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September 3, 2018

Costco or Amazon?

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Outside of the local grocery store in my neighborhood I do most of my shopping on Amazon or at Costco. My husband asked me earlier, “If you could only shop at ONE place for the rest of your life Amazon or Costco, which one would you choose”? Oh man, that one is hard for me!

Costco has it’s big bags of spinach that we use for our smoothies, cheese in a giant block, contact solution for a bargain and don’t forget their big bags of bacon bits!

Check out–>>> 10 Things You Should Be Buying at Costco and 10 More Things You Should Be Buying at Costco

But on the other hand, Amazon has it’s 2 day shipping which allows me to click and receive what I need all while shopping in my jammies. I like buying Instant Pots, my hair gel, and other random items like this amazing ice cream scoop from Amazon. Not to mention if you need to order a book!*

I guess what I’m trying to say is that I haven’t come to a conclusive answer! It’s so sad for me to think of my life without one or the other! Ha ha!

Please tell me your thoughts by commenting below. And tell me your favorite items to buy from both places!

Which one would you choose and why?

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*Karen Petersen is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

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75 Comments Filed Under: All Recipes, Tips

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Comments

  1. Gerry says

    July 2, 2019 at 2:26 pm

    Amazon, we have Sam’s and Costco and 1 year I belonged to both, but now just Sam’s as it is marginally closer. Like you said I get my 3 pounds of spinach from Sam’s but as a prime member and most stuff on free 1 day shipping I just love Amazon. Plus its easier to find the exotic stuff on line consistently. Alcohol free vanilla extract, cherry extract, mower deck belt, flea treatments, refrigerator filters and so much more.

    Reply
  2. Judy says

    June 30, 2019 at 6:57 pm

    i live in a pretty good sized college town in Tennessee. We have Sams Club, but no Costco. I shop way more at Amazon than I do at Sams. I obviously don’t shop at Costco at all since there is not one nearby.

    Reply
  3. Louise says

    June 30, 2019 at 6:04 pm

    The primary reason we are Costco members is the price of prescription eyewear. The savings over any other place we compared prices was about $300.00. That alone was worth the member price even if we purchased nothing else there. Over time we have purchased more and more at Costco. They are carrying more organic items also. We only shop Amazon for non food items and for gifts to be shipped to Alaska. By being prime members we easily save enough each year to pay for our prime membership. Sprouts is my choice for produce. Picking my own produce is important to me. It is just two of us most of the time. We do not need large amounts. Amazon’s return policy is less than stellar.

    Reply
  4. Sherry Poppe says

    June 30, 2019 at 4:13 pm

    Costco for sure. I enjoy seeing things and touching them before I buy them. I do some stuff on Amazon for things I can’t get at Costco. Car parts for one thing and just odd stuff as they usually have a better price than other places.

    Reply
  5. Sharon Dora says

    June 30, 2019 at 1:04 pm

    Amazon but I do like somethings at Costco. Their sizes are hard for only 3.

    Reply
  6. Kathy says

    June 30, 2019 at 6:30 am

    Amazon! Because they have everything and it gets delivered right to my door. I like Costco for certain things but I could live without it before I could live without Amazon.

    Reply
  7. Susan says

    June 30, 2019 at 4:33 am

    Amazon, absolutely no question. My husband and I are vegetarians so we buy most of our food from the wonderful, wide selection Amazon offers. For fresh fruits and vegetables, we love our local Farmer’s Market. We shopped at an area Costco once, we were not particularly impressed. We were even less impressed with Sam’s Club. No one has the endless variety of both practical and unique items that Amazon has, from great greeting cards, to enormous clothes selections, to jewelry, to garden supplies, just anything one could ever want or need. We even buy our two cats’ food from Amazon’s extensive pet supplies department.

    The bottom line is that there will always be people with different shopping habits and preferences so there is room for both in the economic landscape.

