It's been a nearly two years since I last updated my string of reviews for this Costco. However, a recent turn of events has caused me to particularly appreciate their extreme dedication to customer service and the degree to which they stand behind the products they sell, regardless of who is at fault. You may recall my earlier review concerning an Oxi-Clean stain-removal product that actually caused a worse stain--coincidentally on a Kirkland polo. In that case, Costco not only refunded the cost of both the Oxi-Clean, but also insisted on refunding the cost of the Kirkland polo. I thought that was incredibly awesome in and of itself. However, Costco stands equally behind its grocery product, and that's the focus of this update. Grocery products are a more finicky lot. There's considerable handling between harvester/producer, distribution channels and warehouse club. Many things can go wrong. I'm normally pretty reticent about returning grocery items, and nearly always take the loss myself, simply due to the hassle and inconvenience of keeping a bad product until I can return it. I certainly don't abuse the return privilege on these items by any stretch of the imagination. In one case, for some reason, Costco was getting incredibly perishable bags of Mountain King potatoes. Yes, they had been on cold storage, which seems de rigeur for potatoes these days. After several consecutive sacks of Mountain King that didn't even last a week, I'd had enough and returned one. Not only was there no problem, the Costco associate encouraged me to do so whenever I felt inclined, saying "We want you to be satisfied with everything we sell, so if this happens again, please don't hesitate." Fair enough. [Oh, by the way, Mountain King no longer supplies this Costco's russet potatoes, and quality has improved.] The real test happened earlier this Fall, with a prepackaged meat item. I had sampled the item (Southside Market of Elgin's cry-o-vac beef brisket) at an in-store demo, and thought it to be tasty, convenient, and a good value. I kept the brisket at home well-refrigerated in the coldest part of the refrigerator for a couple of weeks before I opened it, well within the "sell-by" date posted on Southside Market's own packaging. When I opened the cry-o-vac, the Southside Market brisket absolutely reeked of Chinese-made plastic. I'm not sure if it was the wrapper, the brisket, or an interaction between the two over time. The brisket could have been shrink wrapped at Southside Market while it was still too hot, it could have been exposed to improper handling during distribution, or something could have happened at my local Costco store. I sliced and heated a portion of the Southside Market brisket anyway. After half a slice, I had to toss the rest of the portion due to the nauseatingly obnoxious smell and complete lack of flavor. Although I had swallowed very little of the Southside Market brisket, as bad as it was, I felt fortunate not to have made undue acquaintance with the porcelain throne overnight. Given that this Southside Market product cost well over $20, I chose to test the Costco grocery return policy yet again. I was really apprehensive about the return of a refrigerated, open, and possibly unsafe Southside Market meat product. Not surprisingly, Costco cheerfully refunded my money without any hesitation. [Oh, by the way, I no longer see Southside Market brisket offered at this Costco.] I am more than aware there are people who game the liberal return policies at Costco because they know they can. I'm not one of those. But I am truly appreciative that Costco is understanding and blind to the cause of the return. They truly keep the customer satisfied. That's five-star in my book. read more

After dozens of trips to Costco, reality has concluded that my previous four star review was too much love. Overall, we do spend more money here vs. Sam's Club but we just might spend a little more if... Starting with the small stuff the "food court" serves better food than Sam's. I can tell the difference in the pizza, churros, and froyo. With some small praise out of the way we're gonna talk granola. We purchased a tub of the house made granola near every visit until around Thanksgiving of last year when it vanished. Management advised it would return after the holiday pie season as they had no time to prepare it with all the additional pumpkin and apple sales. Folks, its almost June and still no granola. The store manager said he gets complaints on a daily basis, but begs his hippie granola lovin' fools for patience. Moving on to my biggest complaint Costco's hours. I'm writing this review at 7:30AM on a Saturday and right now I could be shopping at Sam's Club with my business membership. Meanwhile, Costco employees are still in bed dreaming of that first cup of Kirkland coffee. You can shop an hour and a half earlier just down the road at the other warehouse. Saturday closing hours are also a joke. Recently, the wife and I wanted to pick up a few things on our way home from our all important date night. Drove up to see the doors shut at 6:20. I know your thinking the parties over at 6? Hey, we have a kid and free babysitting as long as we're in by 7 (thanks grandma)! Again, 9PM Saturday closing time over at Sam's Club. For the cost of the membership, its an inconvenience. Almost one year into a membership at club warehouse, the luster has tarnished a bit. Factoring in that I don't pay for the yearly cost amounts to three stars. If I had to pay for the membership It would be two stars. It doesn't seem that Costco Corporate has any intention of listening to its members at least at this store. read more

