BajaNomad - Costco US vs. Costco Mexico

Costco US vs. Costco Mexico

EnsenadaDr - 3-6-2012 at 06:53 AM

I was in Chula Vista Costco yesterday, and had to renew my membership. $55 US Dollars!!!!! Gone WAY up...so I stopped at the membership desk and asked them, if I have a Costco membership card from Mexico, can I use it in the States? They told me yes, that however, you couldn't use it on the gas pumps or receive mail or coupons...(big deal...gas in the US is like $4.40 a gallon, and people were lined up for at least 30 minutes at the Costco pumps yesterday to pay $4.29 a gallon...currently gas is 9.99 pesos in Mexico or about $40 a gallon roughly Mexican) which is still about $3.15 a gallon American. I was outraged!!! I just spent over $20 more on membership on the US card...cause right now its about $400 pesos for Costco membership in Mexico...big time rip-off and stupidily on my part...but they caught me at the checkout counter with an expired membership card!!!

Bajaboy - 3-6-2012 at 07:29 AM

And a house in Chula Vista costs more than a similar house in Ensenada....not sure why it's such a rip-off.

DENNIS - 3-6-2012 at 07:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajaboy
And a house in Chula Vista costs more than a similar house in Ensenada....not sure why it's such a rip-off.

Truth of the matter is, with that inquiry, she just found out her stateside card is good in Ensenada. Her troubles are just beginning.

Oddjob - 3-6-2012 at 07:42 AM

I wouldn't call $55 a year a ripoff, Dr. The prices on the same items are almost always lower in the Chula Vista Costco than the Ensenada Costco.

KASHEYDOG - 3-6-2012 at 08:32 AM

Thanks, Doc........ I've been thinking about renewing in Baja. I know the membership fees are much less and the card is good anywhere. Used mine in Tokyo a couple of years ago.
Besides I never understood the lines at Costco for gas.............All the ARCO stations in San Diego are usually about the same price as Costco....... And if you ever do the math on the difference,.. $.10 a gallon on 20 gallons is $2.... You'll not find me sitting in ANY ..lines for $2........ If you fill up 6 times a month, which is a lot for most, you've blown a whole $12 and sat in line for 6 times more then me ( probably 3 hours ).................. Sorry but I value myself and my personal time a whole lot more than $4 an hour .............

[Edited on 3-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

mcfez - 3-6-2012 at 08:40 AM

Agreed! I never understood why those folks were in line....at Costco.....to save a buck or two. I would think that your car would idle the savings away :-) .............and the cost to drive TO and BACK from Costco.

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG
Thanks, Doc........ I've been thinking about renewing in Baja. I know the membership fees are much less and the card is good anywhere. Used mine in Tokyo a couple of years ago.
Besides I never understood the lines at Costco for gas................All the ARCO stations in San Diego are usually about the same price as Costco....... And if you ever do the math on the difference $.10 a gallon on 20 gallons is $2.... You'll not find me sitting in ANY lines for $2........ If you fill up 6 times a month, which is a lot for most, you've blown a whole $12 and sat in line for 6 times more then me ( probably 3 hours ).................. Sorry but I value myself and my personal time a whole lot more than $4 an hour .............

[Edited on 3-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

Oddjob - 3-6-2012 at 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG
Thanks, Doc........ I've been thinking about renewing in Baja. I know the membership fees are much less and the card is good anywhere. Used mine in Tokyo a couple of years ago.
Besides I never understood the lines at Costco for gas................All the ARCO stations in San Diego are usually about the same price as Costco....... And if you ever do the math on the difference,.. $.10 a gallon on 20 gallons is $2.... You'll not find me sitting in ANY ..lines for $2........ If you fill up 6 times a month, which is a lot for most, you've blown a whole $12 and sat in line for 6 times more then me ( probably 3 hours ).................. Sorry but I value myself and my personal time a whole lot more than $4 an hour .............

[Edited on 3-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

KASHEYDOG,

you

won't

wait

in line

to save

a few

bucks

on gas

but you

will

renew

in Mexico

save $20

KASHEYDOG - 3-6-2012 at 09:03 AM

Yes......especially since I'll be living in Baja and Bara de Navidad by the end of summer. Would like to have a Mexican card.......AND NO,... I DON'T WAIT IN LINES. Did enough of that when I was in the Navy...........

