Member Feedback
COSTCO SERVICES
Credit-card
processing
More than
new cars
SOME BUSINESSES ARE launched with a name
that describes what they do and then grow into
something more than that. The Costco Auto
Program (CAP) is a perfect example.
“Over the past 10 years, CAP has helped more
than 2 million Costco members get a great deal on
the purchase of a new car,” says John Gleason,
Costco services manager. “But many members don’t
realize we also offer great values on certified pre-owned vehicles, RVs and boats in select markets.”
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Here’s the range of what CAP offers.
New vehicles
• Low prearranged Costco-member pricing
• No haggling, no surprises
• More than 2,000 individually selected participating dealerships nationwide
• Designated dealer contacts at each dealership
Factory-certified pre-owned vehicles
• Available in most markets
• Low, prearranged prices on used vehicles
• Rigorous factory inspection
• Factory extended warranty at no additional cost
• Gift certificates after vehicle purchase, for parts
or service ($200 for Executive Members, $100
for Business and Gold Star members)
COSTCO AND ELAVON are testing
the use of sales representatives in
Florida, Oregon and Washington
in an effort to meet merchants
and to find ways to help Costco
members save money on credit-card processing.
Kathy Fugiel owns Amtest
Laboratories, an environmental
testing lab in Kirkland, Washington. Here is what she experienced using this test program.
“I saw the processing fee
with our previous provider jump
from about $100 a month to
$1,300 per month. I thought there
must be a better deal. I started
calling around, and Elavon offered
to come to my office and explain
their service programs to me. I
didn’t want to do that over the
phone, because two or three of
us had lots of questions.
“It mattered to me that Elavon
is affiliated with Costco. When I
was doing my research, Elavon
went on the top of my list because
I trust Costco. With the other providers, I felt I needed to be on
guard, that they might try to take
advantage of me, but I didn’t get
that feeling with our Elavon representative. It was all very personal.
“Going with Elavon saves us
at least 30 percent per month.
Switching providers was easy. It
basically took one phone call. She
left her cell number with me, and
I get answers to any questions in
seconds. I really like that aspect of
the service.”
No matter where you’re
located, Elavon has the processing program to fit your business.
Call toll free 1-888-605-2488 today
to speak to one of our account
executives. Please refer to source
code 83121.
To learn more about our complete suite of Costco services,
click on the “Services” link at Costco.com or call toll free 1-800-220-6000.
RVs
• Available in most markets
• Up to 25 percent off manufacturer’s suggested
retail price
• Low prearranged prices
• Designated dealer contacts
Boats
• Available in select markets
• Up to 25 percent off manufacturer’s suggested
retail price
• Low prearranged prices
• Designated dealer contacts
The CAP Web site provides resources for help-
ing you research your purchase. For more informa-
tion, go to Costco.com and enter “CAP2” in the
search box, or call toll free 1-800-800-9288.
New Feature
More value for Web hosting
HOSTWAY, PROVIDER OF Costco’s Web hosting
service, has launched a simple tool for businesses
to use in creating, managing and tracking e-mail
marketing campaigns.
Called Newsletter Broadcast, this free enhancement lets the user select or create e-mail templates,
then easily edit content via a Web browser and
broadcast the e-mail to a list of subscribers. Click-through and open rates can be easily tracked.
Newsletter Broadcast follows the introduction
of Instant Business Broadcast, another new tool
that makes it easy to get a business site listed in
popular Web directories, which bolsters a company’s online presence.
“Most Web hosts charge $15 to $33 per month
to submit business profiles to Internet directories
and another $10 to $15 per month for a basic e-mail
marketing platform,” says Ed Murphy, Costco ser-
vices manager. “Hostway is offering the two fea-
tures at no additional charge for Costco members
who use the Business Web Site Package.”
To learn more about the Business Web Site
Package, visit Costco.com and enter “WEB4ME” in
the search box.
Don’t forget to use your Reward on your next rip to Costco.
All services are provided by third parties, may not be available in all areas and are subject to change without notice.
Some restrictions apply. See “Services” at Costco.com for applicable terms and conditions.
FEBRUARY 2010 ;e Costco Connection 67
