Is it worth joining Costco? We show how its prices compare to supermarkets
COSTCO is the place to go for bargains and bulk buys - but is a membership really worth the price?
The wholesale warehouse chain is an alternative to your typical supermarkets with 29 locations across the UK.
But unlike your local Tesco or Morrisons, you can't just stroll in and have a browse - you need a membership card to shop in Costco.
The majority of Costco’s customers are traders but a third of shoppers buy for themselves.
A “full warehouse” membership - meaning you can shop in-store and online - costs £26.40 a year for traders and £33.60 for members of the public.
This includes a complimentary card for a spouse or partner.
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Prices don't include VAT
If you're shopping in-store, keep in mind that most products don't include VAT.
This means that some deals can, at first glance, look cheaper than they necessarily are.
Look just below the advertised price for the full amount you will be expected to pay at the check out.
So is Costco worth the membership?
It all depends on how often you're going to shop there and if you'll benefit from bulk buying.
If you're going to be browsing regularly, then the answer is probably yes - if not, you'd maybe be better saving your cash and keeping an eye on supermarket deals.
We'd suggest having a browse of the Costco website to work out what you'd by, how often, and see if this saving is worth more than the membership price.
Be honest with how often you'd actually go to Costco and what you have space to buy.
Some previous Costco deals include this GIANT 2kg Quality Street which cost £8.40 last month.
And here's what deals Costco had during last year's Black Friday sales.
Alternatively, Asda is opening a new Costco-style cash and carry warehouse – but you won’t have to pay a membership fee.
Important Information
News Group Newspapers Ltd is an Introducer Appointed Representative of Compare The Market Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 778488). Compare The Market Limited, registered in England and Wales No. 10636682. Registered Office: Pegasus House, Bakewell Road, Orton Southgate, Peterborough, PE2 6YS.