This phenomenon (and the fact that a pkg of 100 cheap razors would last me the rest of my life, with some left for my “heirs,” lol) is precisely why I don’t belong to Costco, Sam’s Club, etc and never will.

“Kirkland,” or 10-cent Gillette razors, anyone? How about a $25 bottle of Vanilla?? After having been different friend’s “guests” at Costco, I’m astounded at how much people spend in there in ONE shopping trip … and for what, exactly? A customer would have to be part of an immediate family of 6++ (ALL of its members who are ALWAYS home for meals, etc) to make it worth their while to buy in bulk to that extent (or own a restaurant). What’s the point, exactly? Has anybody ever heard of the Von’s “Just4u” prices. Uhh, hello? Most of these prices are better than the military commissary but the shopper has to do the WORK online before entering the store to shop. And the shopper can buy just enough for them (just4u) and get GREAT discounts!

At this point the guy who jacked up the price of 60 year old AIDS medicatio has Scumbag of the Year sewn up pretty tight.

I love Costco, but there’s definitely a learning curve. There’s also more of a price advantage if you buy some stuff organic regularly. Our staple purchases are 1.5 gallons of organic milk, organic eggs when needed, 2 loaf packs of organic bread, and paper towels/toilet paper as needed. When the little guy was in diapers costco couldn’t be beat on Diapers/wipes.

Stuff like razors and shampoo I’d skip. Clothes are very hit or miss. Same with seasonal items. Meat really takes careful planning, although it’s not too hard to buy a 3 pack of organic chicken and use one right away and freeze the other two.

Before I had a baby costco was much less of a weekly destination. There’s definitely a trick to when to shop. Midday on a Saturday will leave anyone hating life. We used to live across from the one in Mission Valley, which actually made it our go-to Gas station. It was great to zip over 30 minutes before close and get cheap gas with no line.

[quote=poorgradstudent]At this point the guy who jacked up the price of 60 year old AIDS medicatio has Scumbag of the Year sewn up pretty tight.

I love Costco, but there’s definitely a learning curve. There’s also more of a price advantage if you buy some stuff organic regularly. Our staple purchases are 1.5 gallons of organic milk, organic eggs when needed, 2 loaf packs of organic bread, and paper towels/toilet paper as needed. When the little guy was in diapers costco couldn’t be beat on Diapers/wipes.

Stuff like razors and shampoo I’d skip. Clothes are very hit or miss. Same with seasonal items. Meat really takes careful planning, although it’s not too hard to buy a 3 pack of organic chicken and use one right away and freeze the other two.

Before I had a baby costco was much less of a weekly destination. There’s definitely a trick to when to shop. Midday on a Saturday will leave anyone hating life. We used to live across from the one in Mission Valley, which actually made it our go-to Gas station. It was great to zip over 30 minutes before close and get cheap gas with no line.[/quote]

I find myself in agreement with all your commentary. All very thoughtful and reasonable.

I share a Costco membership with a friend. I buy toilet paper there. He’s an alcoholic so he buys booze there.

To make fun of costco shopppers who fight over food samples…. They just reflect the American population who are addicted to food. It’s like dogs salivating over bones.

I have many foreign friends and none of them comment on food like “it’s sooooo goood”, “to die for”, “i’m craving”. It’s American culture addicted to junk food.

I have 5 cats. Flea meds, food and litter pay for my membership. Also Johnnie walker black is so cheap there I feel like I’m getting paid to drink it