Costco Product Reviews

I bought a Vitamix blender (5200) and I feel very positive about it.  Vitamix is a heavy duty blender that will crush and liquefy the entire fruit (seeds, skin, and all).

I've been checking Costco.com but they only had complete packages for $649.99 each.

Costco now carries cheaper model, 5200c at warehouse (not online).  This is Costco only model, they are $379.99 each.  Their cookbook is not included in this box.  But a $50.00 coupon to buy the cookbook ($50) is included.

Finally, yesterday I went to Costco to pick up a Vitamix blender.  And I saw a Vitamix roadshow going on there (son of a gun).  The pitchman gave me a good overview of the machine.  And a fellow shopper convinced me to drop Costco model (5200c) and buy their regular model at $15.00 more.  So, I bought their regular model 5200 for $394.99.  A cook book and a CD are included in this unit.  This unit sells for $449.99 at Vitamix's official website and elsewhere.

I am happy with my purchase.  I saved $55.00 plus $25.00 shipping on Vitamix 5200 standard, thanks to Vitamix roadshow at my Costco warehouse.

I wanted a Vitamix blender for some time.  I've been making juice every weekday for last 4-5 years.  That's roughly 1200 days of juicing, 2 juices a day, totallying 2400 juices.  But, all this time there was something that didn't make sense to me.  I throw out a lot of pulp every morning.  I thought, if anything, I should be eating the pulp and throw out the juice. My common sense told me that pulp must have more nutritional value than the juice.

With Vinamix, there is no pulp to throw out.  Pulp will get crushed & get liquefied.  So, from this point, I will buy 60%, maybe 75% less fruits and vegetables then I used to.  I will no longer buy 25 Pound bags of carrots.  I figured the machine will pay for itself in 1 year or less.  So, if you have a family of more than one and juice every day?  You must buy Vitamix for sake of saving money.

But, money aside, I believe Vitamix is much healthier than juicing.

PS:
Yes, I (briefly) thought about taking my 3 years old juicer back to Costco for a refund.  That will make my Vitamix $294.99.  But I decided not to do that. :)

Vitamix 5200c Vs 5200
Costco model, 5200c,  is the best price you can pay for Vitamix Blender.  It has the same powerful motor.  It will work just as same as any other Vitamix Blenders.  The only difference is that it comes with smaller container.  And it has different finish on switches. In fact, it *almost* makes me to think maybe 5200c are older models that they are trying to get rid of.

(picture coming)

I recently found out about the Costco Auto program through the news. Funny that being a Costco members for years, no one in our family is aware of this incentive. And, their fliers are posted all over the customer service areas.

Anyhow, I am in the market for a new car as my 5-yr European car is starting to be more of a burden than an enjoyment and my 80-mi roundtrip to work drive is burning a hole in my pocket at the gas pump. So, I decided to give this auto program a try.

My experience was very disappointing because it doesn't give you options of which nearest participating dealership to associate with. It just automatically sends your info to a dealership who will contact you. The dealer contacted me on the same day. We made some exchanges via emails and once over the phone. I was very specific on the car I wanted including all of the options. I also asked the salesperson about the comparison between 2 of very specific cars. The lady didn't answer some of my questions over the emails. She also didn't provide me with a price. I stopped exchanging contacts. Then she called me. I re-iterated everything I stated over the emails and demanded her to give me a quote. She refused.

First refusal was because she didn't know which cars I wanted. So, I restated all of the specifics. I said Hybrid with Leather and no Nav - quote. And, Civic EX-L with no nav and no other options. - Quote. (Honestly... how many versions of Honda Civic /Hybrid can there be???)

Second refusal was because she needs to verify my Costco membership. I told her I'll be glad to give her all of my Costco details. This shouldn't be a deterrent of giving me a price over the phone. I told her that if the price was attractive enough to begin with... you might just get me off the couch.

Third refusal was because she said prices changes daily like the stock market.

