BajaNomad - Costco membership renewal in Baja?

Costco membership renewal in Baja?

mojo_norte - 1-19-2012 at 06:24 PM

Is it possible to renew my Costco membership down at the Cabo Costco?

Dave - 1-19-2012 at 07:06 PM

Your U.S. membership?

No.

But you can renew online.

Mulegena - 1-19-2012 at 09:28 PM

Is one's Costco membership not internationally recognized?

For example, I've used my Costco membership card for purchases in both the US and Mexico.

windgrrl - 1-19-2012 at 09:58 PM

Membership allows you to:
...use your US or Canadian COSTCO card in Mexico (and use a Canadian card in the US) but if you renew in person, you must renew in your country of origin. You can renew on-line from anywhere.

...buy a Mexican COSTCO card in person in Mexico, but your reward points apply to purchases made in Mexico only.

You cannot:
...use your rewards certificate to renew on line or to pay for your Mexican COSTCO card.

Bob and Susan - 1-20-2012 at 05:55 AM

costco...i just dont get it

you need to help me here...
why pay $55 usa to shop in someones store?

the products are odd sized to mask comparison shopping
they are NOT that great a deal

the tires and batteries are really not a great bargin
the clothes are odd lots
mattresses arent a great deal...i got way better
appliances arent super low prices...shop around

amd
walmart is free...so WHY?

i WILL give in to the gasoline in the states...it is cheaper
but a savings 3 cents a gallon means you would need to buy
1833 gallons a year to pay for the fee
and if a normal person buys 25 gallons a week
it would take 73 weeks to break even and there are only 52 in the year

BoB

bajaguy - 1-20-2012 at 07:13 AM

It's called CHOICE

I shop where I want and I find COSTCO a good deal for ME.

I also shop Wal-Mart

Ask the millions of Costco users...

EnsenadaDr - 1-20-2012 at 07:22 AM

Costco has some high quality items, especially in Mexico where the produce is lower quality at least aesthetically, (the first choice gets shipped to the US). Its all a matter of what you want to pay for...in the US Costco you can buy high quality items in bulk..but for just a married couple...it might not be worth it..and hey, its fun to shop at Costco...think of it as an entertainment expense!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
costco...i just dont get it

you need to help me here...
why pay $55 usa to shop in someones store?

the products are odd sized to mask comparison shopping
they are NOT that great a deal

the tires and batteries are really not a great bargin
the clothes are odd lots
mattresses arent a great deal...i got way better
appliances arent super low prices...shop around

amd
walmart is free...so WHY?

i WILL give in to the gasoline in the states...it is cheaper
but a savings 3 cents a gallon means you would need to buy
1833 gallons a year to pay for the fee
and if a normal person buys 25 gallons a week
it would take 73 weeks to break even and there are only 52 in the year

DENNIS - 1-20-2012 at 07:40 AM

Costco-Mexico isn't for people who NEED things. It's for people who WANT things.

oladulce - 1-20-2012 at 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
costco...i just dont get it

you need to help me here...
why pay $55 usa to shop in someones store?

For the coffee!!! On trips nob I buy 10 bags at a time to last us until our next trip. The green bag Kirkland/Starbucks roast is the only one I've found that isn't bitter and costs only $12.00 / 2lbs. I never found a coffee I liked for only 6 bucks per lb.

Runner's up:
-frozen vacuum packed salmon steaks and their salmon "burgers"
-bacon-wrapped filet Mignon
-Jack cheese 2 lbs/ $5.00
-generic ibuprofen,TUMS, omeprazole, Highest quality strength glucosamine.

They were selling kill-o-watt meters and LED light bulbs when I was one in CA last month Bob. I stock up on 9 volts and AA batteries for the various gadgets we have.

I will say that I carry my calculator in my pocket when I go in to the store and you're right- many times the prices on bulk items aren't any better, or are higher than Smart & Final or Walmart so I don't buy everything there.

I'm not a big fan of shopping (cringe). But when you're back down here and your food options are the same thing day in and day out, you can open up the freezer (while sipping your coffee) and think "hmmm, what should be have: salmon, marinated tri-tip, or mango chicken sausages?" It's worth the membership fee to me even if I only go there a couple times per year.

I also use the Cost-co discount to rent a car when we go up there and for vacations and it's saved a few pennys.

