FAQ: Costco ~ FAQ

[FutureCouponer]

How do I become a member with Costco Wholesale?
There are three ways to become a member:

• Stop at the Membership counter of your nearest Costco Wholesale location. They will issue your card immediately
• Visit Costco.com. Once your order is processed and your credit card charged, you will receive an email confirmation at the email address used when placing the order. This email will contain your new membership number and you will receive your membership card(s) in the mail within 7-10 business days.
• Call us at 800-774-2678

How and when do I renew my membership?
Your membership is due annually at the end of your renewal month. It is not necessary to request new cards, as the same card will continue to be active. There are four ways to renew your membership:

• Visit your local warehouse and renew at the register at time of check-out or at the Membership counter
• Visit Costco.com. Once your order is processed and your credit card charged, you will receive an email confirmation at the email address used when placing the order.
• Mail in your renewal statement with appropriate payment to:

PO Box 34783

Seattle, WA 98124-1783

• Call us at 800-774-2678

When, in the renewal month, does my membership expire?
Your membership will expire at the end of the month that you are due to renew.

Can non-members use a Costco Cash Card to shop at the store?
Yes, if the card is purchased by a member of Costco. A non-member can use the gift card online or in a store warehouse. Costco Gift Card details found here

What if I have questions about my credit card?
If you have questions related to your credit card statement, please contact the following service providers directly at the following numbers:

• American Express
  American Express Consumer Account: (800) 964-8542
  American Express Business Account: (800) 492-3344
  American Express International: (336) 393-1111

• HSBC (Costco Credit Card)HSBC General Questions: (800) 220-8592
  HSBC Business to Business: (800) 220-8594

To apply for a credit card or to ask questions about the credit card options available to you as a member, please visit your nearest Costco Wholesale location, or our website at Costco.com


How do I get product availability information?
While we are unable to give quantity or product availability information over the phone, you may get information about products by visiting your local warehouse.


Executive Membership General Questions:

How do I find out about our Executive Membership program and the services that it offers?
You can find out about our Executive Membership Program three ways:

• Visit Costco.com, click on Services
• Visit your nearest Costco Wholesale location and ask for information at the Membership desk
• Call us at (800) 220-6000

Can I renew my membership with my Executive 2% Reward?
Yes, you can renew your membership with your Executive 2% reward when going through the register at any Costco Wholesale location.

Do I get the 2% Reward for using services like Auto Buying or Travel?
Most purchases made through the registers at a Costco Wholesale location or at Costco.com offer the 2% Reward.


When will I receive my 2% Executive reward?
Your 2% Executive Reward will be mailed to you with your annual membership renewal statement, approximately 2 months prior to the expiration of your membership. If you have set your annual membership payment to be auto-billed to your American Express or Costco Wholesale credit card, your reward will be mailed to you separately during the same time frame.

How do I upgrade to an Executive membership?
You may upgrade your Gold Star or Business Membership to an Executive membership in one of three ways:

• Stop by the Membership counter at your local warehouse and ask to upgrade your membership. They will print new cards for you immediately.
• Check the upgrade box on your annual renewal statement and include the additional $50 upgrade fee and send in to:
  
  PO Box 34783
  Seattle,WA 98124-1783

• Call us at (800) 220-6000

Can I use my 2% Executive Reward online?
2% Executive Rewards may only be redeemed at a Costco Wholesale location

Other Questions:
If questions are asked on this thread, I will add them to the main post. Hopefully this will make a really complete FAQ section.

If I need more information and want to speak with a Costco Wholesale representativeover the phone, what is the number?
Please feel free to call us at the following numbers:

• General Member Service questions call (800) 774-2678
• Executive Service questions call (800) 220-6000
• Business Delivery Questions call (800) 788-9968

Can you use coupons other than Costco Coupons Books at Costco & if so can you use a Costco coupon with a MQ?
The only coupons accepted at Costco are those in their coupon books. MQ coupons are not accepted.

Are there ever incentives to join?
The only "reported" incentive is if a friend, who is already a member, refers someone to join they may get a pizza at the deli. There are no incentives for the new members to join, aside from being able to shop at a wonderful store.

[FutureCouponer]

COSTCO FORUM

Costco is a membership warehouse club, dedicated to bringing members the best possible prices on quality brand-name merchandise. With hundreds of locations worldwide, Costco provides a wide selection of merchandise, plus the convenience of specialty departments and exclusive member services, all designed to make your shopping experience a pleasurable one. Additional membership offers are available, as described at the bottom of this page

A summary of product and service categories is provided at: Costco Product Index av=

HOME PAGE: http://www.costco.com

STORE LOCATOR: http://www.costco.com/Warehouse/loca...-Top_locations


RETURN POLICIES - CURRENT as of 3/1/07
Membership: We will refund your membership fee in full at any time if you are dissatisfied.

Merchandise: We guarantee your satisfaction on every product we sell, with a full refund. Exceptions: Televisions, computers, cameras, camcorders, iPOD / MP3 players and cellular phones must be returned within 90 days of purchase for a refund.

ELECTRONICS Return Policy: http://www.costco.com/Images/Content.../concierge.PDF


How to Return: Simply return your purchase at any one of our Costco warehouses worldwide for a refund (including shipping and handling). If you are unable to return your order at one of our warehouses, please email customerservice@costco.com or call our customer service center at 1-800-955-2292 for assistance. To expedite the processing of your return, please reference your order number.


