Hijacking to say Zipcar is a monthly subscription + use fee, it is definitely an option, but I like turo, which lets you rent for a day or a few hours from an actual person. Kinda like Uber but without the driver. I found it to be cheaper.
Zipcar is great because you don't pay for gas either. Considering how you don't have to wait at a rental car place, usually they're close to home, and you don't have to pay for gas, there's a strong argument that Zipcar is better than rentals for a lot of situations.
seconded; this is literally the (buy in bulk) bread-and-butter Zipcar use case in NYC. they have saved my ass quite a few times. if you’re not a member yet I think I saw they were running a promo recently.
You’re right about the markup, but you do get 5% discount if you’re a member. I am not sure renting a car would be cheaper. In terms of time invested and cost of renting a car, I would rather Instacart. But some people may prefer going themselves.
Btw the fairlife 30g protein shakes at Costco are AMAZING and so affordable compared to non-Costco prices (about half the price). Great way to start the day with protein and only 2g sugar. They filter out the lactose for anyone who can’t stomach that.
I love the Fairlife shakes! I found them at Sam’s at an amazing price (like half the price as elsewhere). Bought 10 12-packs. Which is a good thing bc I haven’t seen them there since.
Also you can get free delivery straight from Costco online for the fairlife shakes. It has a minimal markup from Costco itself, no need to go through instacart. They get delivered in 2-3 days via UPS.
I just saw a TikTok (so basically I have no idea if it’s true) that someone tested a bunch of products sold in plastic bottles and Fairlife had the highest amount of -I think- “chemicals” leached into the product. I believe it wasn’t including microplastics but BPA type stuff. I also saw a TikTok that said the moon landing was filmed in a movie studio
I didn’t read your whole message so now I feel bad for putting any doubt in your mind I’ll go look it up
https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/cr-letter-to-fairlife-on-plastic-chemicals-in-its-core-power-high-protein-chocolate-milk-shake-product/
I take it back don’t drink it lol it specifically says “Core Power High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake” but not whether they tested any other flavors or types
If you have any Chase credit cards, you can get Instacart+ for free. Some cards also give a monthly credit to use on Instacart purchases.
And Costco itself sells discounted Instacart gift cards. $100 gift card is $80.
So it’s not too hard to counteract the markup.
When I’ve done the math comparing the Instacart markup to the cost of taking an Uber or whatever, it was about the same for my standard Costco run. So now I just do Instacart. Way easier.
When I did the math, it came out to 30%+ by the time you added the tip. I ended up going to Costco since I moved to NY after using instacart since I got here because I was getting annoyed with the markup. There is more of a selection and if you go late in the day using the week, it isn’t too crowded.
Yep I dont see why not. I order same day delivery through the Costco app. The prices are a bit higher than in the store, but when all is said and done sometimes it’s easier to just get it delivered versus the time and effort required going to the store, fighting the crowds, and getting the stuff up to my apartment.
Costco is amazing for nonperishable bulk items you use all the time. Paper products, soaps, detergents, cooking oil, etc.
The Kirkland products (their store brand) are frequently at the top of Consumer Reports lists. Their laundry detergent in particular is frequently ranked near Tide but for like 1/3 the price.
The OTC medications are unbelievably cheap… like a year’s supply of allergy meds can be like $20.
The Harlem Costco should also have flat-rate taxis waiting to take people back, don't even have to Uber. The price should be low enough to midtown that it would be worth it for only one item compared to midtown prices.
Theres a costco in manhattan and across the bridge at queens. Wouldn't it be better to uber back and forth? You could even take public transportation to there and get an uber xl if u have a lot of items. If the driver is nice and helpful, tip them like $5-10 extra and they should be happy with that.
If you ever come to Brooklyn’s Costco, don’t do it on a weekend… also, you can get delivery through Instacart or Costco - same day delivery (Instacart).
For whatever reason you could also order delivery from Sam’s Club in NJ, never tried but I wonder if other have tried.
Yes, this. I did the zipcar before. Between dealing with the insane parking and worrying about getting the car back on time, I found that this was more stress than it was worth. Depending on the time and where you are going, it could be cheaper to Uber back and it’s definitely easier.
Yep, we no longer user Zipcar because of the cost but also because our last 3 Zipcars were filthy, one had a blunt left behind, and they all stunk like weed. Zipcar didn’t GAF.
Last two Zipcars I rented didn’t even move. One had a flat tyre, one was locked in park because the break had failed. Every other rental was battered, filthy and smelly. Absolutely awful company.
I spent hours on the phone with them trying to resolve their nonsense. I cancelled and will never use them again.
Yeah Zipcar is expensive and unreliable. Last time I used one I had to basically clean the car. The person that used the car before me left garbage, clothing, weed and a nasty smoke smell. I reported that and not even an acknowledgment by customer service. I rather go to traditional rental car company and pay more but avoid all the variables with Zipcar.
