Joining Costco comes with a lot of benefits that might not be apparent when you sign up.
The core offering, of course, is low prices on groceries, household items, electronics, clothing and whatever else the chain stocks in its warehouses.
For many people, that's well worth the $60 fee you pay for 12 months of basic Gold membership. Once you join, however, Costco (COST) has an array of other ways to save money. Some jump out at you, like the in-store eyeglass shops and the discount pharmacy counter, while others take a little more effort to find.
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You might not know, for example, that members of the warehouse club get access to Costco Travel, a service that enables you to book trips at what are usually sharp discounts. Members also get a wide array of discounts on too many things to list if you book through the company's website.
Costco might get you a deal on a new roof, a discount on painting your house, or access to accounting software at a low price. If you truly try to make the most of your membership, you can find savings that go well beyond the deals you find shopping in the chain's warehouse.
One benefit that Costco members may overlook is the company's car-buying service. The chain partners with various car brands to offer select discounts, and it also has a service that helps members get the best price possible when they buy a car.
Now, the chain has a fairly huge deal for people looking to buy an electric vehicle.
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Costco Offers a Deal On Volvos
While a key part of Costco's business model involves negotiating deals on popular items, it's very impressive that the company's buyers can make deals involving electric vehicles, or cars of any kind. That's because the car market has been red hot for over a year, with prices high and inventory short.
In most cases, car makers don't have to offer deals because they don't have enough cars to sell, so inventory they do have sells at premium prices.
Costco, however, has reached a deal for meaningful savings on two popular Volvo models.
"Costco is currently offering an exclusive member discount on the Volvo XC40 Recharge and the C40 Recharge. It's good for $2,500 off either premium electric SUV," InsideEVs reported.
"...The Costco discount is valid from now until July 31, 2023, so you have some time to make a decision. It applies to both the 2023 and 2024 model-year versions of the electric crossovers."
The warehouse club's members also get $1,000 off any Volvo (VLVLY) car if they're not looking to make the move to an EV. If you plan to buy any Volvo, it's worth getting a Costco membership even if you don't plan to use it often (or ever again).
Costco Brings Members Deals On Cars
The warehouse club has a dedicated website, Costco Auto, where it offers members a variety ways to save when it's time to buy a car. That includes both new and used cars based on where the member is.
In addition to helping members get good prices on new vehicles, Costco also ensures that its customers get what they're paying for when it comes to used cars.
"All pre-owned vehicles must meet strict manufacturer requirements to be eligible as a Factory-Certified Pre-Owned vehicle. Each manufacturer sets specific parameters for factory certification; click on a manufacturer to learn their requirements," the warehouse club says on the Costco Auto website.
The warehouse club also offers its members continued savings after they buy a vehicle.
"Costco members can save 15% off parts, service, and accessories -- up to $500 per visit -- at participating service centers nationwide," the chain said.
Using these deals, you can actually well exceed the cost of your membership in savings without ever actually setting foot in a Costco.
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