    Reply
  8. Viki Wooster says

    June 29, 2019 at 6:20 pm

    Costco or Amazon? We love them both, and shop at them for different things. Amazon has a way bigger variety, but I wouldn’t order food or clothes from them. We have Prime and love i, and we shop at Whole Foods, too. But we wouldn’t want to give up Costco. They curate what they sell, so you can pretty much rely on quality, and it’s easy to return stuff. We love that they are stocking more and more organic foods. My husband loves the food court, I love the samples. Sometimes we just go do the “big cruise” up and down every aisle to see what’s new.We just don’t buy perishables there unless they can be frozen, there’s just 2 of us.

    Reply
  9. Ann Moore says

    June 29, 2019 at 5:41 pm

    I am the only one in the house so I go to BJ’s. I know they were not on the list. BJ’s sells items in smaller quantities. I also go to Costco, but only buy a few items. Have never bought food from Amazon. Will have to check it out.

    Reply
    • Carol cote says

      June 29, 2019 at 7:22 pm

      It’s hard to choose! Personally, I think I’d go with Amazon. I can compare, review and make a decision, and buy it. I just ordered and received a bathing suit. I do go to Costco fairly often, but that’s for stuff that Amazon doesn’t carry.

      Reply
  10. Anita says

    June 29, 2019 at 5:26 pm

    I like both, but I prefer Costco because they have a physical store and I can see can see the items and feel
    them. I hate to have to wait for things to come by mail. If I am not happy with the item ten it takes such a long time for me to get the item, try it and return it. I like being able to get in our car and drive to the store.

    Reply
  11. Larry Gaines says

    June 29, 2019 at 5:01 pm

    Costco deals in Bulk and that makes it not friendly to a single person r a single senior and Amazon does always have wht I want and need

    Reply
  12. Mrs. C says

    June 29, 2019 at 4:35 pm

    Amazon has everything, not just food, but automotive items, shoes, clothing, books, and anything you can think of. Costco has mega quantities, limited choices and higher prices.

    My vote is Amazon Prime.

    Reply
  13. Debi says

    June 29, 2019 at 3:46 pm

    Costco!!!! I have to drive 35 miles to a Costco. It’s just my husband and myself. And we’re both 66 years old. We take a Saturday pack coolers and make an afternoon of it! Hit up Costco, Traders joes. Sprouts!!! Wehave been members since 1980’s! We also have Amazon prime but love my Costco!!

    Reply
  14. Gail says

    June 29, 2019 at 3:45 pm

    Costco is my first choice. I want to support brick and mortar stores before they all close and my only choice would be online shopping. In addition, Jeff Bazos is rich enough and uses his money to be an ultra liberal influencer.

    Reply
  15. Paula M Hutchinson says

    June 29, 2019 at 3:09 pm

    Amazon I can get anything I need and don’t need to leave my home. Costco’s sells alot of stuff in bulk but there is only two of us and we are in our 70’s so we don’t need large quanities of anything. In any kind of weather you have what you order it comes in two days. I use local for staples like bread milk and things like that.

    Reply
  16. Grace Arnold says

    June 29, 2019 at 3:05 pm

    My husband would choose Costco. He loves the samples, the organic carrots (our dogs’ favorite treat), and the automotive section. I would have to say Amazon is my choice. We are centrally located in the middle of nowhere and I have mobility issues, so with my Prime membership, it is so much easier for me to find the things I need. I have even started buying some of our groceries and cleaning supplies. I forgot the Whole Foods discount, but it is almost a half hour to our new store and I’ve never been there. 8-(

    Reply
  17. Joanne Simeon says

    June 29, 2019 at 2:29 pm

    I love them both! But I think I’d have to go with Amazon if I could only have one. Amazon has just about everything I’ve ever needed and it comes right to my door or to the door of someone I’m sending a gift to! Just can’t beat that!