Dave - 3-6-2012 at 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I just spent over $20 more on membership on the US card...cause right now its about $400 pesos for Costco membership in Mexico...

Considering the difference in quality between goods bought in Mexico vs the US the Mexican Costco card should be 40 pesos, not 400. :rolleyes:

DaliDali - 3-6-2012 at 09:24 AM

The New York steaks at the Costco Ensenada, are, IMO, better than their San Diego counter parts.
Thicker, better marbling and are melt in your mouth tender.

DENNIS - 3-6-2012 at 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
Considering the difference in quality between goods bought in Mexico vs the US the Mexican Costco card should be 40 pesos, not 400. :rolleyes:

Goods made in Mexico leave a bit to be desired when judged by our standards of quality, but these are only a modest percentage of everything on the shelves.
I appreciate the convenience of Costco, Ensenada, so I try not to bring the calculator with me when I shop there. I enter....I shop.....I exit, and my life goes on without the undo stress that a Costco card seems to heap upon people.
When gas NOB is $4.30 per gallon, it makes no sense to try to save a couple of bucks by adding an international journey to the equation.

KASHEYDOG - 3-6-2012 at 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oddjob

KASHEYDOG,

you

won't

wait

in line

to save

a few

bucks

on gas

but you

will

renew

in Mexico

save $20

BTW..."Oddjob"......with a savings of $20 for the 10 minutes it takes to renew my card that would cost average out to $120 an hour. NOW, you're almost talkin' my kind of money. Note I said "almost".........But since I have to do it anyway, I think I'll choose the "Mexican Connection".

You see "Oddjob", if only you thought like that they wouldn't have to call you "Oddjob" and you wouldn't be soooo stressed out over $2.......................

[Edited on 3-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

J.P. - 3-6-2012 at 09:50 AM

Yes most things are a little more Expensive in Mexico Costco but as Dennis says add the stress and price of gas to the equation.and it makes Costco Mexico a good deal.
Get your Costco card in Mexico Its somewhat cheaper and you can use it in the States.
Being a retired Union member I used to look for the Union Bee on the products I bought Today I compare Made in Mexico to made in China.

Oddjob - 3-6-2012 at 10:04 AM

Quote:

BTW..."Oddjob"......with a savings of $20 for the 10 minutes it takes to renew my card that would cost average out to $120 an hour. NOW, you're almost talkin' my kind of money. Note I said "almost".........But since I have to do it anyway, I think I'll choose the "Mexican Connection".

You see "Oddjob", if only you thought like that they wouldn't have to call you "Oddjob" and you wouldn't be soooo stressed out over $2....................

[Edited on 3-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

Wow,

so at $120 an hour... :smug:

, which you claim is ALMOST... :barf:

your kind of money... :lol:

, that puts your income at $250k plus per year... :?:

. That income is a far cry from what has been claimed by you in the past. :biggrin:

By the way, if you have a US Costco/ American Express business card you receive rebates up to 4% on everything that you use the card for anywhere, not just using the card at Costco.

Dave - 3-6-2012 at 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Goods made in Mexico leave a bit to be desired when judged by our standards of quality, but these are only a modest percentage of everything on the shelves.

It's across the board. Even similar products that aren't made in Mexico are of lesser quality than comparable products sold in US stores.

Which begs the question, why? Mexicans don't live in a vacuum. In fact, they manufacture a lot of the products sold in US stores. . Why do they settle? And not just home goods but across the board...transportation, education, health care, product safety, the list goes on. Why?