We got a City Club membership the first year we were down here because they had cat food and litter but we only used it once. We're too far from La Paz to make renewal or to make Sam's club
worthwhile. I've never been in a Mexican Costco

woody with a view - 1-20-2012 at 08:34 AM

for us costco is a rip off. i'm trying to save money all the time and each time i'd leave costco i'd be $200 poorer, for stuff i didn't REALLY need. to each their own.

Hook - 1-20-2012 at 08:58 AM

One man's need is another man's want an verse vicea.

Costco has many things (and at much higher quality) that you just cant get at a Walmart. And even the same items are cheaper at Costco.

For items like:

extra fancy cashews
romano cheese
real maple syrup
alkaline batteries
car batteries
tires
USDA choice meats
high quality lunch meats
bagels
high quality seafoods, to name a few,

we end up saving many times more than the cost of membership. Having a vacuum sealer IS a big plus.

We go through about three of the Costco Romano cheese blocks in a year. I believe they are about 13.00 each. I bet an equivalent amout of the small Stella brand blocks would end up being three times the price.

And if you tried to get the same quality on things like meats or seafood, you'd have to go to the high end stores like Gelsons or Bristol Farms or a butcher shop. Try comparing THOSE prices to Costco's. It wont be pretty.

So, if PRICE (and not quality) is the only criteria one uses in shopping, then Walmart may fit the bill for some. But for the same quality, Costco will still beat Walmart by enough to justify the membership fee.

Martyman - 1-20-2012 at 09:17 AM

Costco meats make it all worth it. Quality baby!

J.P. - 1-20-2012 at 10:17 AM

after Costco came to Ensenada it cut down on our trips to the U.S. we still buy all of our Detergents and Paper Goods there.but the longer we live here the shopping in the local stores becomes better,or it just may be we know our way adound here better, I still buy things like lunch meat and good pan sasuge in the us only because I cant find it here or the local taste of the product doesnt suit me.
I still stand by, IF YOU CANT FIND IT IN ENSENADA YOU DONT NEED IT.

DavidE - 1-20-2012 at 11:21 AM

Jeez what a load of incorrect information above :-(

You can renew an Angolan Costco membership in Singapore, so you can certainly renew a US membership in Mexico. I just did that a few years ago and a few months ago I renewed my Mexico Costco in the USA! Again I've done it multiple times, and renewed my Mexico membership in Nanaimo British Columbia in 2005!

Want some more verified info?

Costco gas pumps accept foreign membership cards, but Costco online, doesn't. Cannot order at Costco.com with my Mexico card.

Most items including tires and batteries cannot be in-store warrantied or returned outside their country of purchase. There are other items like hearing aids and electronics that may or may not have international warranties but those would be from the manufacturer. The customer service desk is of particular help with regard to this.

The last time I renewed the cost was 400 pesos in Mexico or $45 in the US.

Just my personal experience...

windgrrl - 1-20-2012 at 01:16 PM

...maybe someone versed in NAFTA has the facts.

My home COSTCO in Canada said I would save $$ by renewing in Mexico, so I waited 'til we were here as it expired while we were in Mexico.

I tried to renew my Canadian COSTCO card in person in Cabo last November and was told I could not, nor would they accept my rewards rebate certificate if I wanted to purchase a Mexican COSTCO membership. The nice Cabo COSTCO folks said the accumulation of reward program would not transfer to Canada.

So I renewed my membership on-line.

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
Jeez what a load of incorrect information above :-(

You can renew an Angolan Costco membership in Singapore, so you can certainly renew a US membership in Mexico. I just did that a few years ago and a few months ago I renewed my Mexico Costco in the USA! Again I've done it multiple times, and renewed my Mexico membership in Nanaimo British Columbia in 2005!

Want some more verified info?

Costco gas pumps accept foreign membership cards, but Costco online, doesn't. Cannot order at Costco.com with my Mexico card.

The last time I renewed the cost was 400 pesos in Mexico or $45 in the US.

windgrrl - 1-20-2012 at 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan

why pay $55 usa to shop in someones store?

With the next step up membership and regular shopping = cheque back to you annually which can = better than free, especially if you needed to make a large purchase or 2. I don't think gasoline is included in the rewards program (at least in Canada).

We shop at COSTCO sparingly for basics we can't find and support the local vendors the rest of the time. But, there are COSTCO products re-sold on the shelves of local vendors!