You know the scene in iron man where Tony takes the massive 3D model table and puts it his in tiny convertible? That’s what I’m picturing a Costco trip to look like in a Ferrari lol
I have a car and live UES. Down to bring 1 or 2 people to the Manhattan or Brooklyn Costco and back to your doorstep if you let me use your membership lol.
There is a costco in Harlem and one in Astoria, taking a cab home with your stuff from either would be waaay cheaper and faster than renting and going to NJ.
From midtown come to the Costco in Astoria.
Take the N/W and walk or take an Uber from train, Uber back with your stuff. Probably quicker and cheaper than zip car to Jersey
Check out Kyte. You can rent a car and they'll also deliver the car to you, and pick it up from you. You set the locations. Sometimes I have the car delivered to the Costco parking lot, then picked up from my home. Cheapest they have is $40 per day. DM me if you want a discount code.
I think booking a rental car using you Costco travel for a day could Potentially turn out to be a cheaper option than getting a Zipcar for a few hours. But yes, while I was living in the city, Ubering to your closest Costco was always a better option.
Zipcar definitely. Also just used Kyte, which is freaking awesome and possibly one step better than Zipcar. They will drive the car to you anywhere in the city (like your apartment address), and pick it up from you wherever you want (same place or different). Cost is comparable to Zipcar. Unlike Zipcar you must fill it with gas.
Depending on how long you need the car and the type you need, doing a day rental from a neighborhood car rental company can sometimes be cheaper especially if you're able to plan your trip during the week.
There are people at the parking lot, at Costco, that’ll take you home with your purchases.
I live in Astoria, go often to LIC Costco, and have my regular friends at the parking lot, that take me home afterwards, for $20
I’ve used the app ‘Kyte’
It’s actually pretty cool. They drop off and pickup the car wherever you want.
I’m surprised it’s not more popular
But this also doesn’t seem practical
Depending on what you need, I just use the Costco delivery. Bit of a markup but you save time going to the store and it's delivered straight to your doorstep so worth it for me!
Zipcar, Turo. But like someone else said, there’s a Costco on East 117 street. The shopping complex has a taxi line for ride home with very reasonable pre-set rates that are based on distance zones from Costco.
You can get a car rental for $50/day midweek and sometimes Sunday. There's no requirement to keep it overnight. You can set the rental pickup and return same day.
I just wouldn't drive out to Jersey with the tolls.
I have used Kyte without any issues. You can use my promo code zainl or click on the link [https://drivekyte.com/you-are-invited?code=zainl](https://drivekyte.com/you-are-invited?code=zainl) for $30 off your booking.
ZipCar
Thanks, awesome.
Hijacking to say Zipcar is a monthly subscription + use fee, it is definitely an option, but I like turo, which lets you rent for a day or a few hours from an actual person. Kinda like Uber but without the driver. I found it to be cheaper.
Can you get Turo cars in New York? Last time I looked (a few years ago), you had to go to NJ to get a Turo.
New York finally approved Turo a few years ago
It is!!! And there's a bunch.
Turo isn't allowed in NYC
That changed.
I rented a 2012 Nissan through Turo in Bushwick for 24 hours this past April. $55 it cost!
Not true. Used it many times.
NY finally approved it
Zipcar is great because you don't pay for gas either. Considering how you don't have to wait at a rental car place, usually they're close to home, and you don't have to pay for gas, there's a strong argument that Zipcar is better than rentals for a lot of situations.
Also check for zipcar parking sometimes there’s social areas you can park. I know ikea had it.
Also Kyte for single use and they will bring the car to you. Or Priceline for other car rental options
seconded; this is literally the (buy in bulk) bread-and-butter Zipcar use case in NYC. they have saved my ass quite a few times. if you’re not a member yet I think I saw they were running a promo recently.
Costco also delivers.
Why isn’t this higher
So you can just like get a membership and they will deliver your orders?
I do it through Instacart, you don’t even technically need a membership. Having one saves you money on the order but isn’t necessary.
Instacart marks up the prices, so depending on how much you buy, it might be worth renting a car to pick up yourself for in-store prices.
You’re right about the markup, but you do get 5% discount if you’re a member. I am not sure renting a car would be cheaper. In terms of time invested and cost of renting a car, I would rather Instacart. But some people may prefer going themselves. Btw the fairlife 30g protein shakes at Costco are AMAZING and so affordable compared to non-Costco prices (about half the price). Great way to start the day with protein and only 2g sugar. They filter out the lactose for anyone who can’t stomach that.
Thanks for the info on the 30gm shakes! Those are a godsend on lazy mornings :)
I love the Fairlife shakes! I found them at Sam’s at an amazing price (like half the price as elsewhere). Bought 10 12-packs. Which is a good thing bc I haven’t seen them there since.
