Costco

I am not a member anymore. It just doesn’t make sense because I live in a tiny studio flat and buying 500 rolls of toilet paper and other bulk items just doesn’t make sense. I used to go because I did like certain items like the big jar of capers or the big jar of Kalamata olives. But waiting in a long queue behind people pulling trailers loaded like they are shopping for the apocalypse irked me.
I wished Costco had just one express lane. 1000 items or less, or something like that. But seriously, an express lane for the numerous shoppers such as me, I think would be popular.
I was there recently getting a new set of tires thanks to my dad who is a member. My appointment was at 2PM, I was out by 3PM. Not too shabby.
I amused myself by wandering the aisles and marveling at the grazers waiting patiently for samples of some pretty gross looking stuff and making myself comfortable on a really nice leather couch for a little while and people watched.
For some folks, Costco is a necessity. I understand that. If the whole express lane thing ever happened, I’d seriously consider becoming a member again. I do buy my gasoline in bulk so it wouldn’t be a total waste of time.
2016 — Review # 2

Rather than go into a long story about what went wrong I would like to tell you what went right. After some misinformation from one employee, I called to speak to the Customer Service Manager. They transferred me to «Nick». Nick was understanding, helpful and went out of his way to make sure I was taken care of. It is so nice to see the bright stars in the customer service industry. Thank you Nick!

I have been a lover of Costco since childhood and this one does not disappoint! I’m thrilled that the organic and gluten free options are expanding.

Not much to say here. Who doesn’t love Cosco and all is fine offerings. I will say that not everything at Costco is a great deal but they do their best to keep the prices low for their customers with only an 18% profit margin. Their stock changes constantly which is great because you never know what you’re going to find there. They have an expensive gas, very cheap lunch offerings at the deli, and the staff are always friendly

Costco Optical Department — Brought in a frame and prescription to have lenses made. The frame is the same frame that is sold in their Optical department on one of the shelves displayed except in a small frame size (material and model exactly the same).
One employee elderly taller gentlemen took a look at my frame, very courteous and asked his supervisor if this frame could have lenses made by Costco (some frames require special order or process, Costco can’t make them all). The gentlemen comes back and tells me the supervisor said Costco cant make the lenses for this frame. I look at him bewildered and explain to him that this frame is sold at your Costco location and is on that shelf. He says «well my supervisor said it can’t be done so. sorry. «I kindly say okay thanks I’ll look for an alternative.»
I go to the Costco in Happy Valley, and I find the same frame again being sold at their location in a different color and small size. I don’t mention anything about my experience at Costco on NE 138^th. The Happy Valley Costco accepts my frame and prescription. I come back a week later and pick it up. I am a happy customer.
Just sharing my experience in case you bring in your own frame to Costco optical department at NE 138^th.

Great products reasonable prices and fantastic customer service. Will continue to shop here!

So that settles it. There is a hell. I’ve found it at the Portland Costco. Now, this Costco is not my regular one. But, when I’m in the area occasionally I’ll stop in. I went in for some gas and a few items a few weeks ago and thought never again. Packed parking lot. Packed inside with carts. No ability to actually shop because someone’s in your way or your cart is in their way. Pure misery. But hey it was a weekend day.
Against my better judgement I decided to give it another try. This time during a week day at 11am. Somehow getting gas and 2 items took me and hour. First off the gas station is a nightmare. Took 15 minutes or so to even get to the pump. Then you have to risk life and limb to park. Cars everywhere people cutting people off. Madness.
Then once you get in you’re packed like cattle ready for slaughter. Each movement has to be carefully planned. Darting to get this item. Avoiding those 100 carts.
Finally if you were able to actually find what you are looking for and get out, you have to exit the parking lot. Sound simple, but it’s not. A constant sea of cars. No breaks no one willing to let you back up. Finally you have to edge and force your car out. The bless you if you actually are considering taking a left out of that lot.

I call this place lunch for a reason, the only thing I would change is the taste testers attitudes. You should feel warm and welcomed in a place like this, not like some demon is staring into your soul because they don’t want to be there. Other than that, this is a great place to eat. Shopping and eating is the best.
Just not with demons.

This is specifically for the Vision Center, well, more specifically the receptionist. She was rude, unfriendly, and looked a quite casual for her position (ugh, that makes me sound like a snob. Oh well). I get leggings are comfortable, but I think in a medical office leggings, sneakers, and a zip up hoodie, I mean really? When I went in, told her I had an appointment, and she just looked at me like I had the plague. She shoved some paperwork at me, told me to fill it out and bring it back. When I brought it back up to her desk, she looked me up and down and said nothing (she was talking to another patient, granted), but she could have at least taken the paperwork from me. I awkwardly set it on her desk and went back to my seat. When she needed to run a couple tests on my eyes, told me to come over and have a seat. There were two machines to sit in front of, so I asked which one for me to sit in front of. With a deep sarcastic sigh, she specifies. Then I go to my actual exam, which was great. Absolutely no complaints there, he was professional and charming, and the best exam I’ve ever had.
I get that everyone has off days, but this woman was awful. I have never felt like writing a review like this before and she inspired me to. I hope they get someone better soon before she starts running people off.

Horrible service at the gas station!!! Just because it clicks doesn’t mean it’s actually full, take the time and check. Don’t give me a lecture on how it’s illegal to top off in Oregon. I’m born and raised here, CLOWN that’s why your pumping my gas.