    Reply
  18. Bonnie Lippincott says

    June 29, 2019 at 2:22 pm

    I’m with you on this question. Both have their place in my shopping. My husband loves Costco’s peeled and ready to eat hard boiled eggs (I’ve tried to switch him to Instant Pot eggs, but he prefers Costcos! It’s a small thing and I don’t sweat it.) I love walking through the aisles, sampling the food, getting some exercise and finding the things we always buy there. I’m attempting to change my breakfast from cereal to more protein and Costco has some great breakfast items in the frozen foods. I like to have different things available, unlike my husband who eats the same thing for breakfast and lunch 6 days a week!
    And, where else can you get a great hot dog and drink for $1.50!

    Reply
  19. K says

    June 29, 2019 at 2:18 pm

    Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. I shop both.

    Reply
    • Laura says

      June 29, 2019 at 7:41 pm

      Agree K. Shop both for different reasons and products. Love ’em both however I have different shopping needs for each of these merchants and can not pick just one.

      Reply
  20. James Goacher says

    June 29, 2019 at 2:15 pm

    I have always followed the principle that if it wasn’t for the Corner Shop Sainsburys would be more expensive. So I use all.

    Reply
  21. edward g harris says

    June 29, 2019 at 1:51 pm

    Costco.. always something new, free food samples, all while getting exercise walking the isles.

    Reply
  22. Victoria Carroll says

    June 29, 2019 at 1:35 pm

    Amazon because like others before many of the things from Costco are too large in volume. Amazon because I can find items that Costco doesn’t have and neither do the local stores.

    Reply
  23. Christina says

    June 29, 2019 at 1:20 pm

    Amazon hands done. It has been my life line when my mother was seriously and I was caring for her and could not leave my home. Anything I needed for her medical needs or in general, I was able to find it on Amazon and it was delivered the next day. I was able to devote my time to caring for her without ever having to leave my home. I am forever grateful for the prompt service. I continue to be a loyal Amazon customer.

    Reply
  24. Dolores says

    June 29, 2019 at 1:05 pm

    No doubt about it, Amazon. Cancelled my COSTCO. They stopped carrying too many items I had learned to like and raised the price ridiculously on some others.

    Reply
  25. Roger Dickerson says

    June 29, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    Amazon for most non-food items. Costco or local grocery otherwise.

    Reply
  26. Gail says

    June 29, 2019 at 12:17 pm

    I do like Amazon. We are getting a Costco. Going to open in August. I am looking forward to going there. Currently, I go to Sam’s. It is going to be interesting to compare it to Costco. I also went to BJ’s but I stopped because Sam’s is closer. However, BJ’s did have some good bargains.

    Reply
  27. Denise Jansma says

    June 29, 2019 at 12:11 pm

    Definitely Costco!

    Reply
  28. Lin says

    June 29, 2019 at 11:39 am

    Most definitely Costco!

    Reply
  29. Brenda says

    June 29, 2019 at 11:33 am

    Are you kidding? AMAZON! You can find anything from clown props, to organic herbs, to obscure books, to Ankarsrum mixers. I always check amazon’s price before I buy anywhere else…and furthermore, there is no Costco’s near me :(. I shop at Sam’s.

    Reply
  30. Wanda says

    June 29, 2019 at 11:30 am

    Amazon because we don’t have Costco.

    Reply
    • Dianne says

      June 29, 2019 at 2:46 pm

      Same here! We don’t have Costco either and Amazon has a larger selection of everything you can imagine!

      Reply
  31. Marilyn Barnes says

    June 29, 2019 at 11:27 am

    Amazon for most non-food items. Costco or local grocery otherwise.

    Reply
  32. Linda says

    June 29, 2019 at 11:13 am

    I love Costco however whatever you can buy at Costco I am sure you could order it on Amazon as well. So I guess it would have to be Amazon!

    Reply
  33. Judith E. Comer says

    June 29, 2019 at 11:10 am

    I do not live anywhere near a Costco. I love Amazon and i shop there almost every week or sooner. I have Prime and i think they treat me very well!!

