We have the VIP and it's because if you spend the $ you will make it back in the percentage back.
Costco Norfolk is our go-to. It's busy, yes, but it's also efficient, well run, and honestly just easier than a lot of other locations. The layout makes sense, the aisles are wide enough to not feel like a contact sport, and things are generally where you expect them to be, which I deeply appreciate when I'm on a mission.
The staff here are consistently solid & helpful without hovering, quick at checkout, and clearly used to handling volume. Even when it's packed, it moves. That alone puts it ahead of a lot of big-box stores.
The selection is reliable, and this location usually has what we're looking for without feeling chaotic or picked over. Produce is good, the staples are stocked, and it doesn't have that "everything is gone and no one knows why" energy some stores get.
Is it Costco? Yes. Is it crowded sometimes? Also yes. But this location runs smoothly, feels organized, and doesn't make me regret my life choices while shopping. That's a win in my book.
We choose this location intentionally and will keep doing so. So rotisserie chicken isn't the only thing you get as a benefit so I wanted to include my running list of wins with a membership *all for just a standard membership
Costco Travel. This is one of the most underused perks. You can book full vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and hotels, often bundled with extras like resort credits, room upgrades, or Costco Shop Cards. The pricing is usually competitive and the value-adds are where it quietly wins.
Costco Travel Insurance. When booking through Costco Travel, you can add travel insurance options directly. It's streamlined and usually better priced than buying separately.
Costco Auto Program. This is not just a referral service. It gives you pre-negotiated pricing with participating dealerships, which removes the haggling layer. You can use it for new and used vehicles. For people who hate the dealership game, this is a big deal.
Costco Car Insurance (CONNECT by American Family). Members can get auto and home insurance through Costco's partner program. It's often cheaper than standalone quotes and includes some enhanced coverage features. A lot of people have no idea this exists.
Costco Home Insurance. Same partner program, but for homeowners, renters, and condo insurance. Again, usually competitive pricing with straightforward coverage options.
Costco Pharmacy Online. Beyond in-store, you can manage prescriptions, refills, and transfers online. They also offer mail order options. The cash pricing is often excellent even without insurance.
Costco Optical Online. You can order contacts, upload prescriptions, and reorder glasses online. It's streamlined and usually much cheaper than private optometry offices.
Costco Hearing Aid Center. Appointments, follow-ups, and support can be managed through their system, and the pricing is significantly lower than most private providers.
Costco Tire Center Online Scheduling. You can order tires, schedule installation, and track service online. It saves a lot of in-store time and frustration.
Pet Insurance via Figo (through Costco). Members can sign up for pet insurance for dogs and cats with a Costco-exclusive price/discount. Plans cover accidents and illnesses, with options for different deductibles, reimbursement rates, and annual coverage limits.
Costco Photo Center. You can do photo books, canvas prints, cards, gifts, and large-format prints online. The quality is solid and the pricing is very hard to beat.
Costco Checks. Yes, actual checks. You can order personal and business checks through their site at a discount.
Costco Business Printing. Banners, business cards, signage, and promotional materials can be ordered online, which is useful for small businesses and events.
Costco Electronics Extended Warranties. Many electronics purchases automatically include extended coverage when bought through Costco, and you can manage that online. This is a quiet but very real value.
Costco Next is basically Costco's quiet little side door to extra discounts. It gives members access to special pricing from Costco-vetted brands that don't always appear in the warehouse or on the main Costco site. It's not a separate program and it doesn't cost anything extra, but most people have no idea it exists. The key thing to know is that these are real brands offering reduced pricing specifically because you're a Costco member, and the selection rotates. It's especially useful for categories like home goods, outdoor gear, luggage, and specialty items.
Costco Shop Cards (Gift Cards) Online. You can buy and send digital or physical Shop Cards.
Costco Grocery Delivery and Same-Day. Through their site and partners, you can do home delivery or same-day delivery in many areas. The pricing structure is different, but the convenience is there when you need it. read more