A MAJOR part in the fun of a Costco trip is sitting down for your post-shop refuel.
The mega retailer’s food court has plenty of bargain items on the menu, to give you a boost after a hard day’s shopping.
And while most of the pricing is considered very reasonable for the value of the food, one shopper has taken to Reddit to voice their surprise at an absolute mega-deal on the menu.
User @computerworlds took to the forum to write a post titled: “It’s amazing to me that a hotdog and a soda is still only $1.50.”
They continued: “Yet the fairly new chocolate chip cookie is $2.49.
“That’s not to say the cookie is expensive by today’s standard for chocolate chip cookies, just that the hotdog and soda is so darn cheap!
“And to me, it’s literally the best hotdog I can find anywhere around at any price.”
The Costco hotdog is no new kid on the block – it’s been a menu staple since 1984, and amazingly, the price has never changed.
According to Foodie.com, Costco sells an unbelievable 2 million hotdogs per year.
And it’s even got famous fans from the upper echelon of the culinary world – including French food expert and television personality, Julia Child, says Tasting Table.
Part of the Costco hotdog’s allure is the option to order it as part of the meal deal combo – where you can purchase it in addition to a soda for just $1.50.
And Reddit users were quick to flood the comments in agreement with the original poster.
One user said: “I work right next to a Costco, I get a Costco hot dog lunch at least once a week, you can’t beat the value.”
And they’re not the only person who finds the hotdog meal deal irresistible, with someone else commenting: “That’s why I like the locations that have an outdoor food court.
“I don’t have one near me, but if I did, I would go there just for that sometimes.”
Some users believed Costco are either making a small loss or marginal profit to keep the hotdog going – knowing that it tempts customers to spend money on their membership and bigger purchases in store.
This theory is backed up by a 2024 article in CNN, where Nathaniel Meyersohn wrote: “Costco’s $1.50 combo is a strategic decision, known as a loss-leader: The company is willing to lose money selling the hot dogs at that price — inflation be darned — so long as it helps Costco draw in and retain customers.”
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they’ve been cracking down on offenders in recent years.
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
Credit: Costco
And according to the comments on Reddit, this strategy is certainly working.
One user wrote: “Most people buying hot dogs will go and spend $100s in other merchandise during their visit.”
While someone else agreed: “Once they get you in, chances are you’ll spend more money.”
It’s likely that the hotdog will stay at the low price of $1.50 – and whether it’s a marketing tactic or not, it’s popularity speaks for itself!