Kirkland product standard is consistently good, e.g.:
-soy milk
-cacahuates
-olive oil

You can get geat products produced in Mexico, e.g. Noche Buena in quantity, Cetto wine for $6/bottle

Great cheese, olives, dog food, etc., etc., etc.,

Of course, big box shopping is not for everyone, but where else can you eat your way around the warehouse and have a churro while being watched over by guards with pistols all at the end of the earth?

[Edited on 1-20-2012 by windgrrl]

djh - 1-20-2012 at 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
costco...i just dont get it
why pay $55 usa to shop in....

i WILL give in to the gasoline in the states...it is cheaper
but a savings 3 cents a gallon means you would need to buy
1833 gallons a year to pay for the fee
and if a normal person buys 25 gallons a week
it would take 73 weeks to break even and there are only 52 in the year

Another experience /perspective... Shing & I were in HI for a few weeks in Dec / Jan. i saved $.40 to $.70/ gallon and used about 5 tanks (I know, I know...). I think we just about paid our $55 on that alone. Costco gas was 3.99 (ouch) but EVERYwhere else was just crazy expensive. I saw 4.79 a couple of times... (bigger ouch...!)

Mulegena - 1-20-2012 at 02:28 PM

Sooo, can we use our "Other Country" cards in Mexican Costcos? I used my US card to enter the Ensenada Costco but didn't buy anything.

If one has a Mexican Costco card, can they use it while visiting another country (such as US or Canada for example)?

Therefore, must those who live in Baja but also go north (many of us Nomads) have two Costco cards, one for purchases in Mexico and one for when we cross the border stateside?

bajalou - 1-20-2012 at 02:35 PM

Any Costco card can be used in any country that has a Costco store.

Fine print and membership levels.

windgrrl - 1-20-2012 at 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mulegena
Sooo, can we use our "Other Country" cards in Mexican Costcos? I used my US card to enter the Ensenada Costco but didn't buy anything.

Short answer: I use my card in the US and Mexico.

By reviewing the COSTCO terms and conditions (Canada & US editions are on-line and are different for each country), it appears that all membership cards allow universal access to warehouses. I have not plowed through the Mexican terms and conditions to compare them.

Side issue: On further research, the issue is with renewal of my membership is that I have a COSTCO membership which returns 2% (up to $750/year) on eligible purchases. The terms and conditions for refunds/eligible products are specific to each country and vary by province and state.

I think one can renew a general membership anywhere, but that universal renewal does not apply to the 2% cash back reward program level membership as they are governed by additional terms and conditions specific to the country of origin.

meme - 1-20-2012 at 04:45 PM

I have renewed my U.S. card in Mexicali.

Alan - 1-20-2012 at 05:19 PM

Quote:

Where else can one buy a gasoline-powered turtleneck sweater for only $19.95?

Roberto - 1-20-2012 at 06:39 PM

The question was about RENEWAL, not use. And DavidE is the usual ... opinionated person.

You CANNOT renew a U.S. Membership in Mexico. Who cares about Angolan memberships in Singapore? :lol:

Or Mexican Memberships in the U.S.? Since the person asking the question is in Cabo, it's doubtful they are concerned about renewing a Mexican membership in the U.S. Hellooo! :lol:

I'm pretty sure you can renew a Mexican Membership in Mexico.

[Edited on 1-21-2012 by Roberto]

Bill Collector - 1-20-2012 at 06:55 PM

I have also renewed my US Costco card in Cabo. Just renewed last week in Cabo

Roberto - 1-20-2012 at 07:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Collector
I have also renewed my US Costco card in Cabo. Just renewed last week in Cabo

I guess that's new - as I have tried a few times to renew my card in TJ and Ensenada.

BajaBlanca - 1-20-2012 at 10:28 PM

I think if you are in the states, itis easy to say you dont like costco but for those of us who have limited time north of the border (like 1 time a year, 2 at the most), I so agree with the thought that there are certain items that are wonderful in bulk (cheeses and meats first and foremost) and when you need a change of pace food-wise it is ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhh sooooooooooooooo nice to open the freezer and have some awesome choices.

mcfez - 1-21-2012 at 07:49 AM

"......mattresses arent a great deal...i got way better"

I agree with that! I gave ours to the Good Will after using that torture rack for 4 months. Bought a Name Brand too :-(

Gold Package of coffee....one has to look hard to see that it is Starbucks.....

Nectarines from Peru.......are excellent. No other origin!

We go there just for a few basics....butter, cheese, select veggies. Nothing else.

