Costco Membership

[New Englander]

I received a post card from Costco with a special offer for a membership card for the new Costco at discounted price of $20. When I try to sign up the price is $65. It's looking for a coupon code to get the special offer. The only code I can find on the post card is an "awareness code" and that code don't work. Anyone here have better luck?

[theorem painter]

When I signed up I paid $65 and then got a coupon in my email for $20 to use in the store or online.

[New Englander]

When I signed up I paid $65 and then got a coupon in my email for $20 to use in the store or online.

Did you receive the post card with the $20 membership offer?

[MrFlorida]

The card says you will get a $20 gift card when you join ..

[Bill14564]

I received a post card from Costco with a special offer for a membership card for the new Costco at discounted price of $20. When I try to sign up the price is $65. It's looking for a coupon code to get the special offer. The only code I can find on the post card is an "awareness code" and that code don't work. Anyone here have better luck?

Be careful. It’s good that you went to the Costco website to check and it might be telling that the website doesn’t mention the offer.

[villagetinker]

I have seen a couple of suspicious emails with discount offers, but upon closer inspection, these were NOT from Costco, looked like a scam to get my credit card info.

[Northerner52]

The Villages store is signing up now under tents. The gas station is open for business with discounted gas. 269/309 Sunday

[MatchPoint]

I got my Costco membership off Groupon. Ends up being $5.

[airstreamingypsy]

I got my Costco membership off Groupon. Ends up being $5.

Right now all Groupon has is the $20.00 coupon with a membership.

[G.R.I.T.S.]

Chat with an agent said I had to join in person at the new store, counter to the postcard offer. Marketing department not on the same page as operations.

[Moderator]

Reminder: Comments directed at other posters rather than the subject are against the terms of service.

Topic is Costco Membership.

A tone of “kindness” is appreciated for all discussions please.

[dpmers]

Several weeks ago on TOTV there was an offer on Groupon for a $65 Costco membership that included a $50 gift card. I took the offer and received the gift card. I received an ad from Costco for electric tooth brushes marked Internet Only, so I ordered them. @ days later we went to Costco in Clermont for other things and found the tooth brushes for $50 cheaper. I complained and they told me this happens all the time. I returned the Internet Only tooth brushes and they gave me credit for shipping and everything I paid. I then bought the in store exactly the same tooth brush. Before buying on line check the in store prices.
We also bought some USDA Prime rib eye steaks that were the best I have ever had, including Sam's, Omaha and Publix

[NavyNJ]

Did you receive the post card with the $20 membership offer?

If you read the card, nowhere does it say a membership is being offered for $20……as others have said, you get a “digital” $20 store credit coupon sent via email once you sign up ($40 if you buy the Executive Membership). Rest assured……it’s not any type of “Bait & Switch” scheme……no need to get Seniors vs Crime involved!! LoL!!!

[retiredguy123]

The Villages store is signing up now under tents. The gas station is open for business with discounted gas. 269/309 Sunday
You can join Costco online and use a digital membership card on your phone to enter the store and to make purchases. No need to wait in a line. You do not need a physical plastic card.

[Rhonda West]

Are they offering any deals if you purchase your membership at the on site tent?

[Rodneysblue]

I received a post card from Costco with a special offer for a membership card for the new Costco at discounted price of $20. When I try to sign up the price is $65. It's looking for a coupon code to get the special offer. The only code I can find on the post card is an "awareness code" and that code don't work. Anyone here have better luck?
Did you try to contact Costco directly?

[bobdeb]

I'm a Sam's Club member as it's convenient for both TV and our summer residence up north.

Question, is it possible to have a one time guest pass just to shop once and peruse the store?

Thanks In Advance

[retiredguy123]

I'm a Sam's Club member as it's convenient for both TV and our summer residence up north.

Question, is it possible to have a one time guest pass just to shop once and peruse the store?

Thanks In Advance
I think they will allow you to visit the store, but I don't think you can make a purchase. Although, you can make purchases online but you will pay a 5 percent surcharge as a non-member.

[New Englander]

If you read the card, nowhere does it say a membership is being offered for $20……as others have said, you get a “digital” $20 store credit coupon sent via email once you sign up ($40 if you buy the Executive Membership). Rest assured……it’s not any type of “Bait & Switch” scheme……no need to get Seniors vs Crime involved!! LoL!!!

Ahh, I never mentioned bait & switch or seniors vs crime. I did read the card and got it wrong because I was in a senior moment. The summer heat is getting to me.

[Sandancer]

I received a post card from Costco with a special offer for a membership card for the new Costco at discounted price of $20. When I try to sign up the price is $65. It's looking for a coupon code to get the special offer. The only code I can find on the post card is an "awareness code" and that code don't work. Anyone here have better luck?

