Best prices, best service with no problems yet after 10 years
Written: Sep 03 '09
| Ease of Ordering: |
 |
|
| Customer Service: |
 |
|
| Selection: |
 |
|
| On-Time Delivery: |
|
|
|
| Full Review |
I've been a member of Costco and Costco.com since day one. Before the Internet and many years ago Costco was known as Price Club. Today I would like to discuss my last positive purchase through their website. Not only were the prices on the items I recently purchased the lowest, including the shipping I received the best price overall.
To begin with you need to join and be a member to purchase products and services but you can still shop without joining. Trust me on this, you'll quickly make up the cost of membership as quickly as your first purchase. I have the Executive membership which rewards me 2% of my purchase price in the form of a rebate check mailed to me each year. My annual $100 fee rewards have averaged between $150 to $200 each year. It definitely pays for me to have the Executive level membership. There is a lower level membership available but please check for the current membership fee.
My last purchase was for 4 truck tires. The total cost of the order included shipping and installation of the tires on my vehicle was well below any local or chain store. In other words, the price you pay is the "Out the door price" on your online order. This does include their "Road Hazard" warranty and other related fees. If you live in California you'll get dinged with more environmental fees. When the order arrived (2 days) my local Costco warehouse called me to say "Your tires are in and ready for installation"
With no appointment the usual time frame for installation is about 1-2 hours. The time will pass more quickly by walking over to the nearby warehouse and strolling through the aisles. I usually find a few more items plus grab a few free food samples. I truly believe they've factored this into their profit margin and figure you'd rather shop in the store and spend more money than sit in the tire center. I don't particularly care for the overwhelming aroma of rubber so I'm off to the warehouse for more shopping or run a few local errands.
Navigating Costco.com:
The checkout is one of the best experiences I've had with an online store. I can literally order something and complete the transaction in just a few minutes. You can easily track your order details and the shipment process within a few clicks.
Payment methods:
I only use my AMEX (American Express) or ATM debit card for purchases. No fees. They do except Discover as well with no fees but I see they accept VISA and Master Card.
Returns:
Thankfully I've never had to do this yet. Plenty of times in the store though with a "no haggle" policy. Most all online purchase are 100% guaranteed and may (check store or website) be returned to your nearest Costco warehouse (unlike Sam's Club).
My other online "event free" purchases over the last year have included:
With a $1000 off online coupon. Digital Video Recording Surveillance System. Total cost $1200.00 shipping included.
A 4000 Watt Generator with a $1000 off online coupon. Total cost $1200 Shipping included.
So many more positive transactions where I saved a lot of money.
Tracking your shipments:
You can track all your shipments through your online account as well as receive email confirmations.
Not a member? I highly recommend checking them out:
http://www.costco.com/
The only downside to a tire purchase:
I normally don't replace my tires with O.E.M. (original equipment manufacturer) so I have to search various vehicles until I find the tire I'm trying to purchase. This can be a real pain but I hope Costco will improve their search engine and match Sam's Clubs ability to find the tire you want, not what's required for your vehicle. It's safety first and the recommended tire for your car, truck or RV.
Once you're a member:
You'll receive by email their once to 2 times weekly online specials. You will also receive a monthly (mailed) coupon booklet for in-store and online only specials.
Recommended:
Yes
What product did you purchase or try to purchase? 4 BF Goodrich Commercial T/A radial tires
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
walkerpkw
|
 in Computer Hardware, Cars & Motorsports |
|
Location: Granite Bay California
Reviews written: 67
Trusted by: 65 members
About Me:
Warning! Epinions may be addictive. Sessions lasting more than 4 hours may cause permanent damage.
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.