When you want to buy in bulk - there's Costco. Hunt around and see what neat deals you can find (some great ones in the wine section now and then). Downside - the checkout lines (bright side is that you can just get a cheap hotdog and drink afterwards). read more

Every single customer is very inconsiderate. I just went in there today and it was a mad house about ten different people either cut me off hit my cart and one person hit me in the back of the ankle and we all know how bad that hurts. I will not be coming back and ima go get me a Sam's membership now. read more

PROS: It's Costco. Amazing products. Great return policy. Fantastic service from the employees. Food court has churros, açaí bowls, and cheap hot dogs. CONS: It's always so busy. They could use a larger parking lot...better yet, another Costco nearby!! And I've probably said this is other Costco reviews, they need to bring back the old Polish Hot Dogs that they used to sell before making their own brand name version. And bring back their berry filled cakes. read more

On Dec. 31st, 2020, at 10:10 AM, this Costco still had not opened. Several customers and I knocked on the door, and we were informed there was no power to do anything. More customer kept arriving, but there was no message or sign to inform them as we waited. We informed as many as we could, but then it became impossible. The managers were not visible. With all the technologies available in the store or a paper and marker, there was no way of relaying the message to us as we waited outside the store. Please think about being more proactive during these times, especially to relay a message to your customers. read more

If you're not a member and not sure what the hype is about, then you gotta check it out for yourself. Every friend that I've ever brought with me here has become a member at some point later down the road especially after eating dinner at my place. Organic selection is great too. I'm not big on buying organic stuff in general, but because i shop here a lot, i buy it all the time not thinking about it. Literally, Costco is my BBQ Headquarters! The meat & seafood selection/prices are hands down probably the best in town. Plus if there is Anything you're not satisfied with, take it back for a refund (half eaten food included)! Liquor Store: You don't need to be a Member to shop at the liquor store. Anyone can go. 21+ of course. read more

The staff is very friendly and helpful. I love Costco. I the selection of all of the food.

Re: Food Court Costco raised the price of their fruit smoothies from $1.50 to $2.99. It's a completely different recipe, healthier, and with no added sugar. read more

Eh, sub standard Costco, store is nice and adequate but customer service needs serious overhaul most employees are bitter rude and pushy and twitch out when u match their energy, very few exceptions. try out the one on research . Disappointed and dissatisfied read more

Sadly, I'm going to have to say goodbye to Costco. I've been a member as long as they have been in Austin. Austin has returned to Stage 4 due the variants and breakthrough infections. https://austintexas.gov/news/austin-public-health-re-enters-stage-4-risk-based-guidelines When I entered Costco yesterday afternoon at 3:30 - approximately 90% of the employees were NOT wearing masks. When I contacted customer service I was told that unless the governor issued an order requiring it - they were not going to make anyone mask - despite a global public health crisis that is going extremely rapidly in the wrong direction. This will drag out lockdowns, etc for MUCH longer. If Costco doesn't care any more than this for their employees and customers - they don't need my money. Returning my card and asking for a refund for my unused portion. Too bad they can't be responsible citizens like most of the other places I've been in town over the past week where employees are masked. read more