Sacramento's Walmart has such terrible merchandise......we only get the on line prescription refill(s) that is mailed to us...no need to go into the store :-)

oxxo - 1-21-2012 at 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mojo_norte
Is it possible to renew my Costco membership down at the Cabo Costco?

It depends on the type of membership you have. There are different types. We cannot renew our American Express Costco card in Mexico.

oxxo - 1-21-2012 at 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susanyou need to help me here...
why pay $55 usa to shop in someones store?

Costco guarantees that you will save the cost of your American Express Costco card in rewards points or they will refund the difference in cash! They've done it for us (in the US).

Quote:

the products are odd sized to mask comparison shopping
they are NOT that great a deal

Most products are a good deal in both price and quality but some aren't. We shop selectively.

Quote:

mattresses arent a great deal...i got way better

We have prchased several Sealy mattresses at Costco -both in the US and Mexico - and have been very happy.

Quote:

walmart is free...so WHY?

Some items at Walmart are inexpensive and some aren't. We shop selectively. Cabo Walmart is comparatively one of the highest priced stores in the Cabo area. Cabo Costco is generally higher priced than US Costco but much less expensive than Cabo Walmart. Cabo Costco hotdogs are better than US (in my opinion) but still the same price as US Costco.

Quote:

i WILL give in to the gasoline in the states...it is cheaper
but a savings 3 cents a gallon means you would need to buy
1833 gallons a year to pay for the fee
and if a normal person buys 25 gallons a week
it would take 73 weeks to break even and there are only 52 in the year

The price of the card is guaranteed in rewards and if you don't spend enough to pay for the card, they give you the difference in cash back once a year at the customer service desk (in the US). We definitely save money by purchasing at Costco, both in the US and Mexico.

rob - 1-21-2012 at 09:54 AM

There are no Costco outlets in Angola. We now return to the news . .

Walmart Ensenada...

EnsenadaDr - 1-21-2012 at 10:09 AM

Most native Ensenada residents haven't gone to the Wal Mart in Chula Vista..so they don't have another Wal Mart to compare it to....(I do not go to that one specifically because it is always chock full of people and usually the customers are from South of the Border..and 95% of the time Spanish is spoken...(not that I mind but its always a long wait in line)...but the point is the Wal Mart in Ensenada is a rip off for everything...the clothes..which are way cheaper in the States, the groceries, and especially the produce...I only go there for a special shampoo that I can't get in the states...I like the one in Santee where one of my best friends lives..yes its redneck country but what the heck...the pace is very relaxed and you can look at things without feeling you are in a sardine can with hundreds of others desperate for a bargain....

Quote:

Originally posted by mcfez
"......mattresses arent a great deal...i got way better"

I agree with that! I gave ours to the Good Will after using that torture rack for 4 months. Bought a Name Brand too :-(

Gold Package of coffee....one has to look hard to see that it is Starbucks.....

Nectarines from Peru.......are excellent. No other origin!

We go there just for a few basics....butter, cheese, select veggies. Nothing else.

Sacramento's Walmart has such terrible merchandise......we only get the on line prescription refill(s) that is mailed to us...no need to go into the store :-)

J.P. - 1-21-2012 at 10:42 AM

Shoping at Walmart, We found a SUPER WALMART off of I-8 in Lakeside on Los Coches rd. that has a GROCERY SECTION that is comparable to the best in San Diego area It is a full service gro. with a Bakery,Produce sec., Meat and frozen food. The Place is huge.

Bob and Susan - 1-21-2012 at 10:52 AM

doc...if you think santee is redneck country...go to lakeside!!! :lol:

ha ha good one...

EnsenadaDr - 1-21-2012 at 10:54 AM

central Florida's got them all beat...thanks for reminding me JP about the Lakeside WalMart....

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
doc...if you think santee is redneck country...go to lakeside!!! :lol:

DENNIS - 1-21-2012 at 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
doc...if you think santee is redneck country...go to lakeside!!! :lol:

Santee is affectionatly called Clantee by some. Does that bring anything to mind?

No X rated comments on this board, please!!

EnsenadaDr - 1-21-2012 at 11:08 AM

Dennis, please..there are women on this board!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
doc...if you think santee is redneck country...go to lakeside!!! :lol:

Santee is affectionatly called Clantee by some. Does that bring anything to mind?

DENNIS - 1-21-2012 at 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Dennis, please..there are women on this board!!!

I'll clean it up when some ladies register. Chivalry is my strong suit. :lol:

J.P. - 1-21-2012 at 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
central Florida's got them all beat...thanks for reminding me JP about the Lakeside WalMart....