This is for The TIRE CENTER.
so decent deals on tires, BUT and yes a big BUT, if you need service like say, o, a nail in your tire expect a 1 – 2 day, yes DAY wait to get it fixed:(
Not worth it.
Ill bet most other tire shops would do anything to help.
Not costco, just wait in line:(

New tires at a great price! After taking a trip to Mexico last month and using Costco travel to book it, we received a $ 199 Costco gift card in the mail a few weeks back. It was unexpected and super awesome to receive. My car needed tires so, we applied the gift card towards the purchase of a new set for my car.
At the end of the day, my 90K mile Michelin Defender XTs were installed for only $ 370 or so (after applying the card) — best price I think I’ve ever scored when buying new tires.
My advice to you as a tire customer– make an appointment in advance. Use the direct number that you find online for the Costco tire shop and keep calling until someone answers. I left a message and no one ever returned my call. If you don’t make an appointment, be prepared to wait a while when you come.
Jules is the nice guy who works the front area. He was awesome to work with; we appreciated the entire team handling our installation as efficiently as they did today. Thanks guys!

I definitely make it a priority to enjoy Costco pizza in as many destinations as possible — and Portland is no exception. Yes, yes, why ordinary pizza while on vacation? Because it’s still the best value pizza around and it’s always fresh. And my dad and I make sweet sweet memories every time we eat it! This location was particularly busy given the July 4^th holiday so ordering a whole pie took longer than usual. But in usual Costco-​customer-​service fashion, the staff kindly offered us complimentary churros and drinks while we waited. Amazing!

Costco is better than Sam’s Club and Walmart combined. Free samples all the time, great variety, and $ 1.50 for a good sized hotdog with all the relish and onion you want.

You know, it’s Costco. I haven’t been to too many others so I think they’re about all the same as they try to make them as similar as possible. When I have gone, usually on Sunday morning, everything is fully stocked and the store is pretty darn clean. Maybe that changes later in the day? Their prices are pretty good and you can’t beat them as long as you have the capacity for storage because the products are pretty darn large. Do I need that huge barbecue sauce that comes with two bottles? Nope! But I usually shop their produce such as perfectly large and red peppers, kiwis, etc. You have to be able to use these things pretty quickly so it has its downside if you can’t.
The greeter always has a smile, the cashiers are quick and down to business, the returns are kind of slow but that’s because I’m waiting behind someone returning 20 swimsuit items (yikes!). Also, the gas prices cannot be beat. You have to pay by debit or their acceptable credit card which currently is Amex soon to be Discover. Can’t wait when it switches to Discover.
I don’t go there every week because I don’t have a family of 10 but it’s definitely a place that I enjoy going and finding what they have.

I’ve been a customer for many years and some things have changed some things stay the same.
I like that I’m seeing more organic local products. I like that the outdoors grills like Traeger are being sold here now. I also like the wine department is growing.
I like how the employees here are happy, it shows in how they treat the customers.
My hope for Costco is that they continue putting their customers first and thinking long term.
Oh I am addicted to the frozen yogurt.

The wifey and I travel on a budget, and Costco’s always got our back.
Not everything is cheaper at Costco, but learning what is is a vital life skill, as the prices here were pretty much on par with California. And speaking of predictability, at Costco you can always find a large hotdog for a buck-​fifty, or a chicken Caesar salad big enough for a meal for four bucks. Them’s value food.
The food court here also has a cup of beef chili for four bucks, something that’s not available at our Costco back in NorCal.
Another difference is that this Costco seems to have more space. There’s more parking and the aisles are wider, and overall it’s less crowded than what I’m used to seeing. Guess that’s Oregon for ya.
Finally, with the absence of sales tax in Oregon, you really win with big-​ticket items here. Too bad I can’t take that nice 60″ TV back on the plane with me.

I love the few things I pick up from Costco. I only go here for a select few things because it just doesn’t make much sense for me to buy such massive quantities of food for just two people.
I’m a huge fan of the avocados that Costco sells. They are a great buy, massive in size, and are almost always perfect. I’ve even developed a fridge to counter to brown paper bag system for making sure all five avocados do not ripen at the same time.
The thing that drives me nuts about going to Costco is all the people who make it so hard to navigate the store. I wish Costco had a special sample area for all the grazers who attempt to have their lunch through the eating of free food samples.
The service at this Costco has always been fantastic. The cashiers at checkout have always been super nice and seem to be pretty efficient in moving through the constant lines of people. I even ended up getting a bag of avocados that were not good and way overripe. I was able to exchange them the next day with ease.
Costco has even started selling single 22 oz. local craft beers and ciders!

This is the nearest Costco for all the sales tax dodgers from Washington.
Believe me when I tell you that lots and lots of Washingtonians consider not paying sales tax a point of honor.
If you stood in the parking lot and looked at licence plates, you could surmise that a small chunk of Wa. had broken away and floated across the river.
In general, Costcos get pretty slammed on weekends and holidays.
This particular one gets beyond slammed. I have been in this place when it was so crowded that I almost could not move of my own free will. I think I flunked the claustrophobia test.
While in most ways this Costco is just like all the others, I prefer the ones farther from the maddening crowds.

Holy Vancouverites Batman! This place is packed. I’ve tried coming on every combination of day and time and have never found the parking lot or warehouse to not be packed.
You will see cart trains with families seemingly feeding their numerous children from every sample station, and looking over a clipboard of Excel spreadsheets. Some might be genuine business owners stocking up, others might be doomsday preppers.
I’ve been run over by carts, pushed by patrons to get dibs on a sample, and been befuddled by the lack of employees to help and then when you find one, their quizzical expression and dazed look as they walk off — not refusing to help, but resembling the Costco employees in Mike Judge’s classical dystopian tale ‘Idiocracy’.
And then the lines… You get excited when it only takes 20 minutes to get to the front of the checkout line! You get out of there with massive savings, massive quantities, and a severe lack of sanity. But hey, it saves a heckuva lot of money on car insurance…