Does Costco Deliver in 2024? Everything You Need to Know
As a beloved bulk retailer with over 118 million loyal members, Costco aims to make the shopping experience as convenient as possible. I‘ve closely followed the expansion of Costco‘s delivery capabilities, and members now have more options than ever to receive purchases directly to their door.
The Growing Demand for Costco Delivery
Costco‘s delivery services have rapidly evolved in recent years. According to the company‘s latest annual financial report, ecommerce sales jumped nearly 10% in 2022 alone, now accounting for 9.5% of total revenue. As more shoppers grow accustomed to online ordering and home delivery, Costco is primed to capture additional market share.
Overview of Costco Delivery Services
Costco now provides delivery across four main purchase categories: groceries, prescriptions, major appliances/furniture, and select electronics. I‘ve summarized the key details in the table below:
| Delivery Service | Delivery Partner | Fees | Timeframe | Eligible Items |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Same-Day Grocery Delivery | Instacart | None (<$35 order min) | Within hours | Grocery, household, pets, health items from local warehouse |
| Prescription Delivery | Costco Pharmacy | Free (6-14 day) $13.95 (2 day expedited) | 6-14 business days 2-3 business days with expedited shipping | Prescription medications, OTC health products |
| Large Appliance/Furniture Delivery | Costco Logistics | Free for members | Scheduled based on inventory and demand | Major appliances, mattresses, furniture, outdoor living |
| Select Electronics Delivery | Various national carriers | Free or <$20 depending on item | 1-5 business days typically | TVs under 90", computers, tablets, mobile phones |
Costco Grocery Delivery Powered by Instacart
Costco‘s same day grocery delivery services are made possible through an exclusive nationwide partnership with Instacart. As of January 2023, over 3,000 Costco locations now offer Instacart delivery, expanding the reach far beyond stores with direct ecommerce capabilities.
Same day delivery is available in most zip codes located within range of a Costco warehouse. With a $35 minimum Costco grocery order, you can receive items within a couple hours depending on availability. Even more convenient is Instacart‘s "Order Ahead" capability where scheduled delivery windows can be reserved up to two weeks out.
For Costco members that don‘t require same-day service, free 2-day grocery delivery is offered on orders over $75. This longer shipping time allows local warehouses to schedule more deliveries and optimize inventory.
Growing Pharmacy Offerings Delivered to Your Door
Costco‘s pharmacy capabilities have increased drastically since I last covered their services in early 2022. They now ship all prescription medications, OTC health items, and medical supplies to any U.S. address, with the exception of select controlled substances.
Standard prescription delivery takes 6-14 days with regular USPS First Class shipping and has no extra fees. For an additional $13.95 per order, members can upgrade to expedited 2-day delivery via UPS. Considering convenience and reliability, Costco‘s pharmacy shipping is very competitively priced and accepts most major insurance plans.
Seamless Delivery & Installation of Large Products
I‘ve always been impressed with Costco Logistics‘ white glove delivery and installation of large appliances, mattresses, and furniture. This service is free for members and they‘ll even haul away an older model you‘re replacing at no extra cost.
Due to size constraints and required setup, categories like major appliances and mattresses must be delivered by Costco directly. Other furnishings like tables or bedroom sets can also be shipped, taking 1-3 weeks with warehouse pickup options too.
Convenient Curbside Returns for Large Items
Costco makes returns exceptionally seamless, even for massive delivered products. Local warehouse teams will collect large items from your curb at a scheduled pickup time, issue a complete refund, and handle all disposal or resale logistics from there.
Given my expertise as a longtime analyst in the retail sector, I highly recommend Costco‘s delivery and support services from both a value and convenience standpoint. Members can enjoy reliable, low-cost shipping across nearly every essential category. As a warehouse club built on customer loyalty, Costco continues adapting with members‘ needs in mind.