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
doc...if you think santee is redneck country...go to lakeside!!! :lol:

Maybeeee thats why I like so well , Down where I am from the defination of a Redneck is. Its not a mistake of birth but a lifestyle choice. :lol:

There are plenty of ladies here..

EnsenadaDr - 1-21-2012 at 11:19 AM

There are plenty of well respected women on this board...clean your act up PLEASE!!!! WE would appreciate it!!

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
Dennis, please..there are women on this board!!!

I'll clean it up when some ladies register. Chivalry is my strong suit. :lol:

oladulce - 1-21-2012 at 11:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
The question was about RENEWAL, not use.

There was a question? Sticking to the original topic- that would be a novelty

DENNIS - 1-21-2012 at 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
There are plenty of well respected women on this board...clean your act up PLEASE!!!! WE would appreciate it

Not a chance. I'm in the mood to be raunchy. I know most here won't believe that, but I do have my off-color moments. :lol:

J.P. - 1-21-2012 at 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oladulce

Quote:

Originally posted by Roberto
The question was about RENEWAL, not use.

There was a question? Sticking to the original topic- that would be a novelty

The times I have renewed mine I usually find out at the cash register its expired and I just tell them to pump it up and its done right there. :lol:

DavidE - 1-21-2012 at 12:07 PM

If some knothead at Costco refuses to renew a membership for any reason contact Costco Wholesale membership services and give them the location, the date and the name of the person you spoke with.

-via John Booth, Costco staff

A threat to modern society

EnsenadaDr - 1-21-2012 at 01:24 PM

You are raunchy every time I talk to you...that's why they call you Dennis the Menace of Ensenada..

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
There are plenty of well respected women on this board...clean your act up PLEASE!!!! WE would appreciate it

Not a chance. I'm in the mood to be raunchy. I know most here won't believe that, but I do have my off-color moments. :lol:

DENNIS - 1-21-2012 at 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
If some knothead at Costco refuses to renew a membership for any reason contact Costco Wholesale membership services and give them the location, the date and the name of the person you spoke with.

-via John Booth, Costco staff

Is John Booth connected to the Mexico Costco operation?

DavidE - 1-21-2012 at 03:13 PM

Why don't you call him? He'll be glad to provide accurate info.

LaTijereta - 7-18-2013 at 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bill Collector
I have also renewed my US Costco card in Cabo. Just renewed last week in Cabo

What is the current cost to renew a "US based" card in Baja?
OR the cost for a new "Mexico based" card would also work..

Looking to stop in Ensenada in September to get this done..

DENNIS - 7-18-2013 at 09:50 AM

FYI

Ensenada now has a Sam's Club too. I think I like it better than Costco.

Dang! I've Got Some Running Around To Do!

DavidE - 7-18-2013 at 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
Your U.S. membership?

No.

But you can renew online.

...Back to Acapulco and tell them the renewal in 2005 of my USA PATECO INC business card was illegal, and then back up to the Rohnert Park USA Costco to tell them the renewal of my Mexican Flores de Las Peñas business 2006 Costco card was illegal as well.

The Mexican card allowed me to purchase COSTCO gasoline in the USA.

But I am not allowed with my Mexico card to purchase stuff from the COSTCO online site. Not even with a USA bank VISA card using a USA address for delivery.

LaTijereta - 7-18-2013 at 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
FYI

Ensenada now has a Sam's Club too. I think I like it better than Costco.

I got a new Sam's Club card at the La Paz store last year, and saved about $20 over US membership card renewal!
That cost $350 pesos at the time, and included a $100 pesos gift card for use in the store.

Still using Costco when up in South O for the summer..
Online..Costco de Mexico is asking $450 pesos for annual membership (includes a second card if needed).. That's about a $20 savings over a renewal on US membership..
I am not into the "points- gas" concerns, but would like to shop on both sides of the border if I am going to pay someone the privlidge to spend time in their store..
Looks like I may be stopping in Ensenada to clear this up when heading back down.. :cool:

BajaLuna - 7-18-2013 at 01:33 PM

I love Costco! I agree with all you supporters of Costco! You cant beat the price of cheese at Costco, freeze everything and ya don't have to go shopping very often, love it! I hate to shop so for me buying in bulk and freezing things works for us! When my garden isn't supplying me I buy their veggies in bulk and blanche and freeze them! And if you live a ways from a major store, and have 3 freezers like I do, Costco is your friend! Oh yeah, seal a meal is the way to go! They also carry a lot of organic items! My membership ends up paying for itself in my rewards that I get back so for me it's a wash.

