Can You Shop Costco Online Without a Membership?
As one of the largest retailers in the world, Costco has gained a reputation for offering high-quality products at discounted prices to its members. With over 100 million members worldwide, it’s no surprise that many people want to know if they can shop at Costco online without a membership.
Can You Shop Costco Online Without a Membership?
The answer is yes, but with some limitations. Costco allows non-members to shop online through its Guest Checkout feature. This feature is available for a limited selection of items, and it’s only applicable for online shopping. However, there are some important points to consider before taking advantage of this feature.
How Does Costco’s Guest Checkout Feature Work?
If you’re not a member, you can use the Guest Checkout feature to shop at Costco online. Here’s how it works:
- Sign in: Go to Costco’s website and sign in with your email address and password. You don’t need to be a member to create an account, but you’ll need to provide some basic information.
- Choose your country: Select your country from the drop-down menu to ensure you’re browsing the correct website.
- Browse the non-member selection: Costco allows non-members to browse a limited selection of items, including electronics, home appliances, and personal care products.
- Add items to your cart: Choose the items you want to purchase and add them to your cart.
- Checkout as a guest: Proceed to checkout as a guest, where you’ll be required to provide your shipping address and payment information.
- Pay a surcharge: Non-members will be charged an additional 5% surcharge on top of the total price of the items in your cart.
What Items Are Eligible for Non-Member Shopping?
Not all items on Costco’s website are eligible for non-member shopping. Some items, such as:
• Fresh produce and meat: Due to the high perishability of fresh produce and meat, Costco only offers these items to members.
• High-demand items: Certain items, like electronics and home appliances, may not be available for non-members due to limited stock.
• Private label products: Costco’s private label products, including Kirkland Signature, are not eligible for non-member shopping.
Comparison of Member and Non-Member Prices
As a non-member, you’ll pay an additional 5% surcharge on top of the total price of the items in your cart. Here’s an example of how the prices compare:
Item | Member Price | Non-Member Price (Guest Checkout) |
---|---|---|
4K Smart TV | $299.99 | $313.99 (includes 5% surcharge) |
Stand Mixer | $49.99 | $52.49 (includes 5% surcharge) |
Face Cream | $14.99 | $15.49 (includes 5% surcharge) |
Tips for Non-Members
If you’re considering shopping at Costco online without a membership, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Check prices: Make sure to compare prices on the items you want to purchase to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Review shipping options: Costco offers standard and expedited shipping options. Check the shipping costs and estimated delivery times to plan accordingly.
- Consider shipping costs: As a non-member, you’ll be charged a shipping fee, which may add to the overall cost of your purchase.
Conclusion
While non-members can shop at Costco online, it’s essential to understand the limitations and pricing differences. If you’re a frequent online shopper or want to take advantage of Costco’s famous bulk deals, becoming a member might be the better option. However, if you’re looking to purchase a specific item online and don’t want to commit to a membership, the Guest Checkout feature is a good alternative.
Membership Benefits vs. Non-Member Shopping
Benefit | Member | Non-Member |
---|---|---|
Discounted prices | Exclusive | Available, with 5% surcharge |
Free shipping | Available | Not available |
Access to bulk deals | Available | Not available |
Exclusive products | Exclusive | Not available |
Remember, as a non-member, you’re missing out on exclusive benefits and savings. If you plan to shop at Costco regularly, becoming a member might be the better option.