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* The Costco effect *
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The Costco effect
Originally uploaded by titaniumtommy.
Wow, that's a lot of stuff. It seems that each time we head over to Costco, we end up buying about $200 worth of stuff even though we walk in for one or two items. Why? Is it that Costco offers such attractive bargains or a superior shopping experience that I just have to buy more? Some think so. I, however, have an alternative explantion of "The Costco Effect" as it is now dubbed.

I absolutely hate going to Costco. The only reason I do go is because the prices are hard to beat on some things. The famed Costco deals on non-perishables are really quite good. Plus, we use less materials for plastic bottles when we buy in bulk (can someone PLEASE tell Costco to allow refilling shampoo, conditioner, lotion, and other non-edibles?)--128oz in one container is better than 2 64oz containers. But what about the whole experience of shopping at Costco? Well let's see why I absolutely abhor it.

Parking: it's the pits at any Costco on the weekend. If you have the luxury of hitting the Godzilla-warehouse during the week, then I envy and applaud your ability to not work during the week. If you're as unlucky as I am, you have to hit up Costco on the weekends and that's generally a nightmare in the parking department. You've probably had to dodge 5 ton SUVs while trying to avoid creaming some idiot "surfing" his oversized shopping cart back to his car (no matter how much you'd really want to flatten the sucker and get 2 points on the score board).

Oversized Carts: maneuvering inside Costco is an awful experience especially with their 1960's Cadillac-sized shopping carts. I mean, they should probably offer combo Costco-cart and Cruise ship licensing courses out back for $39. Then you get the people who are oblivious to the chaos around them and park their carts in the middle of the aisle while they tackle other shoppers, vying for the last free sample of chicken apple sausage. Seriously.

Checkout: this one isn't so bad. I actually admire Costco's effort to bust out their customers as soon as possible by using two checkers to not only speed you through checkout, but also double check they don't miss the case of beer under the cart. Damn...the saw it again.

Overall, it's an awful shopping experience. The prices really are their only saving grace in my eyes. So what does this have to do with the Costco Effect? Well, the value proposition the Costco barely outweighs the negatives. This sort of dynamic basically forces me to save money at Costco at the same time hating the whole 2 hours I'm jostling with the other crazed shoppers. It makes me want to NOT GO THERE. But I have to if I want to save money. So what do I do? I buy MORE in order to reduce my Coscto visit frequency. I know I have to go there to save money, but I really don't want to go so often.












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