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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

#11
post #7
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.

The real problem with what you said is probably the visit frequency of your average Costco customer. It's not likely to be the place you go often enough to get unhealthy off the hot dogs - the whole point is stocking up on items in bulk. A hotdog a month isn't going to make you need blood pressure or cholesterol meds.

That is a huge misconception. Many people use Costco as a frequent take out food place. Pizza and hotdogs. In my kids class alone I know of several parents who often pass by Costco on the way from school to feed kids dinner there. It's done far more often than you think.

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

#12
> 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.

What are they going to switch to when the state enacts a hot dog tax? Or a fat tax? Or a preservative tax? Or a disposable cup tax?

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

#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.

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

#14
post #3

The last thing they want to do is make it more expensive for their members to feed themselves sickness and disease. Costco reaps the benefits of having unhealthy members in their Pharmacy department among others, including over consumption of other food items, especially prepared factory foods and lower quality animal products.

Your cynicism is misplaced. CostCo may be a large money-making company, but they really seem to be "one of the good guys." They take care of their employees and are a well-liked consumer brand.

I think your lack of cynicism is misguided. CostCo doesn't "care" about anything but its bottom line, like any other corporation.

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

#15

> 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.

How is that possible, for Costco or for any restaurant that has a self-serve soda fountain?

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

#16

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…

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

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

#17
post #16

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…

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.

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

#18

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…

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.

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

#19
post #15

> 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.

How is that possible, for Costco or for any restaurant that has a self-serve soda fountain?

In those cities, Costco only offers diet drinks. They removed the sugary drinks from the fountain.

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

#20

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Your cynicism is misplaced. CostCo may be a large money-making company, but they really seem to be "one of the good guys." They take care of their employees and are a well-liked consumer brand.

I think your lack of cynicism is misguided. CostCo doesn't "care" about anything but its bottom line, like any other corporation.

Individuals also don't care anything but their bottom line, so this whole line of reasoning is void of meaning.
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