Costco Connection - March 2012

COSTCO SERVICES

Update

HARRIS FLOTEBO TE

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.

Costco floats your boat

NEW VENDOR

COSTCO MEMBERS CAN now take advantage of big savings on pontoon boats from industry leader Harris FloteBote. Other than being big-time fun, pontoon boats are extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of purposes, including fishing, tubing, waterskiing or lounging on the water. Their open design provides more seating for passengers than a similar-size sport boat.

Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Harris
FloteBote has been making pontoon boats
since 1956, and currently offers models rang-
ing from 20 to 27 feet in length.

PRACTICAL TIPS
Managing your
home appraisal

OBTAINING AN ACCURATE appraisal is a critical part of any home loan or refinance. Recent regulations limit lenders from selecting and communicating with appraisers, prompting homeowners to take an active role facilitating and monitoring the appraisal process.

The following tips from Costco Mortgage Services may prove helpful.

• When the appraisal management company notifies you with the name of the appraiser assigned to your loan application, be sure to obtain the appraiser’s contact information, including phone numbers and email address.

• Don’t wait for the appraiser to call you; be proactive and schedule an appointment.

• Determine if the appraiser has a good understanding of the neighborhood.

• Point out unique features that you feel add value to your home and distinguish it from comparable homes in the area.

• If the appraised value comes in lower than you expected, review it carefully and make sure the comparable homes cited are current. Be prepared to suggest other comparable homes that you believe are more appropriate.

To learn about the mortgage and refinancing services available through Costco, go to Costco.com and search “mortgage.”

NEW FEATURE

Easier payroll access
via mobile app

IN TUIT PAYROLL
NOW COSTCO MEMBERS can access and run
Intuit Online Payroll right from their smart-
phones (iPhone or Android) with a free mobile
application, IOP Mobile. It’s the easiest way to
run your payroll because the data
automatically syncs with your
Intuit Online Payroll account.
So even if you’re stuck in
traffic, at your kid’s soccer game
or on the golf course, a few
simple clicks are all you need
to get your employees paid.
For more information
about Intuit Online Payroll or
to get the free app for your
existing account, go to
Costco.com and search
“IOP mobile.”

NEW FEATURE

Mobile app for credit
card transactions

NEW FROM ELAVON, Costco’s merchant credit card processing provider, Virtual Merchant Mobile offers a smartphone application that enables a business owner to securely accept payment virtually anytime and anywhere.

It works with many types of smartphones—Android, Apple and Blackberry— regardless of the wireless provider. The merchant just swipes the card through a Magtek reader to complete the purchase.

In addition to being convenient, it’s a money-saver, eliminating the expense of dedicated phone lines and other equipment to process transactions.

To learn how Virtual Merchant Mobile can enhance your business, call toll-free 1-800-616- 1935 and refer to source code 83200, or go to Costco.com and search “merchant.”

PRACTICAL TIPS

401(k) for any-size
businesses

A NEW GENERATION of 401(k) plans makes it affordable for any size business to offer its employees a low-cost retirement savings solution. Intuit and Costco have teamed up to offer such a plan with Intuit 401(k), starting as low as $69 per month with savings of up to 60 percent compared to other providers. And no company is too small.

Small businesses may also benefit from tax incentives related to a 401(k):

• Plan startup tax credit. This is a special tax credit of $500 per year for the first three years of the 401(k) plan’s operation.

• Employer matching. This is a tax-deductible expense—not required in a 401(k) plan, but a way to reward employees and save taxes.

• Personal income taxes. Small-business owners and employees can save up to $5,000 in federal income taxes if they participate, and their retirement money grows tax free.