Costco Connection - March 2012

inside costco

Home fixups made sımple

Costco’s
Special
Order
Kiosks
can help

A COUPLE TEENY inaccurate measurements can turn a do-it-yourself home improvement project into a never-should-have-done-it nightmare of added cost and angst. Rather than take this chance, I much prefer Costco’s Special Order Kiosk approach to home improvement.

Depending on the area you live in, kiosk
offerings can include California Closets,
CertaPro custom painting, custom counter-
tops and cabinets, flooring (hardwood and
carpeting), garage doors and openers,
LeafGuard gutter systems, Lennox heating
and air conditioning, whole-home water treat-
ment and window coverings. Special Order
Kiosk buyer Kathy Hardersen notes, “We’ve
tried to take all the guesswork out of certain
home-remodeling projects. All a member
needs to do is pick up the brochure and call
the toll-free number provided to set up a free
on-site consultation and get started.”
;e kiosks themselves are found in each
U.S. Costco warehouse, to members’ right or
le; as they head near the exit, with photos
and brochures detailing each service.

Consumer reporter Pat Volchok gives a behind-the-scenes look at Costco products and services. Send your questions about this article to:

buyingsmart@costco.com.

BuyingSmart

Depend on the pros

The Special Order Kiosk provides the highest-quality brands at the best value, with free in-home consultation by Costco-approved suppliers. Only Costco-screened and -sanc-tioned top-tier national brands and a select group of manufacturer-approved vendors make the cut. Special Order Kiosk contractors are licensed and insured. Most have their own design consultants, installers and support personnel. All work must be performed in accordance with industry standards and in compliance with all applicable laws, including obtaining building permits and inspections. Companies must also sign and comply with Costco’s own strict code of conduct.

“We work with established, well-respected
companies that have demonstrated excellence
in their respective ;eld prior to coming on
board,” Kiosk buyer Chris Hendrix tells me,
adding, “If we cannot ;nd a skilled contractor
that meets our standards in a speci;c market
we will not o;er the program and will con-
tinue to look for the right ;t.”
The highly capable, professional—and
free—design consultants are a much appreci-

FRANCE FREEMAN

ated plus, especially since some retailers charge for this service. I think of them as personal home-improvement shoppers who travel to you, bring samples, offer sound advice, take measurements to assure a custom ;t, provide a comprehensive bid (including demolition and removal of debris if applicable) and ensure project completion, including ;nal walk-through.

Project consultants are also well versed on
product warranties and the additional ways
members can save. Chris adds, “Many local
and state governments and even utility com-
panies o;er rebates and tax incentives for buy-
ing ecofriendly products. Special Order Kiosk
consultants are all over these rebates and can
even assist with paperwork.”
Payment can be made with check, cash,
American Express Card (receive a 1 percent
rebate if you use a TrueEarnings Card from
Costco and American Express) or Costco’s
credit card. ;ese purchases also qualify for
Costco’s 2% Executive Member Reward.