(Uh.. seriously??? How much changes are we talking about? double digits? triple digits? that you can't quote me a price????? If pricing was so unstable how are you doing on the internet sales???) 

 So then it ended. I terminated all contact. I refused to deal with people who expect you to come in and negotiate on what's supposed to be a "fixed" and "pre-negotiated" price through a partnership auto program. I submitted my negative review to Costco and never looked back.

 So, here I am writing this review only because I tried a different auto buying program through AAA. I also started digging around on different experiences with auto buying programs through the web. Many expressed mixed feelings and similar experiences with the Costco program.

However, when I used the AAA - it was very clear cut. It outlined all of the incentives and what I will be paying for an exact car at 3 different dealerships in my surrounding areas PRIOR to me submitting my personal information. Further, AAA allows you to make the initial contact to the dealer vs. AAA chose the dealership for you and made them contact you first. I am very comfortable with this method. As far as pricing is concerned, many of those reviewers stated that the program can be beneficial and the amount is probably off give/take by a few hundred dollars. And, to me that's worth the difference. I refuse to waste 12 hours at a dealership and still feeling like I'm getting ripped off when I leave.

So my car shopping journey continues. I really would love to hear your thoughts if you have or know of someone who have experienced using the auto program whether through Costco, AAA or other companies. 

2 people mentioned these items that I had to try them myself.

Kirkland Signature Moisture Shampoo:
Bluefacez reviewed Kirkland Moisture Shampoo last month (here).  Oh, yes, this shampoo is good.  It's high quality and SLS free, so it's a bit pricey.  But, it's concentrated.  I have long hair, way longer than shoulder length.  I don't even use a full pump when I use this shampoo.  It's that concentrated.  This is officially the shampoo I am going to use for many years to come.  Thank you Bluefacez.

Newhall French Roast Coffee:
Pennie mentioned Newhall French Coffee (here).  She freaked out because her Costco warehouse stopped carrying them.  I contacted Newhall Coffee and confirmed that they are only available at selected Costco warehouses. Today, I happen to drive by one of the Costco Warehouses that carry Newhall Coffee.  So, I picked up one bag. 

Newhall's French Roast Coffee is $11.99 for 2lb bag.  It's Much cheaper than Starbucks French Roast.  Surprisingly, Newhall French Roast Coffee tasted "slightly" better than Starbucks French Roast.  It's somewhat less acidic (less bitter) than Starbucks, but bitter non the less.  My regular coffee, Cubita Dark Roast (this one) is simply the best.  So, I will keep buying my expensive Cubita Coffee.  I will not buy Starbucks Coffee anymore.  I am not sure if I will buy Newhall Coffee again.  Let's see if I will finish this bag first.

Costco... seriously, you've gotta love it.
Costco brings so much joy in life, it's ridiculous.

PS. I've been using Kirkland Signature's Moisture Conditioner for a few years now.  This is the only conditioner I use.  It smells good, it feels good, and it's also SLS free.

One of the things I love in life is a fresh squeeze orange juice. I fell in love with fresh squeeze during my trip in NY. I couldn't find one bakery, restaurant, bagel shop, vendors on the streets that doesn't sell fresh squeeze. I had it every day morning, day and night as if it was gelato in Italy.

Lately Cotsco has been selling boxes of oranges at a price. Depending on the brand or the shipment it varies from $8 to $13/pb. I'm not keen at buying oranges at a store out of pure laziness. Typically, stores do have better prices for oranges but I get discouraged looking at perfect shaped, colored fruits after watching the movie Food, Inc. So, I stick with fruits at Costco. 

After buying 3 boxes of oranges I find that all of the oranges at Costco are not quite ripe. They are very sour. However, the sunkist ones are quite juicy. I use manual squeezer so having thin, soft and juicy fruit helps me with my arm.

I have tried waiting a few weeks before I use them but this is just too inconvenient. I don't like having to adjust the flavor of the juice, although I have now become fond of honey in my orange juice. (I have used white sugar, and sugar vanilla - by far honey is my favorite method of sweetening the juice).

