December 11th 2024.
Have you ever considered joining Costco to snag some great deals, but thought you weren't eligible for membership? Well, according to Martin Lewis, you may actually qualify without even realizing it. In the latest edition of his newsletter, the founder of Money Saving Expert shared a "secret" way to become a member of the popular warehouse club. This means you and your partner can enjoy lower prices on bulk purchases of everything from toiletries and groceries to petrol and high-tech gadgets.
It's worth noting that there are 29 Costco locations across the UK, but you can't just walk into any of them and start shopping. In-store membership is only available to certain professions, such as business owners, local government workers, bankers, medical professionals, educators, and police officers. But here's the catch - even if you don't fall into one of these categories, you may still be eligible to join and take advantage of the savings.
In fact, there are a few "little-known" avenues to becoming a member at Costco. For example, if you're a member of organizations like the AA, RAC, or National Trust, you may be able to join at select locations. The financial experts at MSE did some research and found that this was true at warehouses in Birmingham, Sheffield, and Cardiff. It's not widely advertised, so it's worth checking with your local warehouse to see if this is an option for you.
But wait, there's more. As it turns out, there are a few other ways to qualify for membership at Costco. If you can provide evidence that you own your own business, such as a VAT registration certificate, business bank card, or taxi driver license, you can access a trade membership for just £26.40 a year. There's also a list of eligible occupations, including those in the airline, armed forces, civil service, insurance, and postal sectors. Plus, certain professional qualifications can also grant you access to the £33.60 annual membership.
Some companies even sign up for Costco memberships for their employees, so it's worth asking your HR department if this is a possibility. And don't forget about the AA, RAC, and National Trust memberships we mentioned earlier. Just remember that once you join at a particular location, that's the only place you can shop. So make sure to choose wisely and call ahead to confirm the current rules and regulations.
Now, before you rush to sign up and start shopping, the experts at MSE have a few tips to help you make the most of your Costco experience. First and foremost, they recommend making a shopping list and sticking to it. With such a vast range of products and minimal signage, it's easy to get carried away and end up with a canoe, a 6ft teddy bear, and a crate of 30 Danish pastries when all you needed was some toilet paper.
It's also important to be a little skeptical when it comes to Costco's offerings. Just because something is on their shelves doesn't necessarily mean it's a good deal. Always do your own research and compare prices to make sure you're actually getting the best deal. The Trolley.co.uk app is a great tool for comparing prices on the go.
While Costco may have lower prices on branded goods, don't discount the possibility of finding even better deals on store-brand products or at other popular discount supermarkets like Aldi and Lidl. In fact, when MSE compared prices on a random selection of 30 items across various departments, Costco came out on top for all but five items. They also won for 10 out of 14 Christmas products, proving it's all about what you're looking for.
But keep in mind that Costco's advertised prices don't include VAT, so be sure to factor that in when making your purchases. And don't forget to take advantage of their low petrol prices and grab a snack at the food court. For just £1.50, you can enjoy a hot dog with unlimited soft drink refills, or opt for a pizza slice for £1.99 or a jacket potato for £2.99.
Some Costco members even go just for the day out and a hot dog, like MSE member Rachy. So whether you're looking to save some money or just enjoy a fun outing, Costco may have something to offer you. Do you have a story about your experience at Costco? We'd love to hear it! Get in touch by emailing us at email.
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