What Is the Difference Between Costco and Costco Business?

Differences Between Regular Costco and Business Costco:

The first major difference is the membership fees. Costco requires a $60 annual membership fee, while Costco Business Center requires a $55 annual membership fee.

The second major difference is the product selection. Costco offers food, electronics, clothing, and more. Costco Business Center focuses more on office supplies, janitorial supplies, and industrial equipment.

The third major difference is the store hours. Costco is open 7 days a week, Costco Business Center is only open Monday through Friday.

The fourth major difference is the payment options.

The most noticeable difference between Costco Business Center and Costco is in the product range. At a Business Center, you won’t find the typical household items or clothing sections you’re used to seeing at a regular Costco. Instead, aisles of bulk beverages, commercial appliances, massive packs of snacks, and even restaurant-grade equipment will greet you.

Benefits of a Costco Business Membership:

The benefits include discounts on purchases, lower prices when buying in bulk, and access to products tailored for businesses.

A Costco business membership allows companies to save money by purchasing items like office supplies, furniture, and cleaning products at discounted rates. Buying these products in bulk results in even greater cost savings.

In addition to lower prices, a key advantage is access to inventory not sold at regular Costco warehouses. Over two-thirds of the merchandise at Costco Business Centers caters specifically to business needs. This includes commercial appliances, restaurant equipment, industrial-size snacks and beverages, custom printing services, and more.


Highlighted Information Removed:

  • Originally for the US market, Costco Business Centers now target small business owners for office supplies, drinks and snacks not found at traditional Costco warehouses.

  • With a Costco membership, anyone can visit the 17 Costco Business Centers operating in the US.

  • Costco claims that 70% of the items are different between a regular Costco and a business center. Costco business center offers steep discounts on products that businesses might need.

  • Your regular costco membership card will get you into a costco business center, too.

  • Costco Business Center is designed differently than a Costco warehouse to accommodate for the additional inventory and an expanded selection.

  • A Costco Business Center also offers fewer amenities than a regular Costco, meaning they cannot provide facilities such as gas stations, free samples, pharmacies and hearing centers, and photo services.

  • Additionally, Costco Business Centers focuses more on snacks, office supplies, and cleaning supplies to tailor businesses.

  • Followed by office supplies, towels (slightly cheaper than regular Costco, but only white in large packs) and then a giant section of packaging for take-away.

  • They is a giant fridge with large trays of food. Centre aisle has canned drinks, larger section than normal, but standard 24 can trays.

  • Last section is freezer, canned goods. Front has janitorial supplies and candies.

  • So if you own or operate a business and want to leverage Costco’s wholesale pricing and selection, a Costco business membership can provide great benefits. The annual $60 fee is relatively low considering the discounts and perks it unlocks.

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