Countering anti-Costco sentiments: Part 1

Several years ago I read the book “The Tipping Point” by Malcolm Gladwell as part of a book group. While discussing the “types” of people, others in the group commented that I would be classified as a “maven” because I often encourage (their euphemism for “push” or “nag?) people to try things that I like. At the time Costco was not one of those things but now it most certainly is!

In true maven-like form, when I promote Costco to the few people who do not already love it, I definitely hear the same common objections…and I imagine others do as well. I don’t think everyone has to shop there, but I do think that it can help to share why their rational is potentially flawed (my euphemism for “wrong”).

I came up with 12 common objections and ways to counterargue them.  Here are the first 6 and the second 6 will be posted next week

1.The quantities are too large. What do I possibly need with [insert ridiculous amount of a product]?

Yes, Costco does sell items in large quantities. However, many of these items are not perishable (e.g., toilet paper; bottled water) and can therefore be stored. With respect to food, much of the food lasts longer than we often think and much of it can be frozen (e.g., meat, baked goods). Finally, although I don’t want to promote wasting food, it is true that the savings on much of the food is so great that even if some goes to waste, it is still a better deal than buying a smaller amount at a grocery store.

2. Costco does not sell the brand of [insert product] that I like.

It is true that, despite its size, Costco sells many fewer different items than do most stores. They tend to only carry one or two brands of any type of item (one odd exception is smoked salmon, of which they sell about five types!…go figure). So, Yes, it is likely that there will be products that Costco sells in a different brand than one normally purchases. However, I have often tried their brand (either a name brand or their Kirkland brand) and found that it was just as good (often better) than the one with which I was familiar.  For example, I enjoy the Kirkland Greek yogurt just as much as Chobani (Product Review: Kirkland Greek Yogurt)In addition, I think it’s rare for one person to shop at only one store.  Therefore, they can go to a regular store for products on which they are unwilling to be flexible.

3. Costco is known for low prices…the products must be low quality

Au contraire! As I have mentioned before, Costco tends to sell very high quality products. They sell many brand name goods and their own brand is also extremely good. This high quality applies to food, clothing (Clothing at Costco), paper products, and other products.

4. Costco does not have convenient hours/it is not open enough

It is true that Costco’s hours are not as convenient for many working people as many other stores. They open at 10 and close at 6 or 8, depending on the night. However, I know very few people who could not make a trip to Costco at least once a month, which, given the large quantities, is often enough, especially for people who buy many if their perishable food at grocery stores.

5. There is not a Costco near my house

Of course there are not nearly as many Costco stores as there are other stores, thereby likely making it less convenient to shop at Costco as regularly as other stores. However, as mentioned above, because one can buy many items in large quantities and store them, Costco does not have to be the primary place for shopping. Therefore, people can travel to Costco less frequently, and perhaps combine it with other outings. As an added bonus, because many Costco stores have gas stations with cheaper gas (Got gas?), it can be worth the trip a slightly greater distance.

6. I don’t like the idea of paying a membership fee to shop

A fair argument for people who disagree with the concept of paying for the “privilege” of shopping at Costco. However, as I have discussed in other posts, often the savings on the products more than compensate for the membership fee–even with the increase in fee to come in the near future (Making the fee increase “worth it”)

Have you heard these arguments? Anything else you’d say to counter any of them?

Stay tuned for the other six common arguments for not purchasing a Costco membership and some counterarguments in the next post!