So my request to Costco is simply to have at least half that box of oranges to be ripe and sweet so I can enjoy my juice right away and not wait a few weeks.  

Purchased the Bionaire Micathermic heater a few weeks ago and I'm not finding it in the Costco's website anymore... :(

Anyway, since SCE placed SmartMeters in my house I am obsessed about saving energy. Last year my gas bill was over $100 so that is another reason why I need to closely monitor my energy usage.

This year, I am well-prepared by installing proper window treatment (it used to be paper and now the nice plantation shutters), having thick curtains and utilizing an electric heater... the Micathermic heater.

The Bionaire Micathermic is very stylish, light and super quiet. I have mixed feelings about this heater because sometimes I have to check if it's working. Many of the reviewers on Costco's website stated that it can heat up about 400 sqft of space. I am not sure on this. The way I'm utilizing this heater is by heating up my house with the central heater then maintaining the heat using this space heater. I like that the heater is silent but on the other hand it worries me because you can easily forget that it's on. Luckily, there is a trip shut-off feature for in case of fire.

Does it really heat the room? No, it simply keeps it warm or warms it up. I also own a Holmes space heater that heats up the room very fast to the point that I have to turn it off.

Does it save energy? Somewhat. I put it on high for 3 hours straight and it raised my electric about $1+. I think this is cheaper than having the central heat on at all times. But, I don't have a comparison with a different space heater as I placed my Holmes at work (and they're paying for the cost).

Do I recommend it... I am not sure yet.

UPDATE 11/27/11: I have decided to return this product. There were a minority of people who ran into the same problems as I did that it doesn't heat up the room. This is due to their fan being blown up (horizontal) vs. to the side. Given that I have a pretty good height in my house it makes heating up a room close to impossible.

I cannot 100% recommend this product despite my effort to want to love it. So, back to the store it went. 

This is why Costco shopping is exciting.  You don't know what you will see next.

Minute Key is here - you can copy your home/office keys on the spot. 

• You cannot copy car keys or any other funky looking keys (obviously)
• You only get to copy 1 key per order.  If you order 3 copies, that means you will get 3 copies of 1 key.  You don't get the chance to switch to the next key.
• You must pay more if you want the key with design (pictures)
• Cheapest copy is 1 key for $1.49
• I bought the value pack - 3 keys for $3.00
• My copy works fine!  I am happy with the result

I finally found reusable shopping bags.  I've been looking and waiting for Costco shopping bags for over 2 years.  I finally found them!  Son of a dad, I found them.

The bags don't say "Costco" anymore.  They have generic design.

They had 2 different kinds of bags.

1. Insulated bag - $6.49 each bag.  It's large.
2. Old fashioned bags -  Pack of 4 (2 large & 2 medium) - $4.69/pack

The search is finally over.  I bought plenty.   Now I can start giving away the bags.  When I bring gifts or something to my friends, I tell them to "keep the bag."  And they love it.  Everyone loved the bag so far.  They are so practical.

I like insulated bag.  I always drive right back home after shopping at Costco because I worry about cold food items getting warm.  Now my shopping plan is more flexible, thanks to insulated bags.  I can go to other markets after Costco.  Also, I can eat out after shopping at Costco and don't feel rushed.  I think $6.49 is a very good price.

One bag is little over $1.00.  The joy I get from giving away these bags is priceless.  They will use the bags and save environment.  It's good.

Costco Shopping.  July 3, 2011

These are regular shopping bag.  Large size in front, medium size in back.

Insulated Shopping Bag - Big and Practical.  I like it.

 This is the insulated bag.

Here's a bag manufacturer's URL

Related Blog:
Starbucks French Roast - The Coffee I Hate To Love

Updated: (a week later)

This is official.  Cubita coffee is far better than Starbucks French Roast.  This is my personal opinion, so do not trust me 100% or get angry at me.  But, I cannot drink Starbucks any more.  It's that good.  Honestly.

