02/12/2024
I shop Costco, mostly for papers, water, some over the counter. I buy my appliances there, because of the automatic extension of rewards, if you have a Costco VISA, warranties are covered up to 5 years. I know what comments are made per buying Warranty packages; however, Charly and I had many warranties that became beneficial for us.
Almost all Kirkland (Costco generic label) products, are manufactured by brand name companies, Google and search for yourself.
1.A flat screen tv that lost its visual, was replaced with a brand new tv one month before the 5-year warranty expired.
2.An AutoZone highest quality car battery with a 3-year Warranty, replaced with a brand new battery.
3.A Lenovo Laptop which I had to send in to replace the charger port. The laptop was returned not only with a new port, a new charger, they had installed newer, higher speed, RAM, and storage hard drive, the entire process was about a week. Costco concierge service also paid for overnight pickup and overnight return. Totally awesome, literally a new laptop.
4.As I own more than one laptop, currently at three, I use each one for individual purposes. I fell asleep with my Acer laptop (purchased through Amazon), breaking the screen hinge from the base. It is at Amazon concierge service for repair, possibly replacement.
5.One more, a Dell laptop I stupidly decided to vacuum the keyboard, pulling up several pads, it has been operational, but sometimes I cannot get a couple of keys to work, 7, C and P. LOL
We have had more warranties payoff, I can't remember, my PERSONAL ADVICE, go for the warranties. Just one of the examples above has been worth 'ALL' the packages we purchased.
I always buy the best quality tire packages, including the top warranty coverage, spin balancing, and with I think 3 or 5 front end alignments. Just one alignment if usually $150, $200. depending on the business.
Oh, and by the way, the last 2 or 3 purchases have been with BIG-O, they have multi-state stores. Michelin brand is my go-to brand, their warranty service is nationwide. Been out of state, crap occurs, hit a huge pot-hole, blew the tire, my deluxe Auto Club Service picked up the car, quick turn around at the nearest tire store. I always subscribe to the best Auto Club service, which has been USAA for years. NOTE: Anyone can join USAA.
Don't fall for every item in Costco, I am one person, Charly and I will split many things. But huge packages of meat, large quantities of fruits and veggies can be too much. Butter, some frozen foods, cheeses, bottled water, laundry products, paper items etc., good buy values. Many items, I recommend comparing the products you purchase all the time; your local Smith's, as Smith's Associated Foods, Walmart, etc. are much better priced on some.
I find milk (twin packs), usually shorter date, eggs are in flats, a forget how many dozen, 3 I think. etc. too much for one or two people. Some clothing a great value, wiper blades, electronics good values, remember the extended warranties.
NO to Mobile service deals, I think you find better deals by comparing carriers. By the way Charly and I went with Mint Mobile individually, I have unlimited, 5G at $25 a month, Chuck has 10G, I think hers is $30. a month, service is via the T-Mobile servicing. If you refer individuals
to sign up, you get one month credit per customer up to 4 or 5. The new customer gets the awesome package offers, plus the bonus reduction with whomever they might bring in as a new customer. If you want to try it, let me refer you. :)
Buying fuel is one of the best benefits for members. Gas is at least 10 cents cheaper than any other chains, etc., many times I have seen 20 and 30 cents lower.
if you sign up for the basic membership 5% cost is added to all purchases. Executive membership is $110 annually, give or take on the cost. The member will receive a % cash return on all annual purchase. My rewards checks usually add up to $80, to $100 yearly. Pays for the next year membership.
Hope my review helped out.
I shop Smith's for many items, been dissatisfied with produce quality, bakery products, not a huge fan of many Kroger generics, which is not much lower in cost compared to brand names. Just so you are aware, my retail and wholesale experience through the decades; generics are very cheap for retail chains, the markup to their retail pricing is a joke and rip off. That is why these chains push their own generic products.
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