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The Enduring Enigma of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

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Re: The Enduring Enigma of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

#51

Post by thecosas »

biastoact wrote: post #10

It is not unlike Prime Video and Prime Music (among others). When you run a membership program you create offers that increase the perceived value of the membership and engagement with your ecosystem. Similar is Costco gas, people wouldn’t drive out of their way for the discount if they didn’t already pay the membership. And while you are there you might as well pick up four times the bread you need, more milk than y…

A few things you can do at Costco without a membership:

  * Eat at the food court
  * Buy alcohol (in certain states, see below)
  * Get an eye exam
  * Get your hearing checked
  * Fill prescriptions at the pharmacy
States where you can buy alcohol w/o a membership:

  * Arizona
  * California
  * Connecticut
  * Delaware
  * Hawaii
  * Indiana
  * Massachusetts
  * Michigan
  * Minnesota
  * New York
  * Texas
  * Vermont
P.S. Looking for a better source, but here's a general list: https://thekrazycouponlady.com/tips/money/6-things-you-can-d...

Re: The Enduring Enigma of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

#52

Post by fencepost »

reaperducer wrote: post #43
ouid wrote: post #24

Earlier quoted context omitted.

The modern world. Milk no longer goes bad quickly.

I guess it depends on the definition of "quickly" and also where you live. In some cities I've lived, the expiration date of milk was often two or three weeks out. In other cities, it was 10 days maximum. I think it's because dairies (and cows) are not equally plentiful in every part of the country. One thing I have noticed is that in the places where regular milk expires in 10 days, the organic milk (which one famil…

Sell by dates for eggs and milk vary by state in many cases, for milk I believe Montana has the strictest one (10-12 days after pasteurization) but I've seen references to at least 20 states having their own regulations.

Re: The Enduring Enigma of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

#53

Post by implements »

jeremyt wrote: post #23
gowld wrote: post #18

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Your examples don't makes sense, as bread and milk (which Costco sells as multi-packs) keep fine in storage. Buying perishables and junk food would be a better example. Costco electronics prices are competitive and have the best return policy and practice in the industry.

In what world does milk "keep fine in storage"?

Fresh whole milk freezes ok, and only takes a few days to thaw out in a fridge. Same with bread, btw.

(To be fair, I think I'm the only person I know who does this)

Re: The Enduring Enigma of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

#54

Post by maerF0x0 »

dragonwriter wrote: post #13

> When California recently enacted a soft drink tax that would have raised the consumer's cost, Costco locations in the state switched the combo to include Diet Pepsi. The link supporting this claim refers to changes in San Francisco and Seattle locations as a result of city ordinances, not a statewide change in California.

Why dont they just remove the sugar from the syrup and offer packets or liquid syrup in containers like at coffee shops?

Re: The Enduring Enigma of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

#55

Post by fencepost »

While the article starts with a "we're losing money on these" anecdote, the article does not say that they're losing money in terms of selling the combo below cost. They are selling it for less than the market will bear, but that also applies to the rotisserie chickens ($5/3lb vs grocery stores at 2lb).

If it makes you feel better, think of the lost $0.50-$2 as being silently charged to their marketing budget behind the scenes with the money never actually flowing through Costco.

Edit: if you look into the economics of rotisserie chickens, I believe you'll find that Costco is actually making a nice profit on them despite the relative low cost vs competitors.

Re: The Enduring Enigma of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

#57

Post by basch »

arkades wrote: post #17
1701d wrote: post #16

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Except you don't have to be a member to eat at Costco.

You have to be a member, or accompanying a member, to walk in the door. The hot dogs lie beyond the checkpoint.

You can walk in the exit, and straight to the food court.

Re: The Enduring Enigma of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

#58

Post by pasquinelli »

wtfreally wrote: post #27
aviv wrote: post #5

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Taking care of employees has nothing to do with what I said. Tobacco companies also take care of their people. Panda Express and Five Guys are also well-liked by the customers who get sick consuming their products.

How do you get sick eating Panda Express? You can get veggies and noodles in addition to meat there...

food is scary and dangerous and it'll make you sick in subtle, imperceptible ways that'll eventually kill you. i just don't even bother with the stuff anymore tbh.

Re: The Enduring Enigma of Costco's $1.50 Hot Dog and Soda Combo

#59

Post by thx11389793 »

implements wrote: post #53
jeremyt wrote: post #23

Earlier quoted context omitted.

In what world does milk "keep fine in storage"?

Fresh whole milk freezes ok, and only takes a few days to thaw out in a fridge. Same with bread, btw. (To be fair, I think I'm the only person I know who does this)

I've known people to freeze bagels. Apparently they toast more or less equivalently compared to bagels stored above freezing.
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