Costco is known for enticing shoppers with their exclusive memberships, bulk buying, and crazy deals. However, many Costco shoppers are unaware of Costco Business Centers, which can also help save shoppers sufficient money.
So, what is a Costco Business Center, and is it worth visiting? I did some digging, and here is what I’ve learned from my research!
Key Takeaways
What Is a Costco Business Center In 2022?
Costco Business Centers are targeted towards small business owners for buying a range of office supplies, drinks, and snacks that can’t be found at traditional Costco Warehouses. Currently, there are 17 Costco Business Centers operating in the US, which anyone can visit with a Costco membership.
To find out more information about a Costco Business Center, what type of membership you need to visit, and the benefits, then keep reading!
What Is The Difference Between Costco And A Costco Business Center?
A Costco Business Center is usually smaller than a regular Costco, with the shopping process being stripped back for shoppers to make it more straightforward.
Despite being smaller, it is reported that Costco Business Centers offer unique items. In addition, 70% of the items found in a Costco Business Center are unavailable in a regular Costco, giving customers an incentive to visit.
A Costco Business Center also offers fewer amenities than a regular Costco, meaning they cannot provide facilities such as gas stations, free samples, pharmacies and hearing centers, and photo services.
Costco Business Centers are also reportedly unable to sell some of the items found in regular Costco, such as clothes, toys, books, and electronics.
Additionally, Costco Business Centers focuses more on snacks, office supplies, and cleaning supplies to tailor businesses.
Some Costco Business Centers may still offer food courts to visit, though, with customers reporting shorter lines and quicker wait times.
When Are Costco Business Centers Open?
A Costco Business Center has different opening hours to a regular Costco. For example, the opening hours for a Costco Business Center are Monday to Friday 7 am-6 pm, Saturday 7 am-4 pm, and closed on Sundays.
The Costco Business Center website is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Can I Buy From Costco Business Center Online?
Yes, it is possible to order from a Costco Business Center online, by phone, or by fax to be delivered to your home or business. The website for Costco Business Center is open 24/7 to make it accessible to shoppers.
Orders of less than $100 (before tax but before instant savings are applied) from Costco Business Center online will be charged $10 for delivery.
It can take between 2 to 5 working days for your Costco Business Center to arrive at your home or business.
Do I Need A Special Membership For Costco Business Center?
You do not require a business membership to access a Costco Business Center. However, if you are in possession of a Costco membership, you are able to access a Costco Business Center to shop.
Simply show your Costco membership at the door to be allowed access to Costco and Costco Business Center.
Do Costco Business Members Have Early Access To Costco Business Center?
Those with Costco memberships or Costco business memberships are not given early access to Costco Business Center. Early access is usually reserved for Costco Gold Members, which costs $120 a year.
A Costco Business Center usually opens earlier than a regular Costco, and the earlier shoppers go, the more likely they are to secure bargains.
What Are The Benefits Of Costco Business Center?
A Costco Business Center usually offers fewer queues and a more orderly layout making it easier to navigate. Items at Costco Business Center are generally also available in larger bulk sizes to purchase, including 40lbs of potatoes.
Costco Business Centers also stock items such as neon signs for businesses, such as advertising food or drinks, that can help companies save money on things such as these that would regularly be pricey!
Costco Business Centers frequently run savings events that customers do not need coupons to participate in, as deals are applied directly at the register.
In addition, savings event promotions at Costco Business Centers can be previewed up to 14 days before the event occurs, meaning shoppers can save even more!
It is also possible to have your items from Costco Business Center delivered to your home or business, as Costco Business Center advertises, ‘truckload’. This makes it easier to have larger orders delivered to you from the Costco Business Center.
How Do I Get A Costco Business Membership?
If you would like a Costco business membership, you can apply for one in-store or online at Costco. To sign up, you will need proof of your business, such as providing a business license or 3 documents pertaining to your business.
To activate your Costco business membership, you will need to go to a Costco Warehouse so a member of the Costco staff can verify your documents.
If you want to resell items purchased from a Costco or a Costco Business Center, you will need a Costco business membership to allow for resale to be legal. With your Costco business membership, you will also be given an additional Costco membership card for free.
To learn more, you can see our related posts on the Costco Cash Card, why Costco is so cheap, and how to get free shipping at Costco.
Conclusion
A Costco Business Center is a smaller, toned-down version of a regular Costco offering rare items in larger sizes. It is ideal for businesses as it offers items that can be resold and help benefit shoppers.
Costco Business Centers are not just accessible to those with a Costco business membership. Anyone with a Costco membership can visit and shop to secure deals!