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<p>I feel the same way. The ultimate Costco experience is December in SoCal. They should serve sample shots of whiskey during that month to get customers through it.</p>
<p>I try to avoid Costco completely in December. Although, whiskey shots could make it a BIG incentive to go. ;)</p>
<p>Rosemary sourdough artisan bread. Heavenly! Also buy lots of pecans and walnuts.
I don’t buy their organic frozen vegetable unless I check their point of origin; much of the broccoli and green beans are from CHINA and I don’t trust the “USDA Organic” designation on the bag for a minute.</p>
<p>I love the Kirkland tuna, much better and cleaner than any other. We had a slight problem at our Costco (Clearwater, FL) regarding gift cards. The cashier did not know that the holder of a gift card does NOT have to be a member to use it. My son. who is a member, tried to explain the policy on behalf of his friend who isn’t a member but had a gift card, but the cashier wouldn’t listen. He paid for his friends items. Then he went over to the gift cards, got a new one, and showed the cashier the policy on the back, and by then the manager had come over. She told the cashier to accept the gift card. No apology, and that’s the only time we ever had a problem.</p>
<p>thanks for mentioning the gift card policy. That is very helpful to know.</p>
<p>I found out something else about Costco a couple of days ago. I used the Costco coupons (the ones they sent me) for a few items but forgot the one for q-tips. I realized it as I was walking out and noticed that there was no line at customer service so made a u-turn to talk to the desk person. I showed him my receipt and was fishing for the coupon when he showed me how I had been credited for it. He said that the way the coupon books work now is if you use one coupon, you’ll be credited with any other coupons for that days purchases. I like that!</p>
<p>kathie, that’s good to know! Thanks!</p>
<p>kathiep – yes, that coupon policy is good. The last couple times I went with coupons the cashier didn’t even take them; she just gave me the credit.</p>
<p>mimk6 – Don’t know which Costco in CT you were at, but I’ve never found that when I go. I always feel as if I have to psych myself up to take on Costco. Time of day and day of the week both factor into my decision about when to go, and I avoid it completely between Thanksgiving and Christmas. I hate the parking lot and try to sneak in the back entrance – way too many crazy drivers!</p>
<p>I love the Costco which is 5 minutes from my home. They are very customer-sevice oriented (much more so than the one that is near downtown). They are always smiling and happy to accommodate you. They also cheerfully refund–with or without any receipt. </p>
<p>They will also give you coupon books if you forgot/lost them, without giving you the 3rd degree. They also act like they’re happy to see you and even make small talk, if there is no one waiting.</p>
<p>Their optical shop is always cheerful about readjusting, cleaning and repairing glasses, no matter where you purchased them & even offers you a case, in case you lost yours or need a spare.</p>
<p>Costco is still one of my favorite stores, even tho I no longer go there as much now that there are only 2 of us home–hubby & me.</p>
<p>Even celebrities are after a Costco bargain: </p>
<p>[Pamela</a> Anderson Loads Up!](<a href=“http://omg.yahoo.com/photos/pamela-anderson-loads-up/2831?nc]Pamela”>http://omg.yahoo.com/photos/pamela-anderson-loads-up/2831?nc)</p>
<p>Boy, that’s a lot of wine and TP!</p>
<p>I live within 5 miles of THREE Costcos in SoCal. 2 of the 3 sell gas, and these lines aren’t unbearably long on weekdays.</p>
<p>Just bought a 15 day prescription for $5.39. Bargain!</p>
<p>Just bought some frozen mahimahi fish filets, frozen boneless/skinnless thighs, roasted chicken and $25 Godiva gift certificates. The GCs were $19.99 for 2, making them net $10 per $25 value!</p>
<p>I used CostCo Travel today to book a cruise to Alaska. It was $150 less than the least expensive price I found online or anywhere else.</p>
<p>My wife got me one of those $50 Swiss army knife suitcases…</p>
<p>Is it true that you can only use an American Express card at Costco, and not a Visa or Mastercard??</p>
<p>^ Yes, also cash, check or debit card works…</p>
<p>H and I got a Costco Amex and I’m happy about it! Last year’s score: Bunsens $650 cash rebate (H charged every business thingy), Amex $0 interest. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they do not change their rebate policies.</p>
<p>A few years back Consumer Reports said the Costco Amex card offered the best rebate value…more than airline miles rewards. I usually get about $450 back and the check can be turned in at Costco for cash…you don’t have to spend it there.</p>
<p>So Costco offers their “own” AmEx and it gives cash back, like Discover??</p>