~~ Costco.com: Convenient but Costly ~~
Written: Dec 19 '05
| Ease of Ordering: |
 |
|
| On-Time Delivery: |
|
|
| Selection: |
|
|
|
| Full Review |
Costco.com has plenty of items at discounted prices. However, shipping costs will likely take a bite out of your savings!
Navigation
Under the Shop category, one can access the following:
- Buyer's Picks
- Appliances
- Auto & Tires
- Books, Movies, & Toys
- Computers & Office
- Electronics & Pianos
- Furniture
- Hardware & Outdoor
- Health & Beauty
- Home & Pets
- Jewelry, Apparel & Accessories
- Occasions & Floral
- Sports & Recs
- Urns & Caskets
- Wine & Food
- View All
Navigating around the site is fairly easy. A new page loads once a section is chosen and there is a menu of "categories" available under that section. Personally, I find that the pages are a bit overloaded with pictures, making the pages very cluttered.
There are other categories available such as Business, Services, Pharmacy, Photo Center, Travel, and Membership.
Pricing
There is a 5% surcharge for non-members using the Costco.com site. The prices on Costco.com are "Costco" prices, meaning they are discounted. For example, I purchased The Calvin and Hobbes collection for $86.00 (pre-tax and shipping). Outside of Costco, the best deal I could find was $105.00 (pre-tax and shipping). (I used a family member's Costco number to shop at Costco.com.)
Check-out
An account needs to be created prior to checking out. At that time, you can enter in your Costco number as well as credit card information, billing/shipping information, and email address. The check-out process is straightforward.
Shipping and Delivery
It actually took a few days for my order to be processed. I placed my order early on Friday and it was not processed until Wednesday, when I received notification. I also checked using the "Order Status" feature on Costco.com. My package, weighing 25 pounds, was shipped via UPS. I was a bit upset when I heard it thrown on the ground and the UPS guy left. I know this isn't Costco's fault, but it did dent a bit of the book as it was not packaged well inside the box. The delivery was speedy once the order was processed.
Shipping costs will cost you an arm and a leg; shipping my package cost $10.00.
Payment
Costco.com accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and Costco credit card. Costco gift cards are also accepted.
Returns
Returns can be made through Costco.com or at Costco warehouses. It is convenient for online shoppers that returning items at warehouses is an option.
Overall Thoughts
Shopping at Costco.com is convenient in that it is delivered right to your front door. However, shipping costs and tax will likely offset the amount saved. If you have a Costco membership, battling the crowds at the warehouse store will likely save you a bundle if you have a lot to purchase.
I probably won't be shopping at Costco.com any time soon because I just needed to purchase that one item for a Christmas present.
Recommended:
No
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? The Calvin and Hobbes Collection
|
|
|
|
About the Author
Location: California
Reviews written: 1149
Trusted by: 164 members
About Me: I'm a coupon-clipping, penny-pinching saver.
|