    Reply
  34. Julia Hassett says

    June 29, 2019 at 11:08 am

    This is easy for me!! AMAZON! We actually don’t have a Costco anywhere near us (but are getting one 13 miles away soon). However, we also have a Prime Warehouse 10 miles from us, so we often get things in 1 day. Our closest malls are 23 miles away, Sam’s is 13 miles away, both WalMarts are 10-13 miles away, and so on. I am Disabled with a Neurological Disease and being in Big stores with lots of people sets of symptoms. My husband and I can shop together and with Amazon’s “See it in your room” feature, we can see how it looks and fits. It makes me feel Normal

    Reply
  35. Rita Kauer says

    June 29, 2019 at 11:00 am

    Amazon. Lot of things you can get on Amazon they sell at Costco in some form or other. The rest I can shop at my local grocery store. For my age now I just don’t need the large quantities like I did when my kids were young. We use Amazon A lot!!! but luckily we really don’t have to choose!!!!!

    Reply
    • Peggy says

      June 29, 2019 at 11:12 am

      Costco is the best. I love their products. Fresh to cook with and last a long time in storage

      Reply
  36. Nancy Fairchild says

    June 29, 2019 at 10:57 am

    I have Amazon Prime and I love it. It’s not always easy to return things to Amazon. Costco is 75 miles from my home but I have a VIP membership and receive free shipping. I’m able to save return items until I make a trip to Costco and they never question the time of return or much else. I would hate to give either one up and could not choose one over the other as I use both for different things!

    Reply
    • Laura says

      June 29, 2019 at 7:47 pm

      ” It’s not always easy to return things to Amazon” Good point Nancy. Costco has a significantly more generous return policy unlike Amazon. As much as I love Amazon, the return policy needs to be lengthened. My niece registered for her baby shower at Amazon and her list included a Mamaroo swing. Shower was in March and baby arrived in June. Called Amazon to see if baby registry items had a longer return time than the usual 30 days. Was told no and got the swing at Buy Buy Baby, which gave her a year to return the swing. With my coupon, the cost at BBB was only $5 more than Amazon.

      Reply
  37. Deanna Noonan says

    June 29, 2019 at 10:52 am

    Since Costco means over an hour drive in all 4 directions, I use Amazon for most things. Plus, I have Amazon Prime, which pays for itself in a short time.

    Reply
  38. Christina in SW FL says

    June 29, 2019 at 10:48 am

    I have Amazon Prime which gives me discounts at Whole Foods… but I never shop there. Costco is 7+ miles away Inot too far) but I ‘d have to get dressed (poooooor baby!), get a membership and drive there. I shop for one and Costco is not cost effective. I choose Amazon

    Reply
  39. Sharon Schroeter says

    June 29, 2019 at 10:46 am

    I don’t have to choose, because we don’t have a Costco near us. Many years ago when we lived in Washington state, I went to Costco because Amazon wasn’t available in those days. I think some of the comments are right–they are definitely different–depends on what you asr looking for. Would your husband rather have Lowe’s Home Improvement store or Ace hardware? HaHa

    Reply
  40. Macks smith says

    September 19, 2018 at 4:57 pm

    Its.hard.have go with costo.all because all my town has is high price Dillions.and china import wal mart.And Aldi.thats it Dillions ran out.Albertsons,Safeway.checkers.alphea beta.Just high price Dillions with kroger brand.Naw Kirkland is better.and costo prices beat dillions.Please we need a better grocery store .Oh target has food items but are high prices.Please publix come here or winn dixie

    Reply
  41. Stephen says

    September 10, 2018 at 7:38 am

    There are plusses and minuses with both. Because there’s only two adults in my household Costco often sells things in too great quantities and I find that perishables will be wasted. In Canada Amazon doesn’t have a lot of grocery items. But I do buy Costco paper products and meats which I freeze. Amazon is great for delivering things promptly and in both cases prices are pretty good. I guess I chose Costco because it’s convenient – i.e. near to my home – and I can get grocery items. But for many things, Amazon is better. It’s an impossible choice and I like them both.

    Reply
  42. SandieB says

    September 9, 2018 at 10:44 am

    I enjoy both, but if I had to choose, it would be Amazon because you don’t have to shop in bulk and you can buy most anything. Would miss those $5 rotisserie chickens though!