Here's another reason I shop at Costco... because I want to support those Corporations who pay a decent wage, offer healthcare, and retirement plans, and the CEO only makes 350 Grand a year, I say "only" because compared to other CEO's that's nothing...there is no grossly paid fat cats at the top sucking out all the cream while their workers can barely support their families, and the CEO is proud of that! My dollars are my voice, and I don't want to support corporate greed, nor terrible treatment of workers. The CEO of Costco is a great guy, with a great philosophy about his company, his workers, and community as a whole, and that's something that deserves my hard earned money! I'm just sayin'! We all gotta do what we gotta do!

I'm not against Walmart I shop there from time to time and you certainly can't beat their prices, but for me it's about my own conscience and support of what I feel is right for me and my family and a philosophy I can get behind! I try and support only the ma and pa local owned businesses and big corporations who respect their workers! But its easier said than done at times, eh! I want a good deal just like everyone else!

Yes, their meats are quality...However, I don't buy hamburger there anymore, because just this year I noticed the label now says it is from several different countries, I think New Zealand and 2 others countries....and if they can't tell me where my meat is solely from, I don't buy it. If enough of us stop buying it and write Costco perhaps that will change one day, but for now I boycott their hamburger!

BajaLuna - 7-18-2013 at 01:44 PM

LOL@Dr!!! Dennis the menace, now that's funny!

mtgoat666 - 7-18-2013 at 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaLuna
I love Costco! I agree with all you supporters of Costco! You cant beat the price of cheese at Costco, freeze everything and ya don't have to go shopping very often, love it! I hate to shop so for me buying in bulk and freezing things works for us! When my garden isn't supplying me I buy their veggies in bulk and blanche and freeze them! And if you live a ways from a major store, and have 3 freezers like I do, Costco is your friend! Oh yeah, seal a meal is the way to go! They also carry a lot of organic items! My membership ends up paying for itself in my rewards that I get back so for me it's a wash.

Here's another reason I shop at Costco... because I want to support those Corporations who pay a decent wage, offer healthcare, and retirement plans, and the CEO only makes 350 Grand a year, I say "only" because compared to other CEO's that's nothing...there is no grossly paid fat cats at the top sucking out all the cream while their workers can barely support their families, and the CEO is proud of that! My dollars are my voice, and I don't want to support corporate greed, nor terrible treatment of workers. The CEO of Costco is a great guy, with a great philosophy about his company, his workers, and community as a whole, and that's something that deserves my hard earned money! I'm just sayin'! We all gotta do what we gotta do!

I'm not against Walmart I shop there from time to time and you certainly can't beat their prices, but for me it's about my own conscience and support of what I feel is right for me and my family and a philosophy I can get behind! I try and support only the ma and pa local owned businesses and big corporations who respect their workers! But its easier said than done at times, eh! I want a good deal just like everyone else!

Yes, their meats are quality...However, I don't buy hamburger there anymore, because just this year I noticed the label now says it is from several different countries, I think New Zealand and 2 others countries....and if they can't tell me where my meat is solely from, I don't buy it. If enough of us stop buying it and write Costco perhaps that will change one day, but for now I boycott their hamburger!

ya, i like a good corporation, but i think costco is emblematic of gringo overconsumption,... everything is king size quantity, more than anyone needs (unless you got an army of kids in the house) and costco is just as bad as walmart in killing off the mom/pop stores. corporate mega giants are all bad.

yes, i shop at costco, i am a hypocrite :lol:

Udo - 7-18-2013 at 03:19 PM

FYI

I was shopping at the COSTCO in Ensenada...on Terry's recomendation to buy a locally branded tequila @90 pesos per 750 ml. bottle. Superb taste...it is called El Capricho.
I was even allowed to use my American Express card there, and next month's bill had NO international fees!

DavidE - 7-18-2013 at 04:01 PM

In the states, or Mexico I really am not "satisfied" with any one store. Five years ago I purchased a top of the line battery from Wal-Fart. It failed three months later, bad cell 1.280 SG in 5 cells, 1.100 in the 6th.

A pimple face kid runs out of the auto dept with a twenty dollar cheese grater nichrome load tester. Connects the gizmo to my battery, snaps the switch on for five seconds and pronounces "Your battery is fine. Your alternator must be bad".

