Costco Home

Author: Kaitlyn Short

Costco is a warehouse club chain that has been servicing its members for over 30 years. They are now the 2nd largest retailer in the world and the largest membership warehouse club chain in the United States. They currently operate in 10 different countries around the world. Costco offers an impressively large selection of products and product categories. Members can find products fitting categories ranging anywhere from auto & tires to groceries to home and furniture products.  

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The Good

• Warranty available for certain products
• No time limit on most items return policy
• Wide selection of products
• Operates in 10 countries
• Promotion discounts on products

One of the most appealing features Costco offers is the wide selection of products available through their store. Customers can shop categories including major appliances, bathroom, bedding, fine art, furniture, heating and cooling, home decor, home improvement, kitchen and dining, rugs, storage & organization, and vacuums & floor care. Virtually any home decorating need can be found through Costco. Costco has no listed time limit for most items in their store with the exception of electronics. Customers can be refunded the purchase price on unsatisfactory items with a few exceptions. Electronics must be returned within 90 days of purchase in order to receive a refund. Warranties are available through purchase on Costco items. No specific warranty information is listed on their website, however, consumers can contact customer service with warranty questions on specific products through email. Costco currently operates in 10 different countries including Australia, Canada, Spain, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Tai Wan, United Kingdom, and the United States. This allows customers from virtually every corner of the world access to Costco's extensive inventory. The goal of the team behind Costco is to keep costs low so any savings they incur can be given directly to the customers. Along with their overall goal to maintain affordable merchandise, Costco often offers promotions extending additional savings to members. Customers can find a large selection of Costco promotions through their catalogue or through a simple google search online. Costco customers can find great promotions on electronics and some furniture through these mediums.

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The Bad

• Longer standard shipping
• Must be a member to order from website

Most home and furniture products ship within 5 to 10 business days. Many of the other home and furniture businesses reviewed are able to ship products with the standard shipping method of 3 to 5 days. One downfall to Costco's model is that consumers must purchase a membership before they are able to purchase products. A standard membership costs $55.00 a year. This may exclude some potential customers who do not desire or are unable to pay for a yearly membership.

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The Bottom Line

With over 30 years servicing customers, Costco offers its members an extensive inventory at an affordable cost. Their satisfaction guarantee return policy as well as promotions put Costco members first. The membership policy may limit the pool of potential customers who may choose to shop at Costco.com. We recommend Costco Home and Furniture to customers looking for affordable costs and the ability to utilize a membership to access further savings.