    Reply
  43. Brenda says

    September 7, 2018 at 7:06 pm

    It is a great thing that we do not have to make a choice between Costco and Amazon. We can like them both for different reasons and dislike different things about both. This makes us humans

    Reply
  44. ken says

    September 5, 2018 at 8:28 pm

    A jar of minced garlic from Costco. Saves a bunch of time.

    Reply
  45. Lisa says

    September 4, 2018 at 9:48 am

    I’ve never been in Costco. Amazon is fantastic, but I’ve never bought food from there. There are too many good grocery stores around both my workplace and home, and I can pick my own foods.

    Reply
  46. Jocelyne Comeau says

    September 4, 2018 at 7:29 am

    I love both but I chose Costco because of the food especially the meat I like to see what I buy.

    Reply
  47. Charles M Brown III says

    September 4, 2018 at 12:06 am

    Well, it comes down to the type of store that Amazon is and the kind of store that Costco is. Amazon has many more types of items through its stores and affiliate stores, while Costco has mostly the same items in its stores. Variety is necessary if I am going to give up one store or the other forever. Amazon wins hands down by my way of thinking

    Reply
  48. Marilyn says

    September 3, 2018 at 9:11 pm

    I like Amazon Prime for non food items, like my Instant Pot for half price. I shop at Sams Club, Walmart, Stater Brothers or Albertsons for food shopping. I like to pick my own groceries. I belong to Costco but shop less and less so I’m thinking about not paying the $60.00 membership again.

    Reply
  49. Judi says

    September 3, 2018 at 8:25 pm

    Impossible choice as I don’t buy the same things from both of them so it is not an even choice.

    Reply
  50. SandyToes says

    September 3, 2018 at 6:59 pm

    This was a really tough choice, because I love both places. I can see, touch and taste at Costco, but they have a limited selection. When I can’t find an item I want locally, I go to Amazon and they almost always have it.

    In the end, it has to be Amazon. I bought my pressure cookers and slow cooker there, and when I wanted a new food processor Amazon had exactly the model I wanted. Costco can’t compete on sheer number of brands and models of kitchen goods.

    Reply
    • Jacqui Marlin says

      September 3, 2018 at 7:14 pm

      I am sort of in the same boat but I definitely can’t make a choice. I have to drive almost 100 miles each way to get to Costco but for produce, eggs, meat, etc. it is worth the drive once a month. For non-food items it is more often Amazon but because I live in HI there are sometimes shipping problems. Some sellers don’t seem to know that HI is part of the US! Memberships in both save me money in the long run and I would not know which to give up.

      Reply
  51. Deborah says

    September 3, 2018 at 6:41 pm

    I went strictly on volume. Yes, I love both and shop both BUT I can see and touch fresh foods at Costco. All the rest…Amazon!

    Reply
  52. Karen says

    September 3, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    Costco delivers too! No brainer!!

    Reply
  53. DENISE says

    September 3, 2018 at 5:36 pm

    Since there is no Costco close I chose Amazon but really I like Aldi’s for food items. Can’t beat their prices and selection. I never order food from Amazon although I do like getting cooking tools from them.

    Reply
    • MARY BURCH says

      September 3, 2018 at 6:29 pm

      What I despise about Aldi’s is their low quality meat and their produce is either rotten or close to it. Their brand of items are also low quality. Their laundry detergent is like washing our clothes with plain water because Aldi’s laundry detergent does not get our clothes clean. Their soap irritates our sensitive skin. Our grandkids hate their brand of cereals that even pigs won’t touch. (Pigs normally eat everything. When there is something that pigs will not eat, it’s really bad!!!

      Reply
      • Claudine says

        September 4, 2018 at 3:28 am

        I live in rural France and my Aldi’s meat and fresh produce is TOPS!
        They have fruits and veg deliveries every day.
        Granted, I have to drive 20 minutes to shop there, but I do the food shopping once a week and I list what I need, as well as what’s on offer that week in the 3 shops I frequent for food before I drive there.
        Amazon is good for “foreign” food items (I certainly cannot find good Mexican or US products in the shops where I live!)