Woooosh - 3-6-2012 at 10:24 AM

I among of the original "Price Club" member from San Diego- so CostCo (as it is now known) and I go way back. Here's my two cents (without all the bouncing icons). I have an "executive membership" that gives me a rebate "check" every year on total purchases. I give additional cards for free to my family and not only does the rebate cover the membership fees- I usually get a check back for another couple hundred dollars. The gas prices are competitive but many members have the branded AMX card that gives them a cash rebate on gas purchases too- which is likely why they wait in line (Like the Dr., I fill up in Mexico). Every CostCo has different offerings and sometimes I have to hit three San Diegos to get what I want (e.g., the Morena location has the chocolate shop and beach stuff, the Chula Vista has more mexican-appeal food items, and I can only find the 5 gallon buckets of degreaser at the Rancho del Rey location). I don't buy fresh meat at the USA CostCo's often- the quality is excellent but the weekly meat sales at Ralphs/Vons have Rib-Eyes and New Yorks at half the price of Costco. The CostCo "Kirkland" house brands are rated by Consumer Reports as top quality and are a good value. I also refill all my inkjet printer cartridges there for about $10 each while I shop. The Chula Vista CostCo also has a Casa de Cambio with very favorable exchange rates. The Optical department wil give you and eye exam and hand you the perscription (I buy all my glasses on-line from China these days). The Mexico CostCo requires you to buy the glasses there and won't give you only an exam and a new prescription.

The CostCo's in Mexico do accept Visa and Mastercard, the USA ones only take AMX or a debit card. The Costco's in Mexico also have the VAT sales tax included- so when price comparing you need to take that into account. I haven't been to the TJ CostCo in a while. You can get good deals on fresh baked bollios, Mexican Coca Cola and most Mexican staples you would not find in the USA stores.

whew...

DENNIS - 3-6-2012 at 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
In fact, they manufacture a lot of the products sold in US stores. .

Maquiladoras.....maybe. But it begs the question: are Maquiladoras considered Mexican businesses?
I say, "No."

KASHEYDOG - 3-6-2012 at 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oddjob
Wow, :rolleyes:

so at $120 an hour... :smug:

, which you claim is ALMOST... :barf:

your kind of money... :lol:

, that puts your income at $250k plus per year... :?:

. That income is a far cry from what has been claimed by you in the past. :biggrin:

Now there you go, "Oddjob"...... Now you're getting your head on straight, boy...........
I know I'm gettin' old but I don't remember ever claiming an annual income here. Now, you're a wee bit high in your baseless estimate there but you're not too far off. But I can assure you it's way more then you can imagine......

DENNIS - 3-6-2012 at 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Why do they settle? And not just home goods but across the board...transportation, education, health care, product safety, the list goes on. Why?

The vast majority on the consumer class doesn't know what they're missing. Not a clue. All they know is that what they have today far exceeds what they had ten years ago. Seen from that perspective, I guess life is good.

Woooosh - 3-6-2012 at 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG

Quote:

Originally posted by Oddjob
Wow, :rolleyes:

so at $120 an hour... :smug:

, which you claim is ALMOST... :barf:

your kind of money... :lol:

, that puts your income at $250k plus per year... :?:

. That income is a far cry from what has been claimed by you in the past. :biggrin:

It's not how much you can bill an hour that counts- it's how many hours you can bill. Personally- I bill by the month, or sometimes by the job if it is clearly defined, with all expenses extra. Every industry is different though.

[Edited on 3-6-2012 by Woooosh]

Oddjob - 3-6-2012 at 10:44 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KASHEYDOG

Quote:

Originally posted by Oddjob
Wow, :rolleyes:

so at $120 an hour... :smug:

, which you claim is ALMOST... :barf:

your kind of money... :lol:

, that puts your income at $250k plus per year... :?:

. That income is a far cry from what has been claimed by you in the past. :biggrin:

Maybe I can help refresh your memory. Perhaps you should look at your BK filing where you claimed to make $2,895 per month, which at 40 hours per week is $16.70 per hour.

J.P. - 3-6-2012 at 10:50 AM

Costco in the US as Woosh said the Costco's in Ca vary from store to store I was amazed at the difference between the quality and or quanity of goods between the two stores Costco Chula Vista and Costco on H street off of the 805 the one off of 805 is far superior to the Chula Vista store

Really?

Dave - 3-6-2012 at 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

The vast majority on the consumer class doesn't know what they're missing. Not a clue. All they know is that what they have today far exceeds what they had ten years ago. Seen from that perspective, I guess life is good.

They don't have TV or internet or have relatives who live NOB?

They know. That's why if given the choice, most will endure the hassle to cross the border to shop.

KASHEYDOG - 3-6-2012 at 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Oddjob

Maybe I can help refresh your memory. Perhaps you should look at your BK filing where you claimed to make $2,895 per month, which at 40 hours per week is $16.70 per hour.