As far as I'm concern, I will no longer purchase Starbucks French Roast.  I have finally found a replacement for Starbucks French Roast.  Unfortunately, I'll have to spend more money.  For that, I learned to make less coffee.  I used to make 2.5 cups of coffee every day.  Now I make 2 cups of coffee every day. 

(Below is my older post from a week ago )

###

I've been searching for coffee that will replace Starbucks for a few years.  See my blog - The Coffee I Hate To Love.

From that blog post, one of my website visitors informed me about Ruta Maya® Organic Cubita® Coffee.  You can only buy them from Costco website, not at the warehouse.  Amazon also sells them, but they are very expensive there.

I am so glad that a website visitor commented on my 1 year old blog post.

This coffee is very good.  It's strong and smooth (not bitter). Starbucks French Roast is bitter.

Related Blog:
Starbucks French Roast - The Coffee I Hate To Love

I say this time to time.

Some items are not as "cheap" at Costco.

You can trust that Costco will not scam you.

But, sometimes, some other stores will have special deals that Costco simply cannot beat.

Costco sells Olive Oil Sprayer by Misto.  They are $19.99 for 2 pack.

I was surprised to see this at Costco.  I bought the exact same sprayer from Bed Bath & Beyond one month ago on my Christmas shopping spree. I paid $8 for one can.   They were $9.99 each.  I used an expired 20% off coupon.  

I guess 2 units for $19.99 is OK. But, one unit for $8.00 is even cooler.

This is why Bed Bath & Beyond is my second favorite store.

* I am pretty happy with the sprayer.

Things I bought from Bed Bath & Beyond, Christmas 2010

I have been complaining about my socks for several years now.

My complaints:

• I have many different colored socks.  It's been a big hassle to match up the socks after laundry.  If all my black socks are identical, that will eliminate the hassle.
• It is not financially smart to have socks in different designs. If one of my socks is damaged, I'll have to trash the matching pair for that sock.  If I have 30 pairs of identical socks, I only trash the damaged sock.
• Some socks feel OK, but some socks are uncomfortable.  I would like all my socks to feel consistent (good).
• Most of my socks are old and ugly.
• When I wear tan pents or blue jeans, I would like my socks to match color. 
• Men's "general size" socks are too big for my feet.  Most socks are made for size 12 shoe size.  If you wear size 9-10 shoes, you will find "general size" socks too big.
• Men's custom size socks are very expensive, like $20.00+ a pair (?).

So, this is what I did:

Today, I brought my female friend to Costco. She has exact same size feet as mine.

She went to Costco barefoot, wearing sandals.

We went to the lady's underwear section where Calvin Klein socks were at.  I found a pack of socks that was opened (somebody must have tried it on already).  She tried the socks - it was a perfect fit for her. 

So, I bought 9 packs (36 pairs total,  $89.91+ tax = $97.78). 

As always, $97.78 seems a lot of money for socks.  But, they are quality socks at $2.50/pair.  And I may not buy another colored socks for 10 years (as long as I keep trimming my big toe nails).  I believe it was a smart shopping. For example, Longs Drugs sells really ugly, cheap socks for $5/pair.

As we were checking out, a lady behind us said "Those are a lot of socks". 

My friend was keep saying "You wear girls' socks, GIRLS~!!"

I like these socks.  They look just like men's dress socks, except they fit me well. 

Oh, and they happened to be Calvin Klein.

I will rotate these socks about 5-7 times a year (I will wear the same socks 5-7 times a year).  So, they will last many years.

I also wear white socks.  I have about 40 pairs of white socks, and they need to be replaced as well.  (coming up)

I also need some brown socks.

Don't get  me wrong, I love Costco.

I honestly believe Costco is the best store in history, period.

But, I am here to be realistic.

