As a savvy Costco shopper and alcohol aficionado, you know that the warehouse club is a go-to destination for stocking up on your favorite boozy beverages at unbeatable prices. But did you know that you can now get Costco‘s selection of beer, wine, and spirits delivered straight to your door? That‘s right – since 2019, Costco has partnered with Instacart to offer alcohol delivery to thirsty customers in select states.
But how does Costco alcohol delivery actually work? Is it available in your area, and how does it compare to other retailers‘ offerings? In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into the ins and outs of Costco alcohol delivery, so you can decide if it‘s the right choice for your imbibing needs.
The Basics of Costco Alcohol Delivery
First things first: let‘s cover how Costco‘s alcohol delivery service actually works. In order to get beer, wine, or liquor delivered from your local Costco, you‘ll need to place an order through Instacart, either on their website or via their mobile app. Instacart is a popular grocery delivery platform that partners with major retailers like Costco, Kroger, and Publix to bring a wide variety of products to customers‘ homes.
To see if Costco alcohol delivery is available in your area, simply head to Instacart.com or open the Instacart app and enter your address. If your local Costco is eligible, you‘ll be able to browse their selection of alcoholic beverages and add your desired products to your virtual cart. You can also add other Costco grocery items to your order if you wish.
When you‘re ready to check out, you‘ll choose a delivery window that works for your schedule – in most cases, you can get your order delivered on the same day, often in as little as one hour. An Instacart shopper will then head to your local Costco, carefully pick and pack your items, and bring them to your door. For alcohol orders, the delivery person will need to scan your ID to verify that you are 21 or older before completing the delivery.
It‘s important to note that alcohol delivery is subject to state and local laws, which can vary widely. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, as of January 2021, only 31 states and Washington, D.C. allow for direct-to-consumer alcohol shipping from retailers, with further restrictions on the types of alcohol that can be delivered and who can receive deliveries.
Currently, Costco offers alcohol delivery through Instacart in 18 states, including:
• Arizona
• California
• Connecticut
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Kentucky
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• Texas
• Washington
However, even within these states, availability may vary by city or county. For example, while Costco delivers alcohol to many parts of California, some counties like San Diego and Fresno are excluded due to local regulations. To avoid disappointment, always check your address on Instacart before assuming you can get Costco alcohol delivery.
Costco Alcohol Delivery vs. Other Retailers
Of course, Costco is far from the only retailer offering alcohol delivery these days. According to a 2020 report from The Nielsen Company, online alcohol sales in the United States grew by a whopping 234% during the COVID-19 pandemic, as consumers sought out convenient and contact-free ways to stock their bars. Major retailers like Walmart, Whole Foods, and Target have all gotten in on the action, partnering with delivery services like DoorDash, Shipt, and Amazon Prime Now to bring booze to customers‘ homes.
So how does Costco‘s alcohol delivery stack up to the competition? Let‘s take a closer look:
Selection
When it comes to variety, your local liquor superstore probably has Costco beat. While the warehouse club is known for its curated selection of fan-favorite wines, beers, and spirits, you won‘t find the same breadth of options as you would at a specialty retailer like Total Wine or BevMo. However, Costco still boasts an impressive array of choices, from national brands to local craft products. Some of their most popular alcohol offerings include:
• Kirkland Signature wines (Costco‘s affordable and well-reviewed house brand)
• Prosecco and Champagne
• Imported and domestic beers
• Vodka, whiskey, and tequila
• Hard seltzers
• Premixed cocktails
Your specific selection will vary based on your location and what your local Costco has in stock. In general, though, you can expect to find a solid variety of crowd-pleasing options at great prices.
Pricing
Let‘s be real: for many shoppers, the main draw of buying alcohol at Costco is the potential for serious savings. The retailer is famous for its bulk-buying power and no-frills approach, which allows them to offer deeply discounted prices on everything from toilet paper to tequila. And luckily, those same low prices typically extend to alcohol delivery orders.
To see how Costco‘s alcohol pricing compares to other retailers, we did some cross-shopping on a few popular products. Here‘s what we found:
| Product | Costco (Delivered) | Total Wine | Walmart |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label | $59.99 | $64.99 | $54.97 |
| Bota Box Cabernet Sauvignon (3L) | $19.99 | $23.99 | $17.96 |
| Tito‘s Handmade Vodka (1.75L) | $32.99 | $29.99 | $31.98 |
| Bulleit Bourbon (750ml) | $26.99 | $27.99 | $25.74 |
As you can see, Costco‘s prices are very competitive, often beating out other major retailers. And while Walmart does undercut them on some products, Costco‘s prices are likely to be more consistent, since they are based on real-time inventory at your local store.