I'd love for someone to reach out to me so I can improve this review. There was a woman named Laura working at the food court today, Monday, June 21st at 1:40pm. She was so insanely rude that it pretty much spoiled the whole Costco trip. We were excited to learn that deli mustard and relish was back and we ALWAYS pay at the counter because we don't work for Costco so we don't use the self checkouts. We were made aware that we can no longer pay with card at the counter today by Laura barking it at us so we paid with cash. Moral of the story, she needs an attitude check. It wasn't that busy and there was no need for her attitude. read more

Their tire department definitely takes some patience (they are clearly very popular), but it's worth it because all the workers are friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. I came in with a low pressure warning on my car and they reviewed each tire for leaks, filled them up, and all free of charge. Turns out there were no punctures, but I'm much happier knowing that I'll be set. They didn't pressure me to buy any Tires but did let me know I'd probably need to buy some in the next 10-15k miles. Very much appreciate the heads up! Would absolutely recommend this spot for any tire needs!! read more

Costco - Tire center - Wholesale Stores Near Me - Austin, Texas

This Costco is not familiar with ADA laws. The man at the entrance kept asking me if my service animal was an ESA, he would not accept the answer that I was diabetic. She had her service dog tag and registration around her neck. He was aggressive and rude. Per ADA laws a company is allowed to ask two questions, 1. Is this a service dog? 2. What tasks does the service animal perform? Well he never got off of question 1 and then appeared to accuse me of lying. Then I was told she could not ride in the basket. I had a large blanket with me that would have covered the entire front of the cart including the basket. Well Costco can go suck it self. The first time I was here, spent almost 500.00 dollars, guess Costco can afford to lose customers that spend that kind of money. read more

Great prices efficient check out even though it looks scary at times. One of the main reasons I support Costco is that they pay a living wage to their workers unlike the Walmart and Sam's who depend on public welfare to compensate their employees. read more

TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SERVICE!!! Do not waste your money here they do not care about customers. Tried to get a replacement card and they told me I couldn't because my address did not match my mothers (I'm in college so I have a different address). I tried to explain this to them and they would not budge! The employee who helped us had a horrible attitude as well. Go to Sam's club instead! read more

I've been going to the pharmacy at this location to pick up my medications an average of twice a month since September 2015. Up until today, staff had always been friendly, and I've usually been able to get in & get out pretty quickly (unless the line was long, which has happened occasionally, but certainly not every time.) Today, however, the staff was more than just incredibly rude to me. In the future, make an attempt to talk to customers BEFORE yelling at them. None of the yelling involved in the situation came from me, and there was absolutely no call for it at all. I walked in the front door the same way I'd done SO many times before... When they asked to see a membership card (they ask about 50% of the time), I said "I'm just here for the pharmacy." and kept walking, like always. Screaming at me for that was ridiculous, as was deciding to walk me to the pharmacy (at half my usual walking speed because the person "escorting" me there walked so slowly.) I'd like to note that this "escorting" individual stayed closer than the recommended 5 feet away throughout the walk across the store to the pharmacy, so they're definitely not staying covid safe. This sudden claim that people needed to be physically escorted to the pharmacy if that's all they were there for was also new & there was no signage stating this anywhere, so it's more likely that they just randomly chose to escort me there. I have no idea why they picked me for that. There was absolutely no attempt to be polite about it first either. I will not shop at a place that yells at its customers, especially without any cause to do so. I will be finding a different pharmacy to switch to & you've permanently lost my business. read more

Always the best customer service! Is there anything better than that for a business? Products are always good too and if you're not satisfied, no problem, you'll always get your money back. read more

Love costco! I love getting my fruit from there, new snacks... everything is high quality.

