As a bulk-buying haven, Costco has earned a cult following for its low prices, wide selection, and quality in-house brands. But in the age of e-commerce and home delivery, many shoppers want the Costco value without the Costco crowds. Enter Costco delivery: the warehouse giant‘s answer to Amazon, Walmart, and other competitors vying for your online grocery dollars.
In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll cover everything you need to know about getting Costco delivered to your door, including:
- A full breakdown of Costco‘s delivery services and fees
- Which products you can (and can‘t) get delivered
- Tips for saving money on Costco delivery orders
- How Costco delivery compares to other grocery delivery options
- Insights on the future of Costco delivery
Whether you‘re a die-hard Costco fan or just curious about the hype, read on to become an expert on all things Costco delivery.
Costco‘s Delivery Services: The Complete Breakdown
Costco offers several delivery options tailored to different products and customer needs:
Same-Day Delivery via Instacart
For groceries and household essentials, Costco partners with Instacart to offer same-day delivery with a $35 minimum order. An Instacart shopper will go to your local Costco, pick your items, and deliver them within hours. The delivery fee ranges from $5.99-$11.99 based on order size, plus a 10-15% service fee.
Instacart+ members get free delivery on orders over $75. According to Instacart, the most popular Costco items ordered for same-day delivery are:
- Kirkland Signature Organic Whole Milk
- Bananas
- Kirkland Signature Organic Eggs
- Avocados
- Kirkland Signature Rotisserie Chicken
However, not all Costco items are available through Instacart. You generally cannot get alcohol, apparel, electronics, or large items delivered same-day.
2-Day Delivery from CostcoGrocery
For non-perishables and select non-food items, CostcoGrocery offers 2-day delivery for orders over $75. You‘ll find a more extensive selection here than on Instacart, including:
- Pantry staples like coffee, nuts, and cooking oil
- Canned goods and dry goods
- Cleaning supplies and paper products
- Health and beauty items
- Pet food and supplies
- Small appliances like blenders and toaster ovens
Delivery is free on orders over $75, making this a cost-effective way to stock up on household basics without a brick-and-mortar trip.
Costco Logistics for Big & Bulky Items
For oversized items like furniture, mattresses, and large appliances, Costco Logistics provides scheduled in-home delivery and basic installation. The delivery cost is included in the price, and you can choose your preferred delivery date at checkout.
Some of the most popular large items delivered through Costco Logistics are:
- Refrigerators
- Dishwashers
- Washing Machines
- Sofas & Sectionals
- Mattresses
- Patio Furniture Sets
Costco also offers a "White Glove Delivery" service for an added fee, where the delivery team will unbox, assemble, and place your items in the room of choice.
Costco Pharmacy Delivery
The Costco Pharmacy now delivers prescription medications and other pharmacy items to your door anywhere in the US. Delivery is free for orders over $50 or a flat $2.99 fee for smaller orders. You can also add OTC medicines, supplements, and medical supplies to your delivery order.
To use Costco Pharmacy delivery, you‘ll need to create a separate online pharmacy account and provide your prescription information. Costco works with a third-party delivery service to ship orders securely and discreetly.
Where is Costco Delivery Available?
Costco‘s delivery coverage varies by service and location. Here‘s a general breakdown:
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Same-Day Instacart Delivery: Available in most major metros with a Costco warehouse. Check your zip code on Costco.com to confirm eligibility.
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CostcoGrocery 2-Day Delivery: Ships to the lower 48 states plus, with an added fee for HI and AK orders. Enter your zip code at checkout to get shipping quotes.
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Costco Logistics In-Home Delivery: Available in the continental US. Certain large items may have more limited delivery zones.
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Costco Pharmacy Delivery: Ships to all US states and territories. Some restrictions may apply for controlled substances.
Note that Costco does not deliver to PO boxes, military addresses, or international locations at this time.
How Much Can You Save with Costco Delivery?
One of the main draws of Costco is its savings over traditional supermarkets and retail stores. But do those savings hold up when you factor in delivery costs? Let‘s break it down.
According to a 2023 price comparison by Consumer Reports, Costco offered the lowest overall prices among grocery delivery services, beating out Amazon Fresh, FreshDirect, Peapod, and Safeway. On a basket of 30 common grocery items, Costco‘s prices via Instacart were 27% lower than the average of the other retailers.