You need to sign up in person-bring the card-pay the $65 & they will e-mail you a $20 gift card to be used for shopping in the store..

[retiredguy123]

You need to sign up in person-bring the card-pay the $65 & they will e-mail you a $20 gift card to be used for shopping in the store..
Are you sure you need to sign up in person, or can you enter the code online? If the lines are long, it would not be worth the wait to get a $20 gift card.

[Velvet]

I'm a Sam's Club member as it's convenient for both TV and our summer residence up north.

Question, is it possible to have a one time guest pass just to shop once and peruse the store?

Thanks In Advance

Go with a person who has a membership.

[LucyP]

Nope. Had problem processing, input all information click next then I had a popup made no sense on next page.

[Rhonda West]

I live in The Villages and I did NOT receive the post card you all are talking about. What's up with that???

[Aces4]

I live in The Villages and I did NOT receive the post card you all are talking about. What's up with that???

You're luckier than most? :shrug:

[retiredguy123]

You need to sign up in person-bring the card-pay the $65 & they will e-mail you a $20 gift card to be used for shopping in the store..
According to the offer I received, you do not need to visit the store in person to get the digital gift card. When you sign up online, you need to provide a valid email address and the gift card is sent to your email address within 2 weeks. At least, that is what the offer says. Nowhere does it say that you need to visit the store in person.

[Altavia]

According to the offer I received, you do not need to visit the store in person to get the digital gift card. When you sign up online, you need to provide a valid email address and the gift card is sent to your email address within 2 weeks. At least, that is what the offer says. Nowhere does it say that you need to visit the store in person.

I needed to have my photo taken and a card issued first visit to a store.

[retiredguy123]

I needed to have my photo taken and a card issued first visit to a store.
According to the Costco 800 number, you can join Costco online and use a digital membership card to enter the store and to make purchases, WITHOUT a photo. You do not need to have a photo on the account, but it is preferred to get one when it is convenient. So, if the lines are long, you can wait until they get shorter to add the photo to the account.

[herbaru]

The Villages store is signing up now under tents. The gas station is open for business with discounted gas. 269/309 Sunday
So what was the cost of membership at these tents?

[Altavia]

According to the Costco 800 number, you can join Costco online and use a digital membership card to enter the store and to make purchases, WITHOUT a photo. You do not need to have a photo on the account, but it is preferred to get one when it is convenient. So, if the lines are long, you can wait until they get shorter to add the photo to the account.

Understood, - needed to setup the spouses card/account also. We did the $50 Groupon deal mentioned here.

At the Clermount store last week, they offered a second $50 store card for upgrading to an Executive membership (additional $65) when getting our card.

[Friendlyvillager]

I received a post card from Costco with a special offer for a membership card for the new Costco at discounted price of $20. When I try to sign up the price is $65. It's looking for a coupon code to get the special offer. The only code I can find on the post card is an "awareness code" and that code don't work. Anyone here have better luck?

I would like to know if Costco is better than Sam's club?

[Bill14564]

I would like to know if Costco is better than Sam's club?

There has been more than one thread on that!

You will like the one you have a card for the best.

You will like the one that is closest to you the best.

I have read a few websites comparing the three (Costco, Sam's, BJ's) - the two statements above pretty much summarize their results.

If you find that you are buying a large amount then consider the upgraded membership that comes with cash back. Note that often the cash back only applies to in-store purchases, not online orders.

We had Costco and BJ's in other states, had Sam's when we moved here and were happy to find a close location, and won't likely switch to Costco now.

[retiredguy123]

I would like to know if Costco is better than Sam's club?
If you ever buy expensive jewelry, Costco is the only way to go. Their return policy is incredible. You can actually return any jewelry at any time, even 10 years later, and get a full refund. Most jewelry stores, including Sam's Club, will only allow jewelry returns within about 2 weeks and some independent jewelry stores will only offer a store credit, but they will never refund your money.

I also think that Costco offers an extra free year of warranty coverage on many electronic items they sell. I don't think Sam's has the same offer.

[mrf6969]

I live in The Villages and I did NOT receive the post card you all are talking about. What's up with that???

Not to worry. The card was simply stating what the offer was, and it is the same offer that anyone can get online or visiting the store.

[Marmaduke]

You need to sign up in person-bring the card-pay the $65 & they will e-mail you a $20 gift card to be used for shopping in the store..
And, as usual, they do NOTHING for long term loyal customers, right?
I quit using their on-line shipping.
Things were more expensive than in the stores.

