Sharing the Costco Love: How to Buddy Up on Your Membership (Without Getting Kicked Out)
Let's face it, Costco is a magical place. Bulk bargains, free samples the size of your head, and enough toilet paper to last a zombie apocalypse (or, you know, a particularly rough cold season). But what if you want to spread the Costco cheer? Maybe your significant other is tired of hearing you wax poetic about the rotisserie chicken deals. Or perhaps your constantly-broke friend keeps hinting they wouldn't mind a shopping trip to the land of jumbo everything. Well, my friend, fear not! There's a way to share the Costco love, and it involves more than just sneaking them in hidden inside a shopping cart (although, that mental image is pretty funny).
Hold on There, Sparkles: Not Everyone Gets a Card
Before we get carried away with visions of shopping sprees with your entire neighborhood, there are a few key things to know. Costco memberships are pretty strict about who gets to be a cardholder. We're talking one primary member and one additional household member (think spouse, domestic partner, adult child living at home). So, no adding your mailman in the hopes of getting free pizza every other weekend (sorry, Steve, we appreciate the deliveries though).
But Wait, There's More! (Except Not Really)
Now, if you're thinking, "Well, that's lame! My social circle is practically a Costco-sized family!", don't despair. There are a couple of other options, though not quite as glamorous as having their own membership card.
- The Guest Pass Think of it like a Costco Hall Pass. You can bring one guest per trip, but they can't shop on their own and you'll need to be there to pay. Great for that friend who keeps eyeing your overflowing cart of savings, but maybe not ideal for a long-term shopping buddy situation.
- The Gift of Membership This is a great option if you really want to bless someone with the wonders of Costco. Just remember, they'll be the primary member, so choose wisely! (We wouldn't want your arch nemesis stocking up on industrial-sized bottles of their favorite nemesis-y beverage).
Alright, Alright, You've Got the Goods. How Do I Add Someone?
Now for the good stuff! There are two main ways to add a legitimate shopping partner to your Costco membership:
- Head to the Warehouse: Who doesn't love an excuse to wander the aisles of Costco? Just grab your membership card, photo ID, and the soon-to-be-co-Costco-enthusiast and head to the membership counter. They'll get their picture taken, be issued their own card, and be ready to roll (or should we say, ride in the shopping cart?) in no time.
- Go Online (For Business Members Only): If you're a fancy-pants business member, you can add additional cardholders online. Just log in to your account, navigate to the membership section (because adulting), and follow the prompts. Easy peasy!
Sharing is Caring (and Saves You Money)
So there you have it! The key to Costco membership expansion, minus the drama of a reality TV show. Now you can conquer the warehouse aisles with your partner-in-bulk-buying crime. Just remember, with great Costco membership power, comes great responsibility (like, you know, not letting your free sample consumption get out of hand). Happy shopping!
