Even if they’re not willing to pay Costco’s membership fees, most people would love to take advantage of the retailer’s great deals if given the chance. There was a time when the easiest way to get around Costco’s rules was to recruit one of your friends who’s a member to buy you a Costco gift card. Now, thanks to Uber’s alliance with the chain, all you need is an Uber Eats account.
With some exceptions, Costco’s impressive assortment (including groceries, cleaning supplies, and skin care products) can be purchased through Uber Eats whether or not you have a membership card. The announcement – which Uber made at its annual Go-Get: Better Together event on May 15 – strengthens the delivery company’s ties with the big-box store club. This partnership began in 2021, when Costco and Uber Eats began testing grocery delivery from 25 stores across Texas. Now, the luxury of having Costco delivered to your door is expanding to more locations across the U.S., though the exact number remains unknown.
Because Costco is a members’ club, the privilege of browsing the exclusive offerings typically costs $60 per year (or $120 if you want additional discounts and perks). Since those who order through the Uber Eats app ultimately get around this normally strict rule, the companies have included additional savings for Costco members. In addition to saving 15% to 20% more than non-members when making purchases through the app – as Uber told Axios – members also get 20% off their Uber Annual One fees.
Read more: 12 rules shoppers must follow at Costco
Costco was serious about its tough approach – now less
Before Costco started cracking down on memberships, it wasn’t difficult to “share” a card, like we used to be able to share our Netflix passwords. People could easily show a friend’s membership card when entering the store without any further incidents. In 2023, however, Costco tightened its policies – in some cases, they even required customers to show a photo ID when paying.
“We do not believe it is right for non-members to receive the same benefits and prices as our members,” Costco said in a statement to USA Today at the time. “Costco is able to keep our prices as low as possible because our membership fees help offset our operating costs,” the statement continued. Although more non-members can now shop online at the retail chain, only members will continue to have access to the physical warehouses as well as the food court and its popular hot dog.
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