Costco is many people’s favorite warehouse store and for good reason. After all, where else can you find high-quality, bargain-priced baked goods, super cheap jumbo hot dogs and some of the hottest giftable items all in one place?
If you have a Costco membership, the perks don’t end there. The store also offers a handful of freebies that can save you time and money.
Take a look at these things that Costco members get for free.
1. Lifetime tire maintenance
If you want your vehicle’s tires to last, you need to regularly rotate them and keep them balanced to ensure even wear. However, you could pay anywhere from $35-$45 to have your tires rotated and about that much for balancing.
But if you buy your tires at Costco, those services are free for the life of the tires. Plus, the warehouse club’s tire center will check and adjust tire pressure and repair flat tires, when possible, for free.
2. Hearing tests
Worried your hearing isn’t what it used to be? No need to make a separate visit to an audiologist. Members are entitled to free hearing tests at warehouse clubs that have a hearing center.
You’ll need to make an appointment in advance, and the testing takes about an hour, according to Costco. If you’re worried about privacy, the company notes that hearing tests take place in a private sound booth.
3. Hearing aid care
If you do need hearing aids, you can get free follow-up care if you are a Costco member. In many cases, follow-up visits can be completed remotely via a smartphone or tablet, and adjustments made in the comfort of your home. The store also offers free hearing aid cleanings.
Although the Costco website doesn’t specify this, the service is presumably for those who purchase their hearing aids at the warehouse store. However, check with your local club’s hearing center to be sure.
4. Tech support
There’s nothing worse than getting the latest gadget and finding you can’t get it to work properly. Fortunately, if you purchased that item from Costco, free technical support is just a phone call away.
Expert-level technicians are available to walk you through the set-up process or troubleshoot problems for more than a dozen categories of items including:
- Security camera systems
- Laptops
- Televisions
- Many major appliances
- Home theater systems
- Cameras
5. Extended warranties
If certain tech items stop working completely, Costco will repair, replace or refund your money up to two years from the date of purchase if the manufacturer’s warranty has expired. Extended warranties are available on the following purchases:
- Televisions
- Projectors
- Computers, excluding touchscreen tablets
- Many major appliances
- Water heaters
6. Delivery
Since many Costco products are jumbo-sized, you may expect to have to pay jumbo shipping prices if you order online. Not so, if you are a Costco member. Free delivery is available for the following products:
7. Returns
Costco’s stellar return policy is one reason the store is beloved by so many. Even if you buy something online, you can return it for free by mail. Costco will provide a shipping label and refund any shipping and handling fees along with the purchase price.
Most items can be returned to Costco for any reason, but there are some exceptions. For instance, there is a 90-day return window for electronics, and in some areas, the return of cigarettes and alcohol is prohibited by law.
8. Cash back
This final freebie is only available to executive members, but depending on your spending habits, it can be more than enough to cover the membership fee.
Executive members get 2% cash back on purchases of most merchandise sold at Costco. At the end of each anniversary year, the company sends members a check for all their earnings, which can be cashed at a local warehouse club. If you spend at least $250 a month at Costco, this perk covers the difference in price between the cost of a basic Gold Star membership and an Executive membership. Maximum cash back awarded is $1,000 per year.
Maryalene LaPonsie
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