Making the fee increase “worth it”

No one likes when fees increase…who wants to pay more money? With respect to the increase in the cost of a Costco membership, I can understand that people who are already reluctant to pay the fee because they are not sure that it will pay off may be especially concerned. However, although a 10% increase sounds like a lot, for frequent and/or specialty Costco shoppers, it is very easy to “make up for” this increase.

Here are some categories of shoppers or product types and some ways to make the fee worth it, despite the increase. (I calculated them for the regular membership $5 increase, so of course they can be doubled for the executive membership increase)

**Note: these comparison prices are average prices from the greater Boston area**

Just for fun… -eat samples instead of paying for meals -take laps around Costco and lift heavy cartons of mayonnaise instead of paying for a gym membership -read books on the couches instead of buying books

But to be serious…

Food court: -Forego a Panera sandwich for lunch ($6-10) on one day in favor of the $1.50 hot dog/soda combo -Instead of two medium blizzards at Dairy Queen ($8), get two frozen yogurts ($3)

Gift cards: -one gift card ($80 for $100 card) will more than make up for the increase

Those for whom Costco is a grocery store: -Buy 3 gallons of milk at Costco ($6) instead of the grocery store ($12)) -Buy 5-dozen eggs at Costco ($12) instead of the grocery store ($20) -Buy (2-32 ounce cartons at Costco ($6) instead of the grocery store ($10-12) -Buy 4 loaves of wheat bread at Costco ($8) instead of the grocery store ($16) -Buy 4 half gallons of orange juice at Costco ($12) instead of the grocery store ($17) -Buy 10 avocados at Costco ($9) instead of the grocery store ($15) -Buy 12 muffins at Costco ($6) instead of the grocery store ($12) -Buy 6 pounds of lean ground beef at Costco ($25) instead of the grocery store ($40) -Buy 5 pounds of shredded cheese at Costco ($13) instead of the grocery store ($40) -Buy 48 ounces of cottage cheese at Costco ($4.50) instead of the grocery store ($10)

Household items: -toilet paper ($18 for 30 rolls at Costco vs. $10 for 20 rolls at CVS) -diapers ($50 for 180 diapers at Costco vs. $12 for 20 diapers at CVS) -plastic silverware ($14.50 for 360 at Costco vs. $2.50 for 24 at CVS)

note: there are similar savings for paper goods, cleaning products, and personal care items

I couldn’t get specific prices for these items as they are not always in stock and are different prices at different stores, but in general, you will save the increase in membership in a single purchase of one of these items:

Clothes/shoes: -winter boots -bathing suits -sneakers -winter jackets

Health: -medications -glasses/contacts -hearing aids -vitamins

Large one-time purchases: -TV -Furniture -Appliances Are these helpful?

Any other categories you’d like help with?

Additional ideas for other readers?