franklin on 7/17/10 3:27pm
Msg #345394

You can go with him n/m

Reply by Kay/IL on 7/17/10 3:31pm
Msg #345396

If you're with your friend, they will let you in.

While you are there, do get a Costco membership card. I believe it's about $50.00 for a membership but you will be very satisfied. They have some of the best prices on legal paper (and letter size paper as well) and plenty of things for the home office (computers, printers faxes, desks, chairs, etc). Plus they always seem to have food and drink samples (I know...off topic).

Reply by GOLDGIRL/CA on 7/17/10 5:02pm
Msg #345403

I think they give visitor passes for people who just want to check things out to see if they want to buy a membership .... but you can't purchase anything without joining up.... Sam's Club just opened this humungous store near me, and I got a pass just to snoop. I didn't buy a membership, choosing to stay with Costco - I have the same deal as Copperhead. I love the 3% back on gas - which is always the cheapest there is anywhere. Of course, cheap isn't saying much anymore.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 7/17/10 5:31pm
Msg #345405

KMonty, I am 85% certain that you are allowed to enter

both Sams and Costco w/o being a member. You can window shop; however, you aren't allowed to make a purchase unless you're a member.

I tested this out at Sams Club about 2 years ago. Again, I was a member but I did not show my card. I lied and told the guy at the door that I didn't have a card. He told me I had to have one. I told him he was mistaken and walked right pass him. He left his post at the door and followed me for a few minutes then he left me alone.

I can't for the life of me remember where I read that "legally these membership stores can prevent you from entering the premises;" but I did read it.

Reply by Vince/KS on 7/17/10 6:17pm
Msg #345409

Re: KMonty, I am 85% certain that you are allowed to enter

A member may bring in one or more guests. But, you may also go in alone and make purchases (for certain items) without being a member. I see folks walk in the exit, then proceed past customer service and buy a hot dog and coke for $1.50. Once in the store, they go where they want. No one seems to be interested in whether they are a member or not. Then too, according to various acticles (including this one at http://www.breakthechain.org/exclusives/genericrx.html ) you do not need to be a member to get great prices on drugs at the pharmacy. Using either the self service checkouts and/or to buy other products you will typically need to produce your membership card. While Lemoore doesn't have a Costco, there are locations 25 to 30 miles from you.

Reply by Michelle/AL on 7/17/10 10:15pm
Msg #345432

Thanks, Vince, for providing additional info. n/m

Reply by Julie/MI on 7/17/10 6:03pm
Msg #345407

They will let you in but I prefer Sam's

Sam's membership is cheaper and they have more national brands. And legal paper.

Kirkland is their (costco) store brand and it's like Kroger, cheap and over salted, cardboard tasting food.

Also if you like certain brands of detergent, tp, paper towels, they don't always have what you want.

We stopped buying the mega food products, becasue the kids ate more and my pantry was overflowing with too big of cereal boxes, etc.