Our go-to spot almost every week. Love the pizza and hot dogs there. The general disappointment we have is with the produce. Any berries we get from there typically go bad very fast. In addition you have to check very carefully because a lot of the berries in their cold section have mold, which probably explains the short shelf life. read more

The Austin area now has three Costco stores. Various staff members tell me there are subtle inventory differences among them. For example, this south location is supposed to carry a slightly larger variety of clothes. No matter what, you can still be assured of their famous customer service. No one is ever rude or too busy to answer your question. And when other stores seem to restrict their return policies evermore over the years, Costco still offers their gold-standard guarantee: you can return anything anytime (90 days with electronics and computers). I love it when they bring in special buys for the holiday season: bulk refrigerated pie crusts, ginormous tins of Walker's shortbread cookies, LED stringed Christmas lights and large poinsettas the size of great danes. Yay, Costco! read more

This Costco has continued to improve and I find myself shopping here more and more. They have done quite a bit of rearranging, and the aisles do seem a bit wider. The trick is to learn the bits of information that can help you in a giant box store. First, they often open a bit early, so take advantage of that and just sit in the car and chill for a few minutes. You will have an easier time finding a parking spot and allow you to stroll inside casually. Second, never shop on the first day of the month, of even the day before. Mass quantities of people will be there and can quickly get on your nerves. Third, try to avoid weekends unless you get there when they open. Families who only have the weekend to shop are buying huge bulk as they may have only 1 shot a week. Fourth, don't rush. Just casually stroll the aisles and your attitude will tend to remain calm. Fifth, don't forget to stop by the roses and flowers. It seems to kind of put a cherry on top and a smile on your face as you get ready to get in line. read more

See all

Been a member for many yrs. Just really have only two complaints. I would ask that they put into practice every day pre checkout while we are waiting in line. When done people fly through the line like crazy but they just don't do it regularly. Second when leaving, the screening at the door is not needed and needs to stop. People just want to leave and don't need mindless chitchat, having your items picked through and receive a check mark on the slip that I'm not going to use and just throw away. I understand why it's done but it's redundant. On an high note.... Cheap hotdogs and pizza on the way out. Not for me but it's great for kids and such getting something on the cheap. read more

This South location is new as of last year, and it is LEAPS AND BOUNDS better than the north location. No overpopulation, really nice people, parking very close to the entrance, plenty of room to shop. I've never seen it crowded. Kind of hard to find nestled back in the midst of a lot of new construction, but generally, the corner to Mopac and William Cannon. The pharmacy (along with the liquor store, open to non-members) is dirt cheap - a prescription from Walgreens for $52 costs $11 at Costco, and when planning for long-time bulk or for a dinner party, it's a great place to start. Great buys here: Drugs Spices Meat to keep in your freezer Produce Bread Canned goods Healthy cereal Sundries Magazines Books DVDs Wine Booze T-shirts Office Supplies Christmas bullshit A good time, and very much worth the $45 membership. read more

Costco - Wholesale Stores Near Me - Austin, Texas

Just a little update on some fun Costco factoids... Good stuff on my costco list: Carnitas -- in the refrigerated section near the bread -- pretty dang good. Cream puffs in the freezer section -- perfect to bring to a pot-luck party. Cheap decent goat cheese logs. YUM. Dog food -- The super-premium is a very respectable dog food -- meat is the first two ingredients and no fillers or preservatives and no corn. My dogs have been doing very well on it. Eyeglasses and prescriptions are often better priced than in a regular store with your insurance discount. Chicken potstickers in the frozen section are yummy. Fresh frenched rack of lamb in the meat section to die for. Just marinate in some garlic, rosemary and red wine for a few hours in a plastic bag, then bake on 425 for 20-25 minutes and you have a very fancy dinner for two for relatively cheap. Mexican Coke!! Real Sugar!! Buy a case for cheap! Bottled water is REALLY cheap. read more

My husband and I recently purchased a membership as we are working on a new project for our home. The membership allows you access to their warehouse of goodies. You can find food, snacks, booze, furniture and more. This location doesn't have a gas station. However, they have a booze store right outside Costco which is open to the public (no membership card included). The booze store to be honest is worth going into since you can get 1.75L for a bottle of Gentleman's Jack or Gray Goose for about $50!!! read more