......Long time ago and under different circumstances..... "Oddjob"... Sometimes for medical hardship reasons one must do what one must........... But thanks for the reminder.

[Edited on 3-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

Woooosh - 3-6-2012 at 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.
Costco in the US as Woosh said the Costco's in Ca vary from store to store I was amazed at the difference between the quality and or quanity of goods between the two stores Costco Chula Vista and Costco on H street off of the 805 the one off of 805 is far superior to the Chula Vista store

True. I'll get clobbered for this response but: The Costco on Broadway is the closest to the border and has primarily Mexican shoppers and I suppose mexican-focused purchasers for the that store. I've gone from the front door to the exit ticket checker without speaking a word of English there. The Costco on East H street is in Rancho del Rey a very upscale mixed area, not frequented by the day-shoppers from TJ. They carry the better quality items the wealthier Mexicans who live in that area and the predominantly upscale white customers who shop there want. Now I'm gonna run for cover... lol

CortezBlue - 3-6-2012 at 10:58 AM

US vs Mexico for Costco

US Costco

Hot Dog's

Mexico Costco

Perito Calliente's

Here they come WOOOOSH.....RUN, WOOOOSH, RUN

KASHEYDOG - 3-6-2012 at 11:02 AM

[Edited on 3-6-12 by KASHEYDOG]

Picture 135.gif - 18kB

DENNIS - 3-6-2012 at 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
They don't have TV or internet or have relatives who live NOB?

They know. That's why if given the choice, most will endure the hassle to cross the border to shop.

Quality comparison is more of a "hands-on" thing. That's hard to portray on TV.
Anyway....I think the magnet that draws the Mexican shopper across the border is product availability and lower prices.
Even today, most of the Kirkland line of goods, with which large savings are realized, are unavailable here at Costco MX.

J.P. - 3-6-2012 at 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

Wellll being as you started it I was told about the difference by a Mexican friend down here she related that she went shoping with her married daughter who lives up there,she wanted to go to the Chula Vista store and her daughter wouldn't go her daughter said to her there were to many Mexicans there.
I like the Rancho Del Ray store better not for the above stated reason but because it is a better store

[Edited on 3-6-2012 by J.P.]

I've got news for you

Dave - 3-6-2012 at 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
I've gone from the front door to the exit ticket checker without speaking a word of English there.

You can go from front door to exit in any major store, restaurant chain, government agency or hospital in Southern California without speaking a word of English.

Woooosh - 3-6-2012 at 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

... and I thought I'd be safe just not comparing the two stores customer behavior at the "road shows." In Rancho del Rey store (and most CostCo's) people casually take an available sample and then wander around to shop until they hit the next one. At the Chula Vista store it is "feed the family" time and it's hard to get your shopping cart around all the people lined up for those little toaster ovens to pop open.

They all pay their memberships and there is no shame or anything wrong in taking what is offered for free- it's just an interesting observation that at one store it's a sample thing and the other it's enjoyed as a buffet meal.

J.P. - 3-6-2012 at 11:36 AM

I always thought they were pushing something that doesnt sell all that well so I usually pass the samples up :lol:

MMc - 3-6-2012 at 01:03 PM

Costco's marketing plan includes spontaneous purchasing by the member's. Giving away the samples is part of the marketing program, not to roll inventory.
The difference between Mexico and USA for the volume is amazing. In Mexico most will pick up 3 or 4 items, the USA is carts full of stuff that weren't of the shopping list. We used to call Price Club hundred dollar club, hard to get out for less then $100.00.

DENNIS - 3-6-2012 at 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMc
We used to call Price Club hundred dollar club, hard to get out for less then $100.00.

And that's when all you're doing is keeping your friend company and you don't need anything.

J.P. - 3-6-2012 at 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MMc
Costco's marketing plan includes spontaneous purchasing by the member's. Giving away the samples is part of the marketing program, not to roll inventory.
The difference between Mexico and USA for the volume is amazing. In Mexico most will pick up 3 or 4 items, the USA is carts full of stuff that weren't of the shopping list. We used to call Price Club hundred dollar club, hard to get out for less then $100.00.

For me in Ensenada its the 300 dl.club

OK my mistake..

EnsenadaDr - 3-6-2012 at 06:27 PM

I was at the one on H street, I forgot there was one in Chula Vista proper...yeah the H street one was really nice...

