5 Things Costco Business Centers Offer That Regular Stores Don’t

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Costco Business Centers offer a lot of items regular Costco members may not have seen. Here’s what to expect. 

We talk a lot about how Costco (and other warehouse stores) can be good for your personal finances. What we don’t discuss as much is how these stores can also be a boon to your small business’s finances.

More specifically, did you know that Costco has an entire line of stores dedicated to small business owners? The Costco Business Centers are more than just small Costcos. They have a number of things you won’t find at your regular Costco warehouse. Here are a few examples.

1. Business-centric bargains

A typical Costco is a one-stop-shop for everything from groceries to gas to glasses. Costco Business Centers, on the other hand, have eliminated a ton of the civilian fluff. They tend to be smaller than a regular warehouse, with a much more commercial-focused array of products.

For example, you won’t find front aisles full of seasonal decor or variety snack packs. Instead, you’ll get extra varieties of bulk-box candy for stocking your gas station or commercial kitchen gear for your restaurant. The Business Centers also stock a greater variety of janitorial supplies, disposable products, and beverages.

2. The bulkiest of bulk buys

If you thought the packages at a regular Costco were big, you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. The Business Centers take bulk buy to the next level!

What do I mean? None of these wimpy little 3-pound sacks of spuds. No, you want potatoes, they’ll give you potatoes — 40 pounds of them. Having a s’more night? How’s a 5-pound bag of marshmallows sound? Oh, and don’t forget your 5-gallon bucket of yogurt or 5-pound tub of hummus!

That still not enough for you? Business Centers also let you order your supplies by the literal truckload, and they’ll deliver right to your business (if you’re in the delivery range).

3. Industrial-sized ‘small’ appliances

If your home stand mixer is just way too small and you’re looking for a serious upgrade — you probably still won’t want to shop for your new appliance at a Costco Business Center. The commercial appliances you’ll find inside are far better suited to stocking the local pizza shop’s kitchen than making a batch of cookies at home.

4. Early bird hours

Have you ever been up at the crack of dawn and fervently wished you could visit Costco? Well, if you have a Business Center nearby, good news! Rather than waiting all the way until 10 a.m. to get your Costco fix, you can hit the Business Center bright and early at 7 a.m.

Of course, early to rise, early to bed: The stores close at 6 p.m. on weekdays and 4 p.m. on weekends.

5. Line-free checkout

Costco fans are quick to share their love for the warehouse store with friends and family. But that popularity means Costco is frequently busy, often leading to long lines at the checkout. According to shoppers, however, the Business Centers rarely have lines or crowds, likely due to their niche nature (and the fact that some people simply don’t know they exist).

Who can shop at Costco Business Centers?

Although the Costco Business Centers cater to small business owners, you don’t need a special business membership — or even a business — to shop there. Your regular ole Costco membership is plenty.

That said, there are far, far fewer Business Centers than Costco warehouses. In fact, while there are 855 Costco warehouses worldwide, there are only 24 Business Centers — 10 of which are in California.

So, while any Costco member can shop at a Business Center, you’ll have to find one first. And that might not be easy for most members.

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The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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