[Velvet]

If you ever buy expensive jewelry, Costco is the only way to go. Their return policy is incredible. You can actually return any jewelry at any time, even 10 years later, and get a full refund. Most jewelry stores, including Sam's Club, will only allow jewelry returns within about 2 weeks and some independent jewelry stores will only offer a store credit, but they will never refund your money.

I also think that Costco offers an extra free year of warranty coverage on many electronic items they sell. I don't think Sam's has the same offer.

Yes, these are some of the reasons why I really like Costco. There are so many others, but you know if we keep on mentioning them, pretty well every single Villager will be shopping at the local store… lol.

[ElDiabloJoe]

Yes, these are some of the reasons why I really like Costco. There are so many others, but you know if we keep on mentioning them, pretty well every single Villager will be shopping at the local store… lol.
Sometimes I miss the days when I had 3 Costcos and 4 Trader Joes within 10 miles of my front door. Very convenient, all very crowded, all very worthwhile. YMMV

[mrf6969]

Membership is all here on their site. Same as if you go to the store.

https://www.costco.com/join-costco.html

[retiredguy123]

Membership is all here on their site. Same as if you go to the store.

https://www.costco.com/join-costco.html
Not exactly. You cannot get a plastic membership card with your photo on it. You can use the digital membership card without a photo, but they will encourage you to get the photo at a store at your convenience. The photo will show up on your plastic card and on your digital membership card, but you can only get the photo taken at the store.

[jrref]

We went there today and new members or renewal, you get a $20 shopping card. If you get their credit card you get an additional $50 and you get a discount when you buy their gas with the card. No fee on the credit card.

I think in a way, they know they are going to fill the place up so no need to offer discounted membership for the first year to get you to try their club. The shopping card was a nice promo.

[asianthree]

I would like to know if Costco is better than Sam's club?

If you are a Sam’s Club or BJs member, No.

Rarely will you find an unhappy Costco Member.

[New Englander]

After the store opens I'd like to take a look around to see if I like it before buying a membership. Would that be possible?

[retiredguy123]

After the store opens I'd like to take a look around to see if I like it before buying a membership. Would that be possible?
I am sure they will allow you to walk around. Also, if the pharmacy is located in the store, you can always say that you are going there because you do not need a membership to buy prescription drugs. That is a state law.

[P A Paul]

Sam’s app lets me buy as I go with items in cart…never a line to exit…closest thing to a convenience store and to my knowledge COSTCO doesn’t offer.

[dewilson58]

I would like to know if Costco is better than Sam's club?

Actually you don't need a membership.......................Have a member buy you a Costco gift card, you can shop these without a membership. Decide yourself.

[Sabella]

If you read the card, nowhere does it say a membership is being offered for $20……as others have said, you get a “digital” $20 store credit coupon sent via email once you sign up ($40 if you buy the Executive Membership). Rest assured……it’s not any type of “Bait & Switch” scheme……no need to get Seniors vs Crime involved!! LoL!!!

Keep in mind that one of the terms of getting the Costco card is that it automatically renews for you every year.

[retiredguy123]

Keep in mind that one of the terms of getting the Costco card is that it automatically renews for you every year.
That is correct, but you can turn off the auto-renew feature at any time.

[New Englander]

I have a Sams membership and the scan as you go app is fantastic. Saves a lot of time. Costco don't have scan and go?

[retiredguy123]

I have a Sams membership and the scan as you go app is fantastic. Saves a lot of time. Costco don't have scan and go?
Sorry. Costco does not have scan and go.

[biker1]

They are apparently testing it now and presumably will start slowly rolling it out in the future. Stay tuned ....

I have a Sams membership and the scan as you go app is fantastic. Saves a lot of time. Costco don't have scan and go?

[New Englander]

They are apparently testing it now and presumably will start slowly rolling it out in the future. Stay tuned ....

That's good news. My Sams Club membership will expire in November and I'm considering switching to Costco. I'd just like to walk around inside Costco to check it out first.

[ElDiabloJoe]

That is correct, but you can turn off the auto-renew feature at any time.
Mine does not auto renew - don't think it ever has. Either I'm reminded it's close to expiring when I'm checking out or I receive an invoice in the mail. Paying it or not is my choice, exactly the same way AAA membership works.

[retiredguy123]

Mine does not auto renew - don't think it ever has. Either I'm reminded it's close to expiring when I'm checking out or I receive an invoice in the mail. Paying it or not is my choice, exactly the same way AAA membership works.
When you log in to their website, there is an auto-renew option. You can turn it on or off. But, when you sign up, the default is "on". You just need to remember to turn it off or they will automatically charge your credit card.