However, when compared to in-store Costco prices, that same basket of groceries cost 21% more for same-day delivery, including fees and tips. So while Costco delivery is still cheaper than other grocery delivery options, you‘ll pay a premium over shopping in the warehouse.
For 2-day CostcoGrocery delivery and large item delivery, the prices are typically the same as in-store, with delivery included in the price. So as long as you hit the $75 minimum for CostcoGrocery, you won‘t pay extra for the convenience of delivery.
To maximize your Costco delivery savings, consider the following tips:
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Stick to Costco‘s in-house Kirkland Signature brand for top value. These products are often 20-30% cheaper than name brands.
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Avoid impulse buys and stick to your list. It‘s easy to get carried away with Costco‘s bulk deals, but overbuying leads to waste.
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Compare unit prices to ensure you‘re getting the best deal on bulk items. Sometimes the large pack isn‘t the most cost-effective.
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Order non-perishable items for 2-day delivery to get free shipping and avoid Instacart fees. Stock up on shelf-stable goods this way.
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Split bulk perishables with a friend or neighbor to take advantage of low prices without overbuying. You can alternate Costco delivery orders.
Costco Delivery vs. the Competition
Costco is far from the only retailer offering grocery delivery these days. So how does it stack up against the other major players? Here‘s a quick comparison:
| Retailer | Delivery Options | Fees | Minimum Order |
|---|---|---|---|
| Costco | Same-day, 2-day, scheduled large item | $5.99-$11.99 for same-day, free for 2-day/large item over $75 | $35 for same-day |
| Sam‘s Club | Same-day via Instacart | $9.99 for orders under $35 | $35 |
| Walmart | Same-day, free in-store pickup | $9.99 for orders under $35 | $35 |
| Amazon Fresh | Same-day, free with Prime | Free with $150 Prime grocery order | $35-$50 |
| Target | Same-day via Shipt | $9.99 for orders under $35 | $35 |
As you can see, Costco‘s delivery fees and minimums are in line with or better than other grocery retailers. And with its CostcoGrocery 2-day delivery, it offers a service similar to Amazon Prime Pantry, but with no membership fee for shipping.
One area where Costco lags is in ultra-fast delivery. While Amazon Fresh and Walmart+ now offer free 1-2 hour delivery for select items, Costco‘s fastest option is still same-day. But for shoppers who prioritize value over speed, Costco delivery is still a strong contender.
The Future of Costco Delivery
The pandemic-driven e-commerce boom has not spared Costco. In 2022, the retailer‘s online sales grew 63%, reaching over $18 billion. And according to a company survey, 68% of Costco members used at least one delivery option in the past year.
As Costco invests in its e-commerce capabilities, industry analysts predict several areas for potential growth and innovation:
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Expanding same-day delivery coverage: Costco plans to add more eligible zip codes for Instacart same-day delivery, focusing on areas with high concentrations of members.
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Ultra-fast delivery options: To compete with Amazon Fresh and Walmart+, Costco may launch a 1-2 hour delivery service for select high-demand items.
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More non-grocery categories: Costco has seen strong online sales for home goods, furniture, and office supplies. Expect an expanded selection of these items available for delivery.
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Sustainable delivery solutions: As delivery demand grows, Costco is exploring ways to reduce packaging waste and emissions from delivery vehicles. This may include reusable totes, electric delivery vans, and eco-friendly packing materials.
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Improved e-commerce experience: Costco is investing in its website and app to make online ordering and delivery tracking more seamless for members. Look for personalized recommendations, easy reorder options, and more.
While Costco may never match Amazon‘s delivery speed and selection, its strategic investments suggest home delivery will be a key pillar of its business moving forward. As Jim Sinegal, Costco‘s co-founder and former CEO, put it: "We continue to build on the value proposition that has served us so well over the years, but we also recognize the need to evolve with our members‘ changing needs and expectations."
Conclusion
In the age of instant gratification and doorstep delivery, Costco has proven that value and convenience can coexist. With several delivery options covering groceries, household essentials, pharmacy, and large items, Costco members can now get their bulk buy fix without braving the warehouse crowds.
While Costco delivery comes with some added costs over in-store shopping, it still offers significant savings compared to other online grocery retailers. And with free shipping on most 2-day and large item deliveries, Costco‘s value proposition holds up well in the digital age.
As Costco continues to invest in its e-commerce capabilities and expand its delivery offerings, expect this retail giant to be a major player in the grocery delivery wars. For savvy shoppers looking to save time and money, Costco delivery is a convenience worth considering.