        Reply
      • Gail says

        June 29, 2019 at 11:28 am

        I love our Aldis. Produce is always fresh, meat selection and price are good too. Maybe it’s the manager who is not doing his/her job at your store that makes it a bad experience. It’s my favorite store!

        Reply
  54. Karin says

    September 3, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    I would not be able to choose. Sorry. I love them both and purchase different things from each of them.

    Reply
  55. Debbie says

    September 3, 2018 at 5:26 pm

    I shop Amazon prime but I don’t get groceries on Amazon. If I had to choose one, it would be COSTCO. Unfortunately I live 90 minutes from any Costco so it’s not an option except for occasional trips. If I lived close to one, hands down I would be at Costco for most things.

    Reply
  56. Barbara says

    September 3, 2018 at 5:19 pm

    I would have a hard time giving up either one! Costco is my go-to source for pantry staples, frozen food, OTC medications,glasses and contacts. Amazon is pretty much everything else!

    Reply
  57. B J Zeagler says

    September 3, 2018 at 5:05 pm

    Costco:I want to choose my own food.

    Reply
  58. Kathy713 says

    September 3, 2018 at 4:53 pm

    Amazon as they have a much larger selection then Costco. Plus you cannot beat their 2 day shipping with Prime

    Reply
  59. Dak says

    September 3, 2018 at 4:49 pm

    My vote is for Costco. While there is a larger selection available from Amazon, Costco treats their employees with a respect that amazon sorely lacks, with Costco providing a living wage and benefits, Amazon doesn’t pay its lower-level employees a fair wage, while it’s CEO Bezos is the richest person in the world.

    Reply
    • Kathleen Grover says

      September 3, 2018 at 5:09 pm

      Exactly!

      Reply
    • Kim Osborne says

      September 3, 2018 at 10:27 pm

      Agree!

      Reply
    • Carole Miles says

      June 29, 2019 at 4:46 pm

      How do you know that Costco employees are “respect ed” and paid a better wage than Amazon employees? Doesn’t sound like a fact that can be substantiated. The comment about Mr. Bezos…why does it matter to you how much money he has made? Or what he does with it? Jealous? Come up with a really good idea that no one else has, work really hard to build it up and maybe you won’t be able to find the time complain about how much money 💰 someone else makes.

      Reply
  60. SCOTT SWANBERRY says

    September 3, 2018 at 4:41 pm

    I love both Costco and Amazon for separate reasons. I like the fresh items at Costco e.g beef, rotisserie chicken; produce (my chickens love carrots). I got a great deal on a washer / dryer set from Costco. My bedroom set came from Costco. I book car rentals thru Costco Vacation. My next car purchase may come via Costco. I bought my last car battery and tires from Costco. Amazon has alot of products and product categories that Costco does not. I love Amazon Prime for the movies, music, 2-day shipping, etc.

    Reply
  61. Sherry says

    September 3, 2018 at 4:37 pm

    You should include Sam’s Club as well. I’ve never been to Costco…but I love my Sam’s Club! I also use Amazon so my answer for my two would be both!

    Reply
  62. Terrylynn says

    September 3, 2018 at 4:28 pm

    Amazon for non food items, prime members get next day delivery.
    Costco for food items. They give same day delivery through local delivery services and next day thru Costco.

    Reply
  63. Joyce Dvorak says

    September 3, 2018 at 4:27 pm

    Although I am a Costco shopper and fan, Amazon has a much greater variety of items. It can make like much easier for this working mom!!

    Reply

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Hi, I’m Karen. I know that dinner time can be less than relaxing. Busy schedules and cranky kids and a hundred other things can lead to weariness when it comes to putting dinner on the table. I can help! I make homemade, family-friendly slow cooker and Instant Pot dinners and share the recipes with you.

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