MEMBERSHIPS
Types of Membership:
Costco has three types of membership: Executive, Business, and Gold Star. Executive Members earn a 2% Annual Reward on most Costco purchases, and receive additional benefits on our member services. For information on Costco's member services, visit the services section of this site or call 1-800-220-6000. See below for a detailed description of each membership.

Additional Membership Information
For additional information and to learn about the Privileges and Conditions of Membership, please select the following link to read our
Membership Benefits Brochure: http://www.costco.com/Images/Content...Brochure05.pdf

How Do I Join?
1) If you're not yet a member, you can add a membership to your cart and purchase online. Membership cards will be mailed within 7-10 days. Costco members can also renew their memberships online and pay for their purchases and membership together.

Or
2) Stop at the membership counter of any Costco warehouse, or call us at 1-800-774-2678 and we will fax a membership application to you.


Bring the completed application and appropriate fees to the membership counter at any Costco or mail to: Costco Membership P.O. Box 34535 Seattle, WA 98124-1088


Membership cards will be issued immediately when you apply in person, or mailed within 7-10 days after receiving the application in the mail. If you desire additional information, please contact our call center at 1-800-774-2678

Business Membership
Business Membership is available to all licensed businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, farmers and ranchers. The $50 annual membership fee includes one household card per primary add on. Additional Business Membership cards are available for $40 each, and include one household card per primary add on. Business identification (business license, resale certificate, or three pieces of business ID) is required when applying for Business Membership. Business Members who wish to purchase for resale must provide the Costco warehouse membership counter with the appropriate resale information. As a service to our Business Members who purchase cigarettes for resale at the warehouse, we automatically provide your identity and your cigarette purchase information to all cigarette manufacturers' representatives. This information is used by cigarette manufacturers to PAY YOU on their incentive programs. Please inquire at the warehouse about the privacy policy concerning tobacco purchases.

Gold Star Membership
Gold Star Membership is available for individuals who do not qualify for a Business Membership. The Gold Star Membership is $50 per year, which includes one household card per primary add on. See the membership counter at your warehouse for additional information, or call us at 1-800-774-2678.

Executive Membership
Executive Membership is our highest level of membership. Executive Members receive an annual 2% Reward on most Costco purchases, and extra benefits on member services, such as lower prices on check printing, auto financing and long-distance phone service; larger Costco Cash card amounts for mortgage, real estate and home equity transactions; one-year free roadside assistance for vehicles covered through the Auto Insurance Program; and extra travel benefits.

How do I become an Executive Member?
If you're a Costco member, you can upgrade to an Executive Membership by calling 1-800-220-6000, or by visiting your local Costco warehouse membership department. The Executive Membership upgrade is $50 for both Business and Gold Star primary members, but will be prorated based upon the months remaining in your current membership. Your new membership card will be sent to you, along with a packet explaining the entire menu of business and personal services available in your state. Your Executive Membership card is valid at any Costco warehouse worldwide.



COSTCO CONNECTION MAGAZINE: http://www.costco.com/Service/Featur...stcoconnection



STORE HOURS
Store hours vary by location and day of the week.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Costco's corporate mailing address is:


PO Box 34331
Seattle, WA 98124

Costco's corporate offices are located at:
999 Lake Drive
Issaquah, WA 98027

Costco.com Member Service:
800-955-2292

General Member Service:
800-774-2678

Business Delivery Member Service:
800-788-9968

Costco Travel:
877-849-2730

Email: https://www.costco.com/CustomerServi....aspx?secure=1




IN-STORE PRODUCTS AND SERVICES (varies by stores)

Appliances, auto, baby, books, business products, computers, electronics, events, food and wine, funeral, furniture, hardware, health and beauty, home décor, housewares, instruments, jewelry and fashion, media, movies, pets, sports, toys

Optical
Pharmacy
Photo
Services
Travel


GAS STATIONS: http://www.costco.com/images/content...ions092106.pdf


MEMBERSHIP SERVICES

• Auto & Home
• Real Estate
• Financial
• Health and Dental
• Small Business
• Personal
• Insurance
• Tickets and Travel
• Credit

OTHER INFO

REBATES:
There are two types of rebates at Costco, Standard and Mail-in Only

Standard Rebates:
are available on most products sold on costco.com and in your local Costco warehouse. These rebates can be submitted in two ways: through Costco.com or printed and mailed.

For products purchased on costco.com, your ship confirmation email is required to submit your rebate.

For an item purchased in the warehouse, the rebate submission information is on the bottom of your cash register receipt.

For a list of rebates available at your store, see:
Costco rebate

Please allow 4 - 6 weeks for payment on Costco Mail-In Rebates.


Manufacturer Mail-in Rebates:

are found on some items sold on costco.com, and are described as a "Mail-in Rebate" instead of a "Standard Rebate." Online submission is NOT available for Manufacturer Mail-in rebates, and must be submitted directly to the address on the form. Be sure to review the instructions, as they can vary by manufacturer.

Be sure to print the rebate form offered on the item page when you purchase the product. Then submit your rebate according to the directions listed on the form.

If you forgot to print the form at the time of purchase, or would like to browse a list of all active rebates, a list of available manufacturer’s mail-in rebates available through the site are at:
Costco Manufacturer's Rebate Page




PHARMACY
NOTE: You do NOT need to be a member of COSTCO to purchase your prescriptions at COSTCO and receive their standard prices