Most purchases at Costco include a trunk full of groceries and the odd free sample. But the big-box retailer also sells plenty of other products, including TVs. While that can mean big savings (Costco is rightly praised for its many savings opportunities), there are certain circumstances where you might want to buy your new TV elsewhere.
1. You don’t live within 50 miles of a Costco warehouse
There are about 800 Costco stores worldwide. Still, not everyone has access to a physical store within a convenient driving distance, and even if they do, you may not want to lug a large TV into your car and drive home. So it makes sense to opt for delivery, which Costco offers online.
However, there is one major limitation here: the store only offers delivery to people who live within 50 miles of a Costco warehouse. Depending on where you live, this option may not be available to you.
2. You don’t have a Costco membership (and don’t want one)
If you live near a Costco but don’t have a membership, you’ll pay a 5% surcharge on every online purchase. For comparison, Costco memberships cost at least $60 per year (soon to be at least $65 when membership prices increase on Sept. 1), so for a $1,000 TV, you’d have to pay either $1,060 (if you opt for a membership) or $1,050 (without a membership but with the surcharge).
Also note that there are additional shipping and handling charges for those living in Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico. Depending on the TV model you want, you may be able to find a cheaper option elsewhere.
3. You want a larger selection
While Costco offers savings, it comes at a price: the selection of TVs can be significantly more limited than at other retailers. In fact, Costco only carries TVs from six brands:
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Samsung
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lg
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Sony
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Hisense
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TCL
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Sanus
For example, if you want a TV from popular brands like Vizio, Panasonic, or Toshiba, you won’t have a choice here. The limited selection can also make it harder to compare these options with those from other retailers. While this isn’t the biggest hurdle, it’s another layer of difficulty to be aware of, especially if you don’t want to spend hours researching your next TV purchase.
A new TV can be a big investment in your entertainment. And while Costco can offer very low prices on products, especially when paired with the right credit card, it’s just not the best (or cheapest) option for some. This is especially true for those who don’t live near a Costco or aren’t located in the continental U.S.
In this case, there are other retailers that may be better able to accommodate your needs and provide you with the TV you like.
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3 Reasons Not to Buy a TV at Costco was originally published by The Motley Fool
