Most trips to Costco mean a trunk full of groceries and the odd free sample. But the wholesaler sells a ton of other products, including TVs. While that can spell big savings (Costco is rightly acclaimed for its many savings opportunities), there are certain circumstances when you might want to shop elsewhere for your new TV.
1. You don’t live within 50 miles of a Costco warehouse
There are about 800 Costco stores worldwide. Still, not everyone is going to have access to a physical store within convenient driving distance, and even if you do, you may not want to lug a big TV back to your car and drive it home. So it makes sense that you may opt for delivery, which Costco offers online.
But there’s a big limitation here: The store only offers delivery for people who are within 50 miles of a Costco warehouse. So, depending on where you live, you may not have that option.
2. You don’t have a Costco membership (and don’t want one)
If you live close to a Costco, but don’t have a membership, you’ll pay a 5% surcharge on any online purchase. For context, Costco memberships cost at least $60 per year (soon to be a minimum of $65, when membership prices increase on Sept. 1). So for a $1,000 TV, you’d either need to pay $1,060 (if you opt for a membership) or $1,050 (without a membership, but with the surcharge).
You should also note that there would be extra shipping and handling fees for those who live in Alaska, Hawaii, or Puerto Rico. Depending on the TV model you want, you may find a cheaper option elsewhere.
3. You want a wider selection to choose from
Costco may offer savings opportunities, but that comes at a cost: Your options for TVs can be significantly narrower than you might find at other retailers. In fact, Costco only carries TVs from six brands:
- Samsung
- LG
- Sony
- Hisense
- TCL
- Sanus
If, for example, you want a TV from popular brands like Vizio, Panasonic, or Toshiba, you wouldn’t have any options here. The limited selection can also make it harder to compare those options to ones from other retailers. While not the biggest hurdle, it is 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 represent a big investment in your entertainment. And while Costco can offer very low prices on products, particularly when paired with the right credit card, for some, it simply isn’t the best (or cheapest) option. That’s especially true for those who don’t live close to a Costco or aren’t located within the continental U.S.
In that case, there are other retailers that may be better equipped to meet your needs and deliver a TV that you love.
