Amazon Vs. Costco (Which Is Cheaper, Shipping, Service, Returns + Customer Service)

When it comes to shopping, there are two types of people: those who love Amazon and those who love Costco, but which one is the better choice for you?

Well, this article will compare Amazon and Costco and help you decide the better option for your shopping needs, so keep reading to see what I discovered about this topic!

Amazon Vs. Costco In [currentyear]

Both Amazon and Costco offer many of the same bulk products, have low-cost signature brands, and many premium perks in [currentyear]. Costco members have many benefits, like optical care and tire installation at Costco locations. Both companies offer paid membership programs that give members many rewards, like travel, shipping, and study discounts.

For a deeper comparison of products, services, perks, and more available for Amazon and Costco shoppers, continue reading for more useful information!

What Type of Products Are Available at Costco?

Costco is a membership-based store that offers bulk shopping at discounted prices.

Since Costco is a warehouse club, it sells various bulk items, including food, electronics, clothing, and home goods.

In addition, when members visit Costco locations, they have access to premium features like:

  • Vision Care Centers
  • Pharmacy
  • Tire Installation
  • Gasoline
  • Travel Services
  • Photo Centers

Also, Costco offers many low-cost products through their signature brand, Kirkland Signature.

What Type of Products Are Available on Amazon?

Likewise, Amazon sells various items, including books, movies, music, clothes, food, toys, and games. Many of the products on this website can also be ordered in bulk.

Similar to Costco, Amazon has its product line called AmazonBasics. AmazonBasics has many products like:

  • Home Office Supplies & Furniture
  • Fitness Equipment
  • Pet Supplies
  • Tools
  • Small Appliances
  • Cleaning Supplies
  • Personal Care & Beauty Supplies
  • Health Supplements
  • Auto Supplies
  • Clothing
  • Bedding

Another Amazon brand, Solimo, offers:

  • Health Supplements
  • Home Paper Products
  • Cleaning Products
  • Feminine Hygiene Products
  • Baby Products
  • Beauty Supplies

Are Shoppers Required to Have a Membership to Shop at Costco Warehouses?

You need a membership to shop at Costco. However, you can bring one non-member to shop at the store with your Costco membership.

In addition, all memberships are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, which means that if you are dissatisfied with the membership at any time, you can receive a complete refund!

How Much Does a Costco Membership Cost?

How Much Does a Costco Membership Cost?

To shop at Costco stores, shoppers must pay a membership fee of $60 per year. In addition, executive members can buy a membership for $120/ yr.

What Are the Benefits of a Costco Membership?

Standard (Gold Star) Membership

Some of the benefits of a standard Costco membership include discounts on gas, food, and other items. Costco also offers a variety of services, such as travel and insurance.

Executive Membership

To maximize rewards, shoppers should purchase an executive membership.

With the executive membership, shoppers receive the same perks as the gold star membership and a 2% annual reward on purchases.

In addition, executive members receive a subscription to Costco Connections magazine and service discounts.

Is Costco Worth the Membership Fee?

That is a decision that you will have to make for yourself. However, many shoppers feel that the membership fee is worth it because of the available discounts and services.

How Much Does an Amazon Prime Membership Cost?

Currently, An Amazon Prime membership costs $99 per year. However, students and EBT holders can receive a discounted membership as low as $7.99/mo.

What Are the Benefits of an Amazon Prime Membership?

Some of the benefits of an Amazon Prime membership include free two-day shipping, access to streaming movies and TV shows, and Prime Pantry.

For students, even more, helpful perks are available like:

  • Free GrubHub food delivery
  • Free 3-month subscription to the Calm app ($8.99/yr after trial)
  • Discounted flight and hotels via Student Universe
  • 1-month free subscription to Course Hero

Is Amazon Prime Worth the Membership Fee?

Again, that is a decision you will have to make for yourself. However, many people find that the membership fee is worth it because of the free shipping options and other available benefits.

What Delivery Options Are Available at Costco?

When you buy online from Costco, there are several delivery options offered to meet your particular demands:

Standard Delivery

Standard Delivery is the most common delivery service offered through Costco. Most things are sent using this method, including reliable transportation companies like UPS, FedEx, or USPS.

Large Item Freight Delivery

When your oversized or overweight order is scheduled for delivery by a freight carrier, it will be sent in the same manner as a Standard Delivery. 

These delivery items are left near your front door and will not require an appointment or a signature. 

Curbside Delivery

However, if you need more assistance with large items delivered by a freight carrier, they can be brought to your driveway via curbside delivery.

With this option, shoppers may set a specific delivery time and require a signature to confirm the truck has come. 

Threshold Delivery

To ensure your items are protected from the elements and delivered on time, shoppers can schedule deliveries to be directly handed to them at their threshold.

For these options, shoppers must fill out an order form in advance. Once completed, they can schedule delivery for a specific date and time via Threshold Delivery.

This method allows shoppers to select a particular arrival time and requires a signature upon delivery.

Delivery Room of Choice

If you’re purchasing furniture or other large items, the Room of Choice delivery option means the carrier will bring it and place it in any room you choose as long as there’s a safe passage.

Likewise, shoppers can schedule a specific appointment time for this method, and it will need to be signed.

White-Glove Delivery

White-Glove delivery means that the item will be delivered at the time you choose, and then the truck driver will unload, set up, and check it to verify that it is what you wanted.

This delivery option also includes the removal of packaging.

However, additional fees may apply and are dependent on the carrier and installer network, as well as state and local code requirements.

Costco Grocery Delivery

Costco Grocery is only accessible in certain areas and is exclusively available to members of Costco. Each delivery is limited to a single address.

There are two alternatives for Costco Grocery delivery:

2-Day Delivery, which includes non-perishable products, and Cold & Frozen, which contains items that must be kept cold throughout transport.

  • Customers who select 2-Day Delivery can opt for free local delivery (or faster) for only $9.99 per order. Customers who order more than $75 before taxes receive a $2 discount when placing their orders with Costco.
  • For items marked Cold & Frozen, Costco charges a $10 delivery surcharge. However, there is no delivery surcharge for orders over $100 (pre-tax).

What Shipping Options Are Available With Amazon?

Amazon’s delivery service is dependable since it offers a variety of shipping solutions. To begin, Amazon’s Guaranteed Delivery warranty covers all deliveries.

Customers who don’t receive their items on time for reasons other than a strike, calamity, or severe weather can get a refund.

When customers have an Amazon Prime membership, they are entitled to the following benefits:

  • Free next-day delivery (on select items)
  • Free 2-day delivery
  • Same day delivery (No cost in chosen locations with orders over $35, otherwise $2.99 per order)
  • Free Amazon Day delivery (twice per week)

Customers may also monitor their orders’ progress through the account page.

Is Making a Return Easier at Costco or Amazon?

Costco has a 90-day return policy, while Amazon has a 30-day return policy. Both companies allow returns via mail. However, Costco will enable returns to be made in-store locations.

Although Amazon also makes returns easier because shoppers can drop packages at various Amazon Hub locations near them.

Does Costco or Amazon Offer Better Customer Service?

Some shoppers prefer the in-person customer service available at Costco stores. Others prefer the convenience of Amazon’s 24/hour customer service live chat.

To learn more, you can also read our posts on Amazon vs Best Buy, Amazon vs eBay fees, and Amazon vs Home Depot.

Conclusion

Both Costco and Amazon are excellent shopping choices. However, it is essential to compare prices and select the store that offers the best deal for you. When compared, many of the same products are found available from both retailers.

However, Costco has a clear edge with product availability, price, and shipping options when buying in bulk.

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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