Costco cannot beat all retail stores and their super sales.  Sometimes some other stores will have better deals than Costco.  So, it's up to us consumers to keep our eyes open and maximize buying power.

Here is one example

Costco sells 35L trash can by Simplehuman.  It also comes with a bonus "mini" trash can.  Costco's price is $79.99

Below is the trash can I bought a few months ago from Bed Bath and Beyond. 

I bought a 30L trash can by Simplehuman, it came with a bonus "mini" trash can.  Retail price was $39.99.  With 20% coupon, my final price was $31.99. (Remember. Bed Bath & Beyond takes expired coupons, so keep collecting those coupons.)

If you are a coffee drinker like me, do NOT get Dunkin Donuts coffee from Costco.

It tastes bad. It's dry and bitter.
I can't use it.
I can't give it to anyone (it would be insulting).

Maybe it goes well with donuts.  I don't know...

Have a nice day~!

Latest Coffee Inventory - May, 2010

In this month's Costco coupon book, there is a coupon for towels.  I thought that was interesting.  I don't remember the last time I saw a coupon for towels.  Costco towels are very good value.  I can vouch for that, because I've been checking on towels for over a year.

On thanksgiving 2008, I bought a bunch of towels (picture below, related blog).  I still use those towels. These towels were made by "Grandeur".  I paid around $8.00 each.  As you can see, towels have sophisticated color (wasabi green).  And they feel amazing.  Since then, I've been checking prices on towels whenever I go to Linens and Things.  Towels of these quality will easily cost you $25+.

Sometime last year, Costco switched the brand to "Charisma".  The new towels now have inferior texture and somewhat "Cheap" looking color.  (picture at bottom).  They are definitely good value.  But, I like the older brand "Grandeur" much, much better.  Actually, I was very disappointed that Grandeur towels were no longer available.

Anyway, I thought it was interesting that Costco is now carrying inferior towels (still very good), and offer discount on top of it.

After Thanksgiving shopping 2008 - Older brand "Grandeur" Shown

New Towels by Charisma.

When it doubt, buy it. Costco will not over-charge you.

Case in study: Food Wrap by Kirkland Signature - $8.99 (double pack)

At first glance, you might think $9 for 2 rolls of food wraps is not much of a bargain. But take a look at this.

If you are lucky, you can buy a roll of food wrap for $.99 (from a 99 Cents only store). This roll contains a 100 SQ. FT. of inferior quality plastic wrap.

With Kirkland Signature's Food Wrap (double pack), you get 1500 SQ. FT of high quality plastic wrap. That's 166 SQ. FT per a Dollar.

So, with same amount of money, you get 66% more of high quality product.

But, that's not all
Think about helping environment.
In order to get 1500 SQ. FT. of plastic wrap, you need to buy 15 of $.99 rolls. With Costco's double pack, you are saving raw material to package 13 rolls.

Everyone wins with Costco.

So, when in doubt? Buy it.

Happy shopping.

** One problem with Costco's plastic wrap is that it will take extremely long time for me to finish up 2 rolls of these. It took me 2 years to finish 100 SQ. FT. roll. So, mathematically, it will take me 30 years to finish these up. I will be in my 70's when I'm done with these. My plastic wrap can out live me. Haha..

I guess some people use a lot of plastic wrap. I don't. I always try to use containers with tops instead of putting a wrap over the food. I try not to use plastic wrap as much as possible. They cost money.

I never buy blank DVD's from Costco.  Blank DVD's at Costco don't have good price.  Costco sells spindles of 100 blank Sony DVDs at $29.49 each. I can easily find the exact same Sony DVD's for $23.00.

This time Costco had "Buy one, get one free" coupon on these Sony DVD's.

So, they come out under $15.00 each spindle (100 pack).  Now that's a pretty good price on blank DVD's.

PS. I forgot to use this coupon the other day.  I dropped by today when I was on my way to meet somebody. 

