Potential Downsides To Buying Furniture At Costco That You Should Be Aware Of

Costco lures you in with promises of cheap toilet paper and bulk food products, but once you step inside, you realize just how much the membership store has to offer, including discounted gas, travel services, and big-ticket items like furniture. Whether you choose Costco's Executive Membership or stick with the basic Gold Star option, joining the club gives you access to affordable patio furniture, sofas, beds, and more, typically with a smaller markup than other stores.

However, one potential downside is the fact that you need the membership first before you can shop for your new furniture in person. You're required to scan your membership card with the membership scanner at the entrance of each warehouse before entering. Of course, you can visit the store with a friend if you want to check out the furniture before committing to a membership. If you find new furniture that you love, the cost of the membership is a small price to pay. Costco tends to offer high-quality pieces that might cost a little more, but they're typically cheaper than similar pieces at traditional furniture stores.

Costco.com allows non-members to purchase some items online, but the company charges a 5% surcharge if you don't have a membership. On a large purchase like furniture, you could easily pay more for the surcharge than you would for a basic membership. Some items are also members-only deals, so you might be limited in your furniture options. The need for a membership isn't the only issue, though. Online and in-store options are different, and you could face difficulties getting your furniture home affordably.

You can browse Costco's most reliable furniture brands in person and online but don't expect those experiences to be the same. The selection is often much larger online than it is in your local warehouse. When you browse the furniture online, you'll often see flags about specific pieces that indicate they're online-only options. If you don't see something in person that you like, you can check online to see if there's a better option. The drawback is that you won't be able to test it out for yourself before ordering it. Shopping in person lets you sit on the furniture to assess its comfort, support, quality, and fit for your body. In-store purchases also give you a chance to inspect the furniture thoroughly to check for quality construction. It's a gamble to buy furniture online since it's often a personal decision on what's comfortable. If you're unhappy with your purchase, Costco offers returns to warehouses or through its website, so you have a safety net if you don't love your online furniture choice. 

Another difference you might notice between warehouse locations and online purchases is the pricing. Some consumers note that certain furniture that's available for purchase in person is more expensive on the Costco website. If you find an item you like in the store, make a note of the price before you decide to buy it online for the free shipping. You may pay more for the same furniture piece online, making it a more economical option to pick it up yourself. 

Once you've picked out some of the best-rated living room furniture from Costco, you have to figure out how to get it to your house. When you purchase the furniture in a warehouse store, getting it home is all up to you. Costco warehouses don't typically offer delivery services when you purchase items in person. That's not a big deal if you have a truck and a few people to help you load and unload the pieces, but you'll have to make arrangements if that doesn't describe your situation. You could rent a moving truck or pickup truck if no one you know has a vehicle that will fit your new furniture.

If you order online, Costco ships your new furniture to your home. How Costco delivers bulky furniture depends on the shipping method you choose. Standard shipping is generally free, but the freight carrier will leave the furniture outside among all the Amazon packages and other deliveries. Other delivery options include curbside delivery to your driveway, threshold delivery in the first dry spot, and room of choice delivery where it's placed in a specific room. Costco also offers white glove delivery, which includes unpacking and setting up your furniture. While those upgraded delivery services are easier for you, they come with additional delivery fees that could cut into the savings on your furniture purchase.