Me? Why a bit of both. I fail to see the need tfor someone to pubically, and under the protection of anonymity, act to superior and “better” than millions of people who, for whatever reasn, chose to shop at any store. I’ve shopped Costco, Sams, Neiman Marcus, Cartier, and Omega stores. At them all I’ve seen people I could undoubtedly buy in a heartbeat and people who could spend my entire net worth in a day and not miss it. But what does that prove? Nothing. I say “Excuse me,” whem good manners and my upbringing tell me to and do not take umbrage when someone else doesn’t.
I was relaying my experience with jerks cutting the line, pushing others, and acting like fools. If that’s you, sorry to offend. As I walked around with my 4 year old granddaughter, it was almost dangerous the way people were acting at checkout and at the membership area. I left without anything. I thought this forum was to share thoughts and experiences. Or is this another forum where the babysitters rule like dictators?
I’ve been shopping at Costco for going on 35 years. I’ve rarely experienced any of the issues you have mentioned. That being said, I’m in central California and the stores in Socal are very crowded in comparison. But if you are a Costco hater, (I know a few) why are you even entertaining the idea of buying aids there? You’ll most likely hate the experience. Find a fair Audiologist and you’ll be much happier.
Unlike you, I haven’t been in a Costco in 35 years so didn’t realize I was a hater till I went to the store. But, you are probably correct that in my area, I would never be happy with the customer service Costco offers. So the search continues…
I may be wrong but I find your escription of the people in this post drastically different from the one I originally commented on. Look, I have no issue with you not liking Costco or the experience of shopping there. I refuse to enter a WalMart for any reason for instance. But to demean the entire customer base went to far, IMO.
And if your granddaughter was even remotely in any danger than you were right to leave, certainly I would never take her back!
Just go some place else, maybe ask here for a recomendation near you? (Just an idea)
Now, as to this forum, the babysitters sat me in the corner and made me miss recess when I recently joined, so I understand your remark. I’m sure as hell not one of them!! But most of the people ARE helpful and even the sitters have a wealth of knowledge (I’m not one of them either).
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Molarface - I was honesty not sure as your post could go either way. Mr.csm I found pretty insulting and rude to generalize an entire customer base on one experience. I had thought you were being sarcastic but didn’t know so thought I would ask :). There was no judgment in the question. There are stores I don’t like due to the way the store acts or other related problems but to over generalize was a bit much…
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Thanks @janofh. I did try and include some subtle mirth in the post (you have to look closley, I hid it pretty well 
)
He seems to have had a rough time, and I can understand that to some degree - you can knock me down, step in my face, slander my name all over the place, but don’t mess with my grandkids.
I’m on my fourth set of hearing aids, 2xHansaton, 1 Siemens Teneo and now KS10s. I have been fitted by many different professionals. Private, National Health Service and now Costco and I have got to say after a couple of visits the ones at the absolute top of the tree for helpfulness and making me feel like I am buying a valuable product are the two different guys I have seen in Costco. Absolutely first class.
My gut feel is that Audiologists and the Hearing industry are being disrupted, long may it continue. The ability to hear should never be about how rich you are.
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I live in Phoenix seasonally. You are likely referring to Phoenix proper, as there are far more than four Costcos in the metro area.
I have many years of personal experience with four Costcos in the North and West Valley - Cave Creek, I17, Glendale/Peoria, and Surprise. I have never had anything but competent service in all of them, so I have a decent base for judging.
And I didn’t watch this video once Dr. Phil stated that “if the viewer suspects personal bias from a competitor he should click the video off” - that fit me perfectly. I am of a technical background and tend to discount anecdotal stories from un-named test subjects that are related to me second-hand; this is supposed to be actual information…say what?
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The goal of the secret shopper is to find things wrong otherwise they lose their job. Take it with a grain of salt
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It varies, no doubt, according to which Costco you visit and when. We arrived a little early yesterday for my 6:15pm follow-up appointment, and the place was almost deserted.
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The only negative I have on Costco right now is that after getting my hearing test done, I had to pay for devices and then wait over two weeks to get them. I wouldn’t do that with ANYTHING else. Not a new car, not a new computer, not a TV, nothing. But otherwise, my HIS did a great job and I’m very much looking forward to picking up my HA’s.
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I wonder why that is, you can take a $2000 television home immediately so it can’t be a space problem.
I have to wait for glasses too. There are a few options for hearing aid so they need to be set up for you. Maybe not as much as glasses but it makes it easier for the fitter. I don’t know about other shops but I guess they would be similar. Trying to keep the overhead low.
Not sure why you need to wait 2 weeks, unless it’s just getting an appt. Mine took almost a week. When I made my first appt to look at them they suggested I then make a followup for one week later in case I purchase.
Yes it takes a bit to get them, but given its a medical device with many different configurations, they don’t carry a stock. I would ask any of the private audis here if they carry stock if you want to compare. I’d bet no but I don’t know.
Physical options or software type options?
I know from the physical side there are multiple receivers as well as multiple colors…
Physical. Color, battery type and size, receiver power and wire length, dome type and size (or custom mold).
There was at least one time though that I was able to take delivery of a KS aid at the same first appointment. No come choice, though. Beige was it.
Your aids are made to fit your ears. If bte than molds are made. Costco doesn’t keep a large supply of hearing aids in stock. Mine usually take about a week. But I don’t agree with that payment up front
You have to keep in mind your location. LA and most large cities will have a huge influx of people. If possible find one in a smaller city. I went to Kalamazoo MI about 50+ miles from us my first time back in June7. Reason was the closer Costco in Wyoming, MI was booked in appt. up to into August and Kalamazoo could get me in quicker. After I got fitted I have started going to the Wyoming Costco. If they are busy they are being unindated with a large number of people wanting to get hearing aids. Only so many hours to get in X amount of people.
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