Trying to calm down a little now been a bit of a workaholic, daughter started big school so had to c...
Trying to calm down a little now been a bit of a workaholic, daughter started big school so had to cut back to be home for her!
Zoe30
x
Member since:15.04.2002
Reviews:72
Members who trust:29
COSTCO
Costco is an American giant brought over to the UK to tempt us into buying in bulk for less, they have branches all over the UK and my nearest is the new store at Reading just of the M4 near the Madjeski Stadium.
The stores are aimed at a select few with in a certain field of employment, or one of the two categories.
1. TRADE
You can apply for a trade membership if you are able to prove that you are the manager or owner of a registered company, you will need to produce two pieces of information a utility bill for the aforementioned company and a VAT registration certificate. The price for your membership is an annual sum of £20.00 + VAT with this you get a further 6 membership cards at a discount of £12.00 + VAT and further cards after this are £20.00 + VAT each.
2. PRIVATE INIVIDUALS
You can apply for membership if you are being employed by or retired from any one of the following categories.
Airline Staff Accountancy Banking Education Civil Service Police Medical Solicitor Barrister Architect Local Government Insurance
The fee for this is £25.00 + VAT but
you do get a second card for your spouse or partner free.
Opening times vary for trade and individual members usually the morning is only open for trade them after 12.00pm for individual and weekends are free for all.
Payment is either by cheque, cash or debit cards they do not run a pay by credit card system.
I started going to Costco the moment it opened at Reading in early June of this year and I have used them at least once if not on the odd occasion twice a month. Their stores are massive and I mean massive we are talking like air craft hanger size, with produce stacked to the ceiling.
On entering the store you have to issue your card to the (security) person standing on the door on your card you have your digital photo on the reverse so it is impossible to transfer your card from one person to another. With your card you are entitled to take up to 2 guests with you on the one card, children are permitted but must be well behaved.
The store has a large variety of branded goods at a reasonable low price and not all in bulk. Most food items are free from VAT and the remainder has VAT added at the check out so you must not forget to make allowance for the VAT to be calculated at the end of your shopping trip otherwise you will be in for a real surprise.
The store is split is sections electrical, everything ranging from TV’s to Computers. You have home wares at a cut price of some items up to 30% discount from the high street stores. A very large bakery offering a wide variety of trays of fresh muffins to large croissants and bread produce. Good selection of wines and champagnes. Fresh meat from the butchery and fresh fish including whole lobster and crabs.
Fresh produce from garlic ropes to cabbages, you then have the cleaning section which is filled with fabric conditioners and soap powders here is where you can make a real saving on high street stores, all your everyday cleaning products in packs of three to six and most at just a little more than the individual price at the supermarket.
You then have your canned and bottled goods including sauces and condiments, sweets and crisps and a large frozen department which have some fantastic party foods. Along with beers and spirits you can purchase pet foods. At most of the stores you have a cigarette cage which is stacked high with fags from floor to ceiling.
If you are feeling really flush you can purchase outdoor Jacuzzis and steam rooms, they even have a range of some what expensive jewellery. Even selling sanitary wear by the bulk and bath products. If you what designer underwear and jeans this is also the place the purchase those little bargains. Even toys for the children and books. The list is endless the only way to appreciate this is to see it for yourselves.
If you are in need of an eye test you can have this done here as well as purchase your glasses they even have a photo lab to have your photos done in the hour whilst you are shopping.
And after parting with your hard earned cash you can sit down and ponder what you are going to do with those 6 litres of flash you have purchased , over a nice jacket potato and a large cold coke (which refills are free!) all at a very reasonable price.
Upon exit you will be asked to stop as the man at the exit quickly does a count and compares to the receipt of your purchased items. Then you are free to be on your way.
Also on the exit they have a tyre warehouse where you can purchase new tyres for your car, they seem to be at a competitive price and well worth a look.
If you are still awake thank you!
Cheers
Zoë X
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
I find the eye testing while browsing and shopping very useful. :).
Happiness always, Pallavi
andycharger 20.08.2002 10:50
Never been a big lover of Costco. Do you think they really are as good as you say? Maybe I should give them a try.
Cazz 20.08.2002 00:38
Excellent op but due a consumer warning: I would never buy any big ticket electrical goods from wholesalers like this, because their 'trade/membership' status exempts them from retail sale of goods legislation, so bad luck if you have a problem with a purchase... yes you can sue them but you're on your own. Having said that for many smaller purchases I'm sure they're great value, Cazz xx
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