This store is less crowded and easier to park than the North Costco. It's also easier to drive right past it, since it's hidden aesthetically behind a copse and even less conspicuous than the North one. I've found it easier to turn on William Cannon, and then cut in front of the Steinmart. Unless I completely missed it, they don't have the self-checkout stations here, which means I have to wait in line--an interesting trade-off between the two stores. Whichever one you go to, have fun storming the Costco! read more

This location has been stellar during the pandemic. Someone at the door makes sure that everyone is properly masked and will correct anyone who is not prepared. The carts are always lined up and cleaned waiting for shoppers. There is signage at the entrance letting shoppers know about limits on certain items that may be in high demand or updates on items that may be out of stock. read more

Wow i can't believe this stores discriminanative practices... the GM, Lisa, had the poliece called on me because of my fidgiting and to stop me from returning my tv. I suffer from Tourettes syndrome so I can't help my fidgiting and they called the police to escort me out of the costco. First they said I had to buy a new membership to return the TV (my membership expired.) Then, they lied about my behavior to the poliece to get them to come and take me out. I will never ever be a member again. read more

I absolutely love going to Costco. I will go to Costco with a list of items to buy, but always come out with way more than originally planned - I take that as a good thing since they always have good deals going on. Walking through each aisle and checking out the products is an adventure in itself. AND of course the food sampling... They do not skimp out on any sample sizes :) and they give out a lot of samples (more samples on weekends). One time, I got a whole slice of cheesecake wrapped in a paper towel. That was definitely interesting! read more

Costco - Fresh salmon purchased from Costco.. About to go into the oven! Basil butter balls that melt onto the salmon. - Wholesale Stores Near Me - Austin, Texas

Super clean, with reasonably short lines most of the time. Hard to find parking sometimes and worst of all NO GAS! This location is over the Edwards aquifer, so my loss, but other than that mostly good experiences. They do tend to both cancel products I like, Blocks of Monterrey Jack and Large Blocks of Mozzarella cheese, even when other Costcos nearby continue to carry them. The most frustrating thing is when they move products around. I know they are trying to get me to look at other products, but I want what I want and it is moronic to move things around and piss off your valued executive members! read more

Peter P. and I stopped by Costco today and it was a f__ing food orgy of local businesses - huge samples of: Jersey Mike"s Subs, FireHouse Subs and Smoothy King in addition to their usual samples! Thank You Costco for a free lunch! read more

Just a strange trip all around today. Cashier acted as if I didn't exist (to the degree of no eye contact) while his pushy associate at the register tried to upsell me to a higher level of membership (being ignored by the cashier is not the way to make me want to upgrade my membership). Found out on the way out that the cashier forgot to ring up one item in our cart , thus forcing us to go back to the registers, wait to check out again, and then wait to exit in a huge line again. To her credit, the lady at the door was funny and super apologetic. I'll give an extra star just for her. Still. I recognize everyone is under a lot of stress and Costco can be Karenville on even the best day. I'll give them another chance and hope this was a fluke. read more

I am a Costco fan, but the experience today was off-putting. I get it, it's the week after Thanksgiving, and most customers are chasing deals. I went in today to purchase a refrigerator that I was unable to purchase online. After calling Costco, they told me I could go to the warehouse to make the purchase. Once I arrived, I went to the appliance area and asked for assistance when someone was available. The person working at the entrance was pleasant and explained that someone was wrapping up helping another guest and then they would be with me. No big deal. I waited 40 minutes and then visited the TV area and found a few associates chatting. I waited for a break in conversation and asked if they could help me with appliances or check to see if someone was still on their way to assist me. The man I spoke with told me that if I wanted help, visit costco.com. What? When I tried to explain that after calling Costco, I was told to go into the warehouse for help. He kept saying, go to costco.com, we can't help you with a purchase here. Not only was this associate a poor representation of Costco employees, he was extremely rude and disrespectful. He didn't even try to listen to why I needed assistance. He just kept parroting the same response of, go to Costco.com. Rudest employee I have ever encountered. read more

