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New Englander 07-13-2025 03:12 PM

Costco Membership
 
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 07-13-2025 03:22 PM

Costco Membership
 
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 07-13-2025 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theorem painter (Post 2445257)
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 07-13-2025 03:59 PM

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

Bill14564 07-13-2025 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New Englander (Post 2445254)
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 07-13-2025 06:46 PM

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 07-14-2025 04:14 AM

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

MatchPoint 07-14-2025 06:11 AM

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

airstreamingypsy 07-14-2025 07:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MatchPoint (Post 2445383)
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. 07-14-2025 07:48 AM

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 07-14-2025 07:56 AM

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 07-14-2025 08:42 AM

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 07-14-2025 10:16 AM

Re-read the card……again 🙄
 
Quote:

Originally Posted by New Englander (Post 2445262)
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 07-14-2025 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northerner52 (Post 2445358)
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 07-14-2025 11:02 AM

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

Rodneysblue 07-14-2025 01:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New Englander (Post 2445254)
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 07-14-2025 02:23 PM

Cosco
 
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 07-14-2025 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobdeb (Post 2445541)
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 07-14-2025 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NavyNJ (Post 2445473)
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 07-14-2025 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New Englander (Post 2445254)
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 07-14-2025 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandancer (Post 2445558)
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 07-14-2025 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobdeb (Post 2445541)
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 07-15-2025 06:14 AM

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

Rhonda West 07-15-2025 09:15 AM

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

Aces4 07-15-2025 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhonda West (Post 2445767)
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 07-15-2025 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandancer (Post 2445558)
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 07-15-2025 10:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2445789)
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 07-15-2025 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Altavia (Post 2445808)
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 07-15-2025 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northerner52 (Post 2445358)
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 07-15-2025 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2445816)
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 07-15-2025 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by New Englander (Post 2445254)
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 07-15-2025 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Friendlyvillager (Post 2445860)
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 07-15-2025 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Friendlyvillager (Post 2445860)
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 07-15-2025 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rhonda West (Post 2445767)
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 07-15-2025 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sandancer (Post 2445558)
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 07-16-2025 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by retiredguy123 (Post 2445876)
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 07-16-2025 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Velvet (Post 2446030)
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 07-16-2025 11:32 AM

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

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

retiredguy123 07-16-2025 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrf6969 (Post 2446086)
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 07-16-2025 03:21 PM

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.


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