SHOPPERS looking to gain access to a budget wholesaler have been given a top hack – and it could mean that ANYONE can get access.
Costco has 29 stores across the UK, but they’re only accessible to its members.
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To join, you have to be a registered business, be VAT registered, or be in certain professions such as teacher, front-line worker, lawyer or accountant.
But in a Channel 5 documentary aired this week, “Costco – Is It Really Worth It?”, viewers were exposed to a little-known tip that people can use to gain access to the club.
During the programme, producers at Channel 5 called one of Costco’s 29 stores to inquire about whether those who have either AA or RAC breakdown cover can also become Costco members for the regular £33.60 fee.
Supposedly, others can get a membership if they have a National Trust membership or American Express credit card as well.
And after calling the Costco store, the Channel 5 producers were told by a customer adviser that the rumours were in fact true.
Three other Costco outlets confirmed this with producers, although the remaining 25 stores did not respond.
It comes as more and more people look for ways to save money amidst the cost of living crisis, with energy bills and food and fuel at sky-high levels.
Many people choose to use Costco to bulk buy goods and products, as it is supposed to be cheaper than buying from a regular supermarket.
But, speaking on the documentary on Wednesday, consumer journalist Harry Wallop explained: “The real trick with Costco is you have to go in with frankly a calculator and internet access and just check prices because it really does depend.”
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“Some things are fantastic value and some things aren’t good value at all.”
The Sun checked out prices on a number of Costco goods and compared them to regular supermarket prices – and all but one were cheapest at the wholesaler.
Bulk buying 45 rolls of Cushelle Quilted Roll toilet paper was cheaper at Costco, as was 480 bags of Yorkshire Everyday Tea.
But buying Felix As Good As It Looks cat food will set you back a few more pounds.
You can buy 40x100g pouches of the cat food for £13.59 in Costco, whereas in Asda it will set you back just £12.25 and Tesco £13.
Is Costco worth the membership?
While Costco is not always the cheapest option, it probably is worth getting a membership there if you can.
Many shoppers make use of its petrol stations in particular, which can be cheaper than other forecourts – cutting the cost of filling up at time when fuel is hitting £2 a litre.
But, 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.
Consider how often you’d actually go to Costco, how close the nearest store to you is, and how much room you have to store products you bulk buy.
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