Cosco is needing a new remodel why because shopping here is like a large warehouse with such confusion tossed variety of items you need. In my circumstances I needed to find assistance in finding a new vaccum. But prices here are not always what they used to be in comparision to the same brands at walmart. I felt it was not that much of a difference especially if your trying to save money. Good luck finding help here your on your own. One good thing is the pots and pans seem to great quailty and reasonable I spend hundreds if dollars here stocking up on paper towels, dish washing liquid and trash bags. The negative is that when this place gets packed the large carts are large are bulky hard to push around through the isles bumping into everybody. I think if someone wants to shop here do come on a week day I like did. I really like sampling the food served here depends on what vendors is giving food samples usually a hit or miss on what the food item your sampling. I see people not putting trash into the trash cans seems not clean here. Need a good floor cleaning kind of sticky floors. I love to shop at costco but really please clean your store maybe it should be looked into. Of course I will return but for now I may call management with my experiance parking is crazy when it busy but you can find a parking place nevertheless. Happy yelping!! read more

See all

Normally, I would give Costco a 5, but I had a frustrating experience today. I was looking for an item and could not find it. I asked a man walking the floor--they were few and far in between--if he knew where the item might be. He said abruptly, "If it isn't with the Christmas items, we don't have it!" I asked if he would please check the inventory, which didn't help his attitude. He walked around the corner and came back a few minutes later and said they didn't have it. I called my granddaughter to deliver the news and she told me it was over by the crackers. She had to direct me to it. I am tiring of lousy customer service. I know companies are short of employees, but if you can't do the job with the ones you do have, close your stores and consolidate. read more

I'll start off by saying that I FEEL for so many essential workers during this crazy time in Texas. Between COVID and this crazy snowstorm we've been having, I've seen them get treated horribly and for no good reason. When we arrived there was a line around the building which was daunting, but we had already been to H‑E‑B, target and Walmart and their stores were completely bare and trashed. We decided to stay and get in line. The line was moved very quickly and the Costco associates we very professional and friendly. All were masked and safe. We were able to get in and out quickly for what we needed and the store was quite clean. I just want them to know how much we appreciate them opening and how friendly everyone was. It was a big deal and we left feeling good. read more

I was raised a Costco-lover from my childhood days growing up in California. Trips to the warehouse were a weekly event, and I can't tell you how many Costco muffins/croissants I ate for breakfast over the course of my teenage-years not to mention the number of Maruchan brand cup-o-noodles when I'd come home from school. So I was overjoyed when Costco finally came to Austin a couple years after I'd moved here. I like this William Cannon location a lot better than the one up north off 183 because it feels less crowded and has better access. Full disclosure, I've never set foot into a Sam's Club, but I don't think I'll ever have to. From my experiences, the prices at Costco have always been unbeatable! To the point where I don't give it a second thought anymore, if it's for sale at Costco and I want it, I'll buy it. read more

If I could give zero I would. Employees are rude they have always been rude at this location, I was with my daughter and mother out to do some shopping during the covid-19 pandemic and my husband had the Costco membership card. The employee would NOT let me go in the store since they have a "new" policy two people per membership and that includes children over the age of two. We spoke to the manager they would not budge so I had to sit in the car with my daughter in the heat. I hope they know if something were to happen to my child and I while sitting in their parking lot they would be liable. It would've been the safer option to just let us in the store so now they are loosing money from paying customers. I think we shouldn't treat human beings as if we are all infected that's inhuman! Employees are rude so are the managers. read more

Steals and deals are to be had at Costco. Buying things in large quantities makes them cheaper. Don't forget to try the samples! This Costco is like every other Costco. It gets busy on the weekend. You need a membership to shop here. They sell hot dogs for $1.50. Enjoy! read more

Costco - Hot dog and a drink for $1.50 - Wholesale Stores Near Me - Austin, Texas