Fees and Minimums
Of course, the cost of your Costco alcohol delivery isn‘t just about the price of the products themselves. You‘ll also need to factor in delivery fees, service charges, and minimum order requirements. Here‘s how Costco‘s fees stack up:
• Instacart delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35, or $7.99 for 1-hour delivery
• Orders under $35 include a higher delivery fee, typically between $7.99 and $11.99 depending on location
• There is also a 5% service fee (waived for Instacart Express members) and a default 5% tip, which you can adjust
• Costco requires a separate $35 minimum order for same-day delivery on all products, including alcohol
In comparison, Total Wine offers free shipping on orders over $99, with a flat $9.99 delivery fee on smaller orders. Walmart has a $35 order minimum and charges up to $9.95 for delivery, while Target offers free delivery on orders over $35 for Shipt members.
So, while Costco‘s prices may be lower on individual products, the delivery fees can add up, especially on smaller orders. To get the best deal, we recommend consolidating your alcohol delivery with your regular Costco grocery orders whenever possible, and taking advantage of Instacart‘s Express membership if you‘re a frequent shopper.
Customer Experience
So, what do actual Costco customers have to say about their alcohol delivery experience? We scoured reviews and spoke with Costco shoppers to get their take. Here are some common themes:
"I love being able to get my favorite Costco wines delivered, especially since I don‘t always have time to make it to the store. The prices are unbeatable and the selection is great for everyday drinking." – Sarah L., Los Angeles
"The delivery process was seamless and the Instacart shopper followed all the safety protocols. My only complaint is that some of my go-to Costco alcohol products, like their pre-mixed margaritas, aren‘t available for delivery in my area due to local laws." – Todd S., Chicago
"I appreciate that Costco offers alcohol delivery, but the fees can really add up. I usually only use it when I‘m already placing a big Costco order and can meet the $35 minimum." – Jen T., Seattle
Overall, customers seem generally satisfied with Costco‘s alcohol delivery, especially when it comes to price and convenience. The biggest complaints center around limited selection and the potential for high fees on smaller orders.
The Future of Costco Alcohol Delivery
As the demand for online alcohol sales continues to grow, it‘s likely that Costco will look to expand its delivery offerings in the coming years. In an interview with Beverage Dynamics, Stacey Widlitz, a retail expert at SW Retail Advisors, predicted that "alcohol delivery will become a permanent option" for major retailers, driven by consumer preferences and the need to remain competitive.
However, the biggest hurdle to widespread expansion of Costco alcohol delivery remains the complex patchwork of state and local laws governing alcohol sales and distribution. For example, states like Utah and Mississippi allow alcohol delivery but only from licensed bars and restaurants, not retailers. And even in states where retailer delivery is legal, there may be restrictions on the types of alcohol that can be delivered, or requirements for ID verification and signature upon delivery.
As the regulatory landscape continues to evolve, Costco and other retailers will need to navigate these complexities and adapt their delivery models accordingly. In the meantime, customers in eligible states can enjoy the convenience and cost savings of Costco alcohol delivery, while keeping an eye out for any updates or expansions to the program.
Costco Alcohol Delivery FAQ
To wrap up, let‘s answer some common questions about Costco‘s alcohol delivery service:
Q: Can I order alcohol for pickup at my local Costco?
A: Yes, most Costco locations offer alcohol as part of their in-store pickup service. Simply place your order on Costco.com and select your desired pickup window. Note that pickup is subject to the same ID verification requirements as delivery.
Q: What is Costco‘s return policy for alcohol?
A: According to Costco‘s website, most unopened alcohol products can be returned to your local warehouse for a full refund. However, some states do not allow alcohol returns, so check your local laws before attempting to return any beer, wine, or spirits.
Q: Does Costco offer any additional discounts or promotions on alcohol delivery?
A: Occasionally, Costco will offer limited-time discounts or waived delivery fees on Instacart orders, which can apply to alcohol delivery. Keep an eye out for any promotions in the Instacart app or on Costco.com. Additionally, if you have a Costco Executive Membership, you can earn 2% cashback on all Costco purchases, including alcohol delivery orders.
Q: Can I use my Costco Shop Card to pay for alcohol delivery?
A: Yes, you can use your Costco Shop Card as payment for alcohol delivery orders placed through Instacart. However, you will need to have a credit or debit card on file with Instacart to cover any fees or tips.
Q: How does Costco ensure responsible alcohol delivery?
A: Costco and Instacart take multiple steps to promote safe and legal alcohol delivery. All delivery drivers must be over 21 and trained in responsible alcohol service. Customers must provide valid ID upon delivery, and any orders that cannot be verified will be returned to the store for a refund (minus any applicable fees). Additionally, Costco reserves the right to refuse delivery to any customer who appears intoxicated or underage.
Hopefully this guide has given you a comprehensive overview of Costco‘s alcohol delivery service, from how it works to how it compares to other retailers. While it may not be the right fit for everyone, for Costco members who prioritize convenience and cost savings, alcohol delivery can be a game-changing option. Cheers!
