Little-known fact: Costco has 24 unique special warehouses that offer exclusive products. They're called Costco Business Centers, and they're open to all Costco members.
But these spots aren't like regular Costcos. Everything is different, from food courts to products to delivery. Even the pricing is a bit different. Here's what you need to know to make a smart decision for your personal finances.
Costco Business Center vs. Costco Wholesale
Here's how the differences between the two break down:
Locations
Business Centers are way less common than Costco Wholesale Warehouses. They're concentrated in 12 states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, Nevada, Texas, Utah, and Washington.
You can find them in metropolitan areas, especially Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Products
Seventy percent of Business Center products differ from regular Costcos, according to Costco's website. Think office supplies, kitchen equipment, mega snack packs, and extra-bulk groceries, with an emphasis on bulk. For $17.59, you can buy 36 Kirkland hot dogs for that Fourth of July event you've got cooking.
Business Centers cater to a wide variety of businesses:
- Restaurants
- Coffee shops
- Offices
- Hotels
- Convenience stores
- Healthcare facilities
Business Centers offer supplies you need to host big events:
- Weddings
- Catering services
- Family gatherings
If you order delivery, Costco will handle the shipping and drop-off of oversized and heavy objects -- no need to rent a truck and move everything yourself.
Costco Business doesn't offer many wholesale products, including jewelry, books, clothes, and personal electronics. Of the 30% of items both stores sell, some may be cheaper at the Business Center Warehouses. You can compare prices online.
Delivery
Some Business Centers deliver. Delivery is two-day and exclusive to select commercial addresses. Commercial drop-off makes delivery convenient for business owners but less so for families. Families can order home delivery through Instacart, however.
The more you buy, the more you save. Business Centers charge $25 to deliver orders under $250. Consider shopping in person if you only plan on snagging a few low-cost items.
Business Center limited-time savings
Business Centers offer limited-time Savings Events, which provide special discounts on products. You can preview these on the CostcoBusinessDelivery.com website. Shop during events to buy new products for less -- that's more money in your checking account.
All Costco members can get up to 4% cash back with the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi at checkout. But Costco members who want the best cash back deals might consider other options. The best cash back credit cards offer as much as $5 back for every $100 spent in-store.
TL; DR: Costco Business Centers offer a unique selection of bulk products catered to businesses. Regular Costco shoppers may enjoy browsing options not available at Costco Wholesale locations. All Costco members can stop by to check out exclusive store deals.
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FAQs
Described by the company as “a different kind of Costco,” Costco's Business Centers offer a range of products — often in larger quantities — not usually found in a typical Costco. Among these products, Costco Business Center customers can expect to find office supplies, food-service equipment and resale-ready goods.
What is the difference between Costco Wholesale and Costco business Center? ›
Products. Seventy percent of Business Center products differ from regular Costcos, according to Costco's website. Think office supplies, kitchen equipment, mega snack packs, and extra-bulk groceries, with an emphasis on bulk.
Can I use my regular Costco card at a business center? ›
All Costco members can shop on CostcoBusinessDelivery.com or at any of the Costco Business Center warehouse locations. Do I need to purchase a special membership card to shop at the Costco Business Center? No. You can use your existing Costco membership card.
What doesn't Costco business Center sell? ›
Be prepared: Costco Business Center differs in many ways from your regular store. For example, it doesn't sell clothes, toys, and books, but you will find restaurant equipment, janitorial supplies, and more bulk food options.
Does Costco business Center do samples? ›
That said, Costco Business Centers can be lacking in other amenities for the retail customer. For instance, shoppers aren't likely to find seasonal items, clothing, books, toys or free samples at a Business Center, according to customers.
What are the advantages of Costco wholesale? ›
Low Prices
This is achieved by buying in bulk from suppliers and passing on the savings to customers. Additionally, Costco offers special discounts on certain items throughout the year, such as holiday sales or clearance items. This makes it easy for members to save money on their purchases.
What is the business center at Costco? ›
Of the 600-plus Costco locations currently open in the United States, 28 belong to a group of outlets known as Costco Business Centers, which are essentially Costco locations designed for business and restaurant operators, rather than the average consumer.
What is the benefit of Costco business membership? ›
A Business Executive Membership includes one free Household Card,* and allows you to purchase products for business, personal, and resale** use. Your Business Executive Membership is valid for one year at any Costco location worldwide, and at Costco.com.
How much is a senior membership at Costco? ›
There's much to be gained by getting a Costco membership when you're older. Unfortunately, though, Costco doesn't offer senior discounts. You'll need to prepare to pay $60 for a basic membership or $120 for an Executive membership. You may find, however, that the savings you enjoy can more than make up for those costs.
Which Costco membership is best? ›
The Gold Star membership is your better option if you don't spend a lot of money at the warehouse club. It also makes sense to opt for the Gold Star membership if you won't use any of the other perks that come with the Executive membership.
Some of these threats include:
- Intense competition: The retail industry is highly competitive, with many competitors vying for customers' attention and dollars. ...
- Economic downturns: Costco's focus on providing value to its members could be a weakness when consumers focus more on cutting expenses.
Costco membership is $60 a year. An Executive Membership is an additional $60 upgrade fee a year. Each includes a free Household Card.
What items will Costco not sell anymore? ›
32 things Costco won't sell anymore
- Half-sheet cakes. Costco. ...
- Polish dogs. pengrin™ / Flickr. ...
- Kirkland Signature Light Beer. CJ P. / ...
- All American Chocolate Cake. Matthew Jansick / Change.org. ...
- Hand-dipped ice cream bars. TJ Thomander / Change.org. ...
- Roundup. Mike Mozart / Flickr. ...
- BBQ beef brisket sandwich. ...
- Chocolate frozen yogurt.
This means that Costco Business Centers carry inventory that is helpful for small businesses, such as office supplies, restaurant goods, and bulk food and drinks. Because Costco Business Center is designed to cater to businesses, it provides services that aren't available at standard Costco warehouses.
Can any Costco member use the business center? ›
Shoppers hoping to see the inside of a Costco Business Center also don't need any special membership, as the warehouses are open to Costco members at any level. Unfortunately, the Business Center locations are few when compared to the typical stores.
What questions does Costco ask in business center interview? ›
Example Answers and Common Interview Questions At Costco
- What makes you interested in a job at Costco? ...
- If you are working on a high-priority task and a customer approaches you looking for help, what do you do? ...
- What was the most challenging problem you've faced, and how did you handle it?
A Business Executive Membership includes one free Household Card,* and allows you to purchase products for business, personal, and resale** use. Your Business Executive Membership is valid for one year at any Costco location worldwide, and at Costco.com.
What does wholesale mean in Costco? ›
Costco Wholesale Corporation operates an international chain of membership warehouses, mainly under the "Costco Wholesale" name, that carry quality, brand-name merchandise at substantially lower prices than are typically found at conventional wholesale or retail sources.
Is Costco a wholesaler retailer or both? ›
Costco might seem like a wholesaler, but it's actually a retailer since it sells goods directly to customers. Costco is able to use its revenue from membership fees to offset the cost of the goods it procures, leading to lower prices.