"Uh, sonny, ya wanna know what I did for a profession for forty years?"

"Electrical engineer, specializing in battery design and testing plus automotive and industrial alternator rebuilding".

It took an hour an arguing with the store assistant manager to get them to warrant the battery.

COSTCO

"I don't like the looks of this battery I bought"

"Sorry sir, here's your refund"

Costco, Wal-Mart, and Sams, are each strong in some areas and weak in others. So I include Big Lots, Grocery Outlet, and Fallas Paredes, on my shopping list. Near the border there are no Winco supermarkets, but they are another favorite......for some things.

Beats withered tomatoes, yellow and brown lettuce, drooping celery, eggs that are scrambled in the shell, Beef branded with Kelly Springfield®, Beneficent Butterfly brand spiral light bulbs, canned peas that are suitable for use as environmentally conscious 00 buckshot, and the inevitable nacional chant "O lo siento mucho pero no hay, esta acotado - posible mañana".

CortezBlue - 7-18-2013 at 04:13 PM

Quote:

The program I use I pay for an executive account that, I think is more than $55.

It is simple, for every dollar I spend I get a percentage back at the end of the year. For the past 20 years I have received enough back to pay for next years membership or more.

Also, if you buy a television or any electronics they have a standard 2 year service agreeement and if you use your AMEX you get an additional year. They also have a great return policy and if I order on line and don't like it, I can take it back to my local costco.

The world is an ROI, some people get it and some people don't

PS, now I don't know why anyone buys at Walmart

I have always bought Froot of the Loom tighty whiteies from Target.

A few years ago we went to San Diego for a weeks vacation. I grabbed the suit cases, but grabbed the wrong bag for me. I ended up with out any clothes. So we went to Walmart and bought the necessities of which, one item was Fruit of the Loom underwear.

The FOTL from Walmart did not last any time at all. The elastic almost immediately started breaking down and coming away from the cotton portion.

A few years ago I saw a program on CNBC that went behind the operations of Walmart and once I watched that, I never shop at Walmart.

They intimidate all manufacturers to provide lower prices than they offer anyone else and have even required Rubbermaid to have product manufactured in China, which that said they would never do.

Walmart is like a cartel and I will not support them.

[Edited on 7-18-2013 by CortezBlue]

tjsue - 7-18-2013 at 04:47 PM

My ex-boyfriend had the same battery problem, but at Sam's Club. They exchanged it for him three times, and the fourth time he demanded a refund. He got it, but they weren't happy about giving it to him, though.

He went across the street to Costco, bought a battery, put it in, and never had another problem. And these weren't car batteries, they were deep cycle marine batteries that he used in his RV.

DavidE - 7-18-2013 at 04:54 PM

CAVEAT EMPTOR

Having a selection is one of the benefits of capitalism and a consumer driven society.

Thirty years ago on the other side of the world I'll warrant if you bought underwear from "Heroic Struggle Workers Factory # 591", you would not have been pleased either.

I wasn't aware that Loot of the Froom was other than a basic quality clothing reseller. Hanes, Russell, and others come to mind. The JC Penney brand "Stafford House (?)"

For plain Jane durability, I like Dickies, Carhartt, etc. When I find them at discount I snap them up. My last Dickies shirts cost me $4 each. Yes, they were new.

Correcamino - 7-18-2013 at 04:59 PM

Most of the positive commenters for Costco and negative for Wally World have already spoken for me, but the biggest factors for my Costco shopping:

1. Return policy. No receipt, not problem. Changed my mind, don't like it, shouldn't have broken when backed over it in the driveway. "Would you like cash or a store credit, Sir?"

2. Free samples! Saves me hundreds on lunch every year. "Ling-Ling Potstickuh! You take some home today, suh!"

3. Cafe 150! Giant Polish sausage and an endless Coke for $1.50?!? Howzabout a Chicken Bake? Unmatched, and same price since the 1990's

4. Guess the price of the new car parked by the entrance - Awesome!

5. Buy tires without sleazy "assistant manager" to deal with, having to take a shower afterwards. Automatic application of all rebates, automatic mileage adjustment on next set, no questions, no paperwork.

6. Kirkland products that are better than name brand competitors (AA/AAA batteries, auto batteries, canned albacore tuna, bacon, to name a few.

7. Refill your propane tank for $2.00/gal. - NO minimum - and no angry middle-eastern gas station flunky to curse you under his breath while doing a crappy job.

