As a dedicated shopper and frequent writer about all things Costco, I was surprised to learn about one of the retailer’s lesser-known perks—Costco Next. If you’re a Costco member and haven’t yet discovered this feature, you might be missing out on some significant savings. Let’s dive into what Costco Next is, how it works, and whether it’s a benefit you should be using.
What is Costco Next?
Essentially, Costco Next is a shopping portal that offers exclusive discounts to Costco members. Think of it as a bridge between Costco and various manufacturers, providing special deals that you won’t find in Costco warehouses or on their main website. To access these deals, members need to log into their Costco account, navigate through the portal, and then they are directed to a dedicated page for each participating manufacturer.
The Pros of Using Costco Next
- Steep Discounts: The primary draw of Costco Next is the potential for substantial savings. Discounts on the portal can be quite significant, sometimes up to 40% off the retail price listed directly on the manufacturer’s website. For instance, high-quality Viking cookware sets and Nomatic backpacks were found at deeply discounted prices exclusive to Costco members through this platform.
- Access to Exclusive Products: Occasionally, Costco Next offers products that are out of stock or not even listed on the manufacturer’s regular site. This exclusive access can be a major plus if you’re hunting for specific items that are otherwise hard to find.
- Freedom from Costco’s Credit Card Restrictions: One of the frequent gripes about shopping at Costco is their restrictive credit card policy. Costco Next purchases are made directly from the manufacturer, which means you can use any credit card you prefer, not just those accepted by Costco.
The Cons of Using Costco Next
- Non-Reflective Pricing During Sales: While you might find generally lower prices on Costco Next, these don’t always reflect additional promotions or sales that the manufacturer might offer on their own site. For example, an Anker charger was cheaper through Anker’s direct promotional code than the discounted price on Costco Next.
- Limited Selection: The selection on Costco Next can be limited or different from what’s available directly from the manufacturers. If you’re looking for a very specific model or item, you might not find it on Costco Next.
- Costco’s Return Policy Does Not Apply: Perhaps the most significant downside is that purchases made through Costco Next are not subject to Costco’s generous return policy. Any returns or issues have to be handled directly through the manufacturer, which can vary significantly in terms of customer service and return flexibility.
Should You Use Costco Next?
Costco Next offers a mixed bag of benefits and drawbacks. It’s certainly worth exploring, especially if you are a Costco member interested in the products featured on the portal. The discounts can be compelling, and the access to products not widely available could make it an enticing option. However, it’s important to do your due diligence:
- Compare Prices: Always check if the product is available cheaper elsewhere, especially during sales.
- Review Return Policies: Understand the return policy of the manufacturer before making a purchase to avoid any post-purchase regrets.
- Check Product Availability: Ensure that the specific product model you need is available through Costco Next.
In conclusion, while Costco Next might not always offer the best deal available, it certainly provides value through exclusive discounts and products that can enhance your shopping experience. As with any shopping decision, informed choices are key—weigh the pros and cons, compare prices, and consider how the purchase terms align with your shopping preferences and needs.