Quote:

Doncha get it....

EnsenadaDr - 3-6-2012 at 06:34 PM

Yes but I could have bought the card cheaper and saved myself $20 regardless.. :no:

Quote:

Originally posted by Oddjob
wouldn't call $55 a year a ripoff, Dr. The prices on the same items are almost always lower in the Chula Vista Costco than the Ensenada Costco.

[Edited on 3-7-2012 by EnsenadaDr]

BajaBlanca - 3-6-2012 at 06:43 PM

so, if one's original card is from the US and one wants to renew in Ensenada - we can ?

DENNIS - 3-6-2012 at 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBlanca
so, if one's original card is from the US and one wants to renew in Ensenada - we can ?

I went through that, but I think I had to rejoin. Can't remember everything. :lol:

Woooosh - 3-6-2012 at 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
I was at the one on H street, I forgot there was one in Chula Vista proper...yeah the H street one was really nice...

Quote:

Hearing some complaints lately about the H Street store. They are moving departments around inside the store and it's hard to find things right now. I think they added a new walk-through produce section at the back right of the store. Spent some time looking for that Kirkland Diet Iced Green Tea and even asked a sales associate where it was and he couldn't find it either (was not with the beverages). I like it better when big-box stores (HomeDepot, CostCo, etc) get merchandising format/layout down pat and keep all their stores pretty much the same- like most chain restaurants do. Much easier to navigate and a consistent shopping experience.

DENNIS - 3-6-2012 at 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Hearing some complaints lately about the H Street store. They are moving departments around inside the store and it's hard to find things right now.

It stimulates impulse shopping while you hunt down the item on your list.

Woooosh - 3-6-2012 at 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
Hearing some complaints lately about the H Street store. They are moving departments around inside the store and it's hard to find things right now.

It stimulates impulse shopping while you hunt down the item on your list.

Yeah. I figure it is about product placement and impulse buying. That day the diet iced teas were stocked next to a road show for Greek Pitas and Hummus/Tahini. I do go to CostCo with a list but like others have said, getting out under $100 with only what is on the list is nearly impossible. We're suckers for any new food items that pop up. Rarely do we leave without a few spit-roasted chickens no matter which store we hit. The big sell for us is the fresh produce at incredible prices- tomatoes, berries of all types, portabellos...

[Edited on 3-7-2012 by Woooosh]

NOT true...

EnsenadaDr - 3-6-2012 at 07:37 PM

They had the most delicious marinated alaskan salmon for sample yesterday!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.
I always thought they were pushing something that doesnt sell all that well so I usually pass the samples up :lol:

Woooosh - 3-6-2012 at 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by EnsenadaDr
They had the most delicious marinated alaskan salmon for sample yesterday!!!

Quote:

Originally posted by J.P.
I always thought they were pushing something that doesnt sell all that well so I usually pass the samples up :lol:

The seafood stuffed salmon is a regular item for us- but we only buy it within one day of the packing date on the label. Yum

Palm Street Wal Mart

EnsenadaDr - 3-6-2012 at 07:41 PM

Same reason I avoid the Palm Street Wal Mart...its packed and its like a free for all swap meet on a Saturday in anytown, Mexico...plus I like to practice my English in the US thank you!!

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

costco mexico

DavidE - 3-6-2012 at 08:00 PM

Been doing it for 15 years.

Mexico Costco cards work at US Costco gas stations in CA, AZ, TX, OR. WA. so why not everywhere else? Bought lots of gasoline and never a problem.

Mexico Costco cards cannot be used to purchase stuff on line. The server spits out the purchase, regardless if a USA credit card is used for payment.

Away from the border there's always a delay to call a supervisor to key in an international card at the register.

Very few warranties honored across borders. Includes tires and batteries. No warranty whatsoever.

Costco Mexico still allows business members in an hour early. Costco Mexico warehouses have disabled parking (mirror card only - no license plates honored (!) All warehouses have disabled electric carts.

Hope This Helps

DENNIS - 3-6-2012 at 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
Away from the border there's always a delay to call a supervisor to key in an international card at the register.

Instantaneous in Ensenada.

Quote:

Costco Mexico still allows business members in an hour early.

Not here. The doors open at 9:AM.....for everybody.