Okay, that'll do it. All this for $45/yr. I rest my case.

BajaLuna - 7-19-2013 at 08:34 AM

Mtgoat666, I agree, as a Society we do over-consume and they do monopolize the market and put smaller businesses out of business. I guess in my mind if I can't support the local ma and pa places and cottage industries which I try and do as much as I can, Costco is the lesser of 2 evils. Another way of looking at it is I use less gas when I buy in bulk, not as many trips to the store, so less oil-consumption! But then I use more electricity by having to have freezers, ohhh the insanity of it all!!! It's a vicious cycle! I also have a membership to my local co-op, a community owned natural store, which is a great concept. There's several of them up here where I live, they are quite popular.

There's certainly many pros and cons of supporting mega giants.

And the sad thing is is that we are left with fewer and fewer choices, unfortunately. It's interesting to me how you can go to any strip mall in any city in the U.S. and see all the same chain stores and restaurants, I drove from Washington to Maine last year and it's all the same everywhere...it's always the same ones, Payless shoe store, subway, starbucks, target, Walgreen's, McDonald's etc. I mean you really have to go out of your way anymore to support something other than what they want us to eat and buy!

DavidE - 7-19-2013 at 12:34 PM

Everyone likes to use the mom&pop store example for Mexico. No sirve.

There are many more tiendas in Mexico than in the USA because they are located within walking distance.

It's the proveedores who gouged the public not the ferreterias, or plomerias or mueblerias. An item for example is imported (what isn't anymore?) for four dollars. Near junk quality brand. Transported in an 18-wheeler to a warehouse. That item may be marked up 300%. Then transported to a retail market and another 20-30% added on.

Need a gauge of who is making what kind of profit? Look at the net worth and lifestyle of those in the supply chain.

The "old system" was ripe for the plucking. Mexicans are not stupid. When they see a proveedor trying to emulate the lifestyle of Donald Trump they tend to get a little cranky. When a chain store arrives with better selection and prices the Mexican consumer is not going to consult a book on philosophy before making a choice of where to shop.

original question

capitolkat - 7-20-2013 at 04:11 PM

Been a Costco member for over 30 years and for the last two years have renewed my membership in Cabo. No problems and the return policy is valid in Mexico for goods bought in Mexico. I exchanged a 70" TV when the next month they put it on sale- I didn't even have to bring it back. they simply canceled the sale and sold me the TV that was still on my wall at home for the sale price.

willardguy - 7-20-2013 at 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by capitolkat
Been a Costco member for over 30 years and for the last two years have renewed my membership in Cabo. No problems and the return policy is valid in Mexico for goods bought in Mexico. I exchanged a 70" TV when the next month they put it on sale- I didn't even have to bring it back. they simply canceled the sale and sold me the TV that was still on my wall at home for the sale price.

I actually had to bust out a tape measure to wrap my head around a 70"tv! WOW!

BajaBlanca - 7-21-2013 at 07:35 AM

the question was:

does anyone know the current price for a costco card in Mexico?

monoloco - 7-21-2013 at 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
Everyone likes to use the mom&pop store example for Mexico. No sirve.

There are many more tiendas in Mexico than in the USA because they are located within walking distance.

It's the proveedores who gouged the public not the ferreterias, or plomerias or mueblerias. An item for example is imported (what isn't anymore?) for four dollars. Near junk quality brand. Transported in an 18-wheeler to a warehouse. That item may be marked up 300%. Then transported to a retail market and another 20-30% added on.

Need a gauge of who is making what kind of profit? Look at the net worth and lifestyle of those in the supply chain.

The "old system" was ripe for the plucking. Mexicans are not stupid. When they see a proveedor trying to emulate the lifestyle of Donald Trump they tend to get a little cranky. When a chain store arrives with better selection and prices the Mexican consumer is not going to consult a book on philosophy before making a choice of where to shop.

A lot of the mom & pop stores around here use Costco as a provedor, and sell marked up or re-packaged Kirkland goods. There is even a business in Todos Santos called Costkito that gets deals on returned Costco merchandise and resells it.

DavidE - 7-22-2013 at 10:34 AM

I wish "Maid Rite" and "Western Garden" and "Great Value" 2nd class foodstuffs were as good as Costco's "Kirkland Signature". I've never encountered an "off brand" alkaline battery as good as the K.S.

I am using a $298 WallyWorld laptop (purchased new not refurbished) a year and a half ago. I guess a person just has to shop to weed out the good deals.