I have a BS degree in computer.  But I don't know the difference between -R and +R.  They all work for me  But I always mix -R's & +R's just in case.

If you never tried Costco's Prepaid Phone Card, you MUST read this.  This can save you a lot of money.

With Costco prepaid phone card, you pay less than $0.03 per a minute for long distant phone calls, period.

My total long distant telephone expense is about $20.00 a year.  One phone card with 700 minutes lasts about 1 year.  I don't use phone too much.  I also have a prepaid cellular phone which I pay $5.00/m.  I will tell you about that later.

I don't have a long distant carrier for my home phone.  My long distant carrier's been cut off for many years now.  I have 800 access number and the pin number in my speed dial.  I just "click" "click" and I'm connected to verizon at less than 2.9 Cents a minute.

Costco used to have phone cards from MCI.  That's when I first purchased Costco's Prepaid Phone Card.  Now they are from Verizon, with the same low rate.

I try to eat healthy.  So, instead of candy, I try to eat Fruit & Nut Medley by Kirkland Signature. 

Fruit and Nut Medley comes in a 56oz bag for $12.28

It contains following food items.

• Peanuts
• Almonds
• Walnuts
• Apples
• Kiwi
• Mangoes
• Papaya
• Pineapples
• Strawberries
• Bananas
• Cherries
• Golden Raisins

It's Kirkland Signature (good quality food) I enjoy them too much.

Costco carries 2 pancake mixes.

• Coach's Oats - MultiGrain Pancake Mix
  4 pound - $7.79     $1.95 per pound
  Fancy grains, need to mix egg & water.
• Krusteaz - Buttermilk
  10 pound - $5.49    $0.55 per pound
  Regular mix (still very good) - just add water.
• Syrup used - Kirkland Signature Maple Syrup - $19.79

2 pancake mixes from Costco

I didn't know which pancake mix to purchase, so I got them both.  But, clearly, I had a higher expectation on the expensive yet smaller pancake mix by Coach's Oats.  Per pound, the Multi Grain Pancake Mix was 4 times more expensive than Buttermilk.

Krusteaz Buttermilk (cheaper, bigger one) has a classic pancake house taste.  This is a solid, good pancake.  You will not miss out on anything.

Coach's Multigrain Pancake mix is different.  You may find this too fancy for your taste.  I can tell this pancake mix is high class with a lot of grain.  It's grainy and breaks down easily.  This doesn't have that classic taste.  It's a very good pancake mix.  It's richer and fancier compared to  Buttermilk.  But if you are craving for that classic pancake-house taste, this is not for you. 

Personally, I am happy I got them both.  My next purchase will be the 10 Pounder (cheaper).   I like the price, taste, and the fact that it doesn't require egg to prepare.

Update (May 24, 2011)

I don't always see Coach's Oats pancake mix at Costco.  But they periodically bring them back in stock.  So, watch closely when you are at Costco.

Costco tote bags are must have item.  If you don't own them, you are missing out.  I mean, you are missing out big time.

They sell three bags for less than $5.00.  It's roughly $1.50/bag.

At first, I thought Costco's tote bags were supposed to be free for the members.  But if you really think about it $1.50 for a bag is a steal.

Costco Tote-Bag. Simple design with hand straps and shoulder straps

Refer to above image.  Those three bags contain following items (carrots (10lb), potato (10lb), large watermelon, lemon (5lb), beef jerky (x2), cereal, bread (x2), shampoo, vitamins (x2), yogurt (18pk), tuna (16pk)

With Costco tote bags, a fit person can carry all those items in one trip (I did).  Try doing this with any other shopping bags or boxes from Costco.  It's impossible to carry all that with conventional methods.  It's well worth of investing a few Dollars on these bags.  If you live in an apartment this is a must.

I bring these bags to Costco when I shop, so the cashiers would put items in the bag.

Show this bag to your family and friends, I guarantee they would like to have some too.  I've already given them out.  I had to buy some more.
Below is why I like Costco tote bags.