Wigged out on value
Another testimonial is a member’s timely letter
to Costco from early January, reprinted below. Lori
Roddey took the time to write to Costco about
Costco services, and proceeded to detail exactly the
type of savings that the services she uses have
brought to her Coconut Creek, Florida–based online
wig business, Lori’s Wigsite.
Roddey worked for Costco in several warehouse
locations for 12 years before launching her own
business and feels that Costco instilled in her an
invaluable customer-service ethic.
Merchant credit-card processing was the first
Costco service she enrolled in for her start-up ven-
ture nine years ago.
“While still working at Costco, I remember
reading about NOVA in The Connection in the
warehouse break room,” Roddey says. “I quickly
learned that the savings described were genuine.”
Take the challenge
Space limitation prevents describing how hundreds of thousands of other members are receiving
additional value from Costco service programs, but
why not try it yourself? There’s nothing to lose and
plenty to gain.
Check the full list of services on page 24, or visit
the “Services” section at costco.com. C
Tip:
Each time the Wallet or
Passport coupon book comes
out, there are coupons with
extra limited-time savings
on many of the service
programs. And keep watching
for new services and features
as covered each month in
The Costco Connection.
Lori Roddey’s letter
lists more than $5,000
in annual savings from
using Costco services.
Dear Costco,
The reason I write to you is because my online business is able to utilize many of the Costco services available
to us with Costco’s Executive Membership. I am able to save a bundle of money every year.
• WeutilizeValue Webhostingservices,whichcostsmybusiness$179.40peryearwithmyExecutive
Membership. Not only do I save with ValueWeb, I also receive more space, more mailboxes and great customer
service if and when I need it. This is a savings of $421 per year compared to other hosting companies.
• WeareenrolledintheAmeripriseHome&AutoInsuranceprogram,whichsavesmeroughly$118
every six months ($236 per year) compared with other auto insurers.
• WewerereferredtoAmeripriseFinancialServices,andbyusingmyCostcoExecutiveMembership
I am able to save $200 off the yearly fee.
• Weusethebusiness-checkprintingservice,whichsavesmeroughly$39peryearcomparedwithother
similar check-printing companies.
• Themajorityofoursavingscomesfromthewonderfulmerchantcredit-cardprocessingthrough
NOVA. This discounted credit-card processing program, with its 1.99% and 0.27-cent-per-transaction fee for
Internet orders, saves me more than $650 per year. In addition, I save $59.50 per year in statement fees alone,
since this charge is waived for Executive Members. Since I first opened my online business in March 1998,
I’ve been completely satisfied with this company and its services.
• Last,andmostexciting,IparticipateintheAmericanExpresscashrebateprogram,whichearnedme
a check for a whopping $3,892. And once a year I receive another check for my spending using my Executive
Membership 2% Reward, in the amount of $245. This amount varies each year. That was last year’s amount.
Total savings per year: $5,683 (or $5,583, minus the $100 Executive Membership fee).
Now that’s savings!
Lori Roddey
Lori’s Wigsite