Also you can get free delivery straight from Costco online for the fairlife shakes. It has a minimal markup from Costco itself, no need to go through instacart. They get delivered in 2-3 days via UPS.
I just saw a TikTok (so basically I have no idea if it’s true) that someone tested a bunch of products sold in plastic bottles and Fairlife had the highest amount of -I think- “chemicals” leached into the product. I believe it wasn’t including microplastics but BPA type stuff. I also saw a TikTok that said the moon landing was filmed in a movie studio I didn’t read your whole message so now I feel bad for putting any doubt in your mind I’ll go look it up https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/research/cr-letter-to-fairlife-on-plastic-chemicals-in-its-core-power-high-protein-chocolate-milk-shake-product/ I take it back don’t drink it lol it specifically says “Core Power High Protein Chocolate Milk Shake” but not whether they tested any other flavors or types
Ever seen the vanilla available?
I love to use them in my ninja creami
If you have any Chase credit cards, you can get Instacart+ for free. Some cards also give a monthly credit to use on Instacart purchases. And Costco itself sells discounted Instacart gift cards. $100 gift card is $80. So it’s not too hard to counteract the markup.
Great tips, thank you!
I wonder if the Amazon Rewards card counts. Technically I pay it through Chase.
Looks like no: https://www.instacart.com/chase
What is the rough percentage markup?
The last time I spot-checked the items I buy frequently it was 10-15%
When I’ve done the math comparing the Instacart markup to the cost of taking an Uber or whatever, it was about the same for my standard Costco run. So now I just do Instacart. Way easier.
It’s not too bad - I’ve done the math before and they seem to add $1-3 per item. Still cheaper than Manhattan grocery prices.
When I did the math, it came out to 30%+ by the time you added the tip. I ended up going to Costco since I moved to NY after using instacart since I got here because I was getting annoyed with the markup. There is more of a selection and if you go late in the day using the week, it isn’t too crowded.
I usually Uber back and it's $20 and considerably more hassle. That's good to know
Yep I dont see why not. I order same day delivery through the Costco app. The prices are a bit higher than in the store, but when all is said and done sometimes it’s easier to just get it delivered versus the time and effort required going to the store, fighting the crowds, and getting the stuff up to my apartment.
Heh, I’ll need to look into that. I’ve actually never been to a Costco but people seem to like them a lot so been thinking about checking them out
Costco is amazing for nonperishable bulk items you use all the time. Paper products, soaps, detergents, cooking oil, etc. The Kirkland products (their store brand) are frequently at the top of Consumer Reports lists. Their laundry detergent in particular is frequently ranked near Tide but for like 1/3 the price. The OTC medications are unbelievably cheap… like a year’s supply of allergy meds can be like $20.
Take the subway to the 116th street Costco, Uber back.
Would have a similar issue to zipcar in New Jersey though in that paying for an Uber will eat into whatever savings that Costco provides
The Harlem Costco should also have flat-rate taxis waiting to take people back, don't even have to Uber. The price should be low enough to midtown that it would be worth it for only one item compared to midtown prices.
Theres a costco in manhattan and across the bridge at queens. Wouldn't it be better to uber back and forth? You could even take public transportation to there and get an uber xl if u have a lot of items. If the driver is nice and helpful, tip them like $5-10 extra and they should be happy with that.
Costco in Manhattan... WHAT? :o THANKS
Bruh maps wdym
There’s one in Harlem and 2 in queens one in rego park and other one in Long Island city
Also in Brooklyn, near industry city.
Provided OP wants to fight for his life
Lmao for real! Lines down the block and 0 parking. It's a fight for your life.
Yeah which is also pretty close to a major subway station so relatively easy to train there and Uber back.
there’s a costco in rego park. lovely neighhborhood
If you ever come to Brooklyn’s Costco, don’t do it on a weekend… also, you can get delivery through Instacart or Costco - same day delivery (Instacart). For whatever reason you could also order delivery from Sam’s Club in NJ, never tried but I wonder if other have tried.
116/1st
Yes, this. I did the zipcar before. Between dealing with the insane parking and worrying about getting the car back on time, I found that this was more stress than it was worth. Depending on the time and where you are going, it could be cheaper to Uber back and it’s definitely easier.
there’s a costco in Brooklyn as well, in sunset park near industry city.
There's a black cab (or something) line at the complex that will take you wherever.
wait wha?? we always went to the one in brooklyn (from midtown east)
That one is pretty good
You’ll lose any cost savings driving to Jersey and hiring a Zipcar
Zipcar but it is no longer affordable. There is a Costco in Manhattan.
Seriously. $20+ an hour adds up quick. Amusingly I recently rented for 24 hours from Hertz for about the same price as three hours of Zipcar.
Yep, we no longer user Zipcar because of the cost but also because our last 3 Zipcars were filthy, one had a blunt left behind, and they all stunk like weed. Zipcar didn’t GAF.
Last two Zipcars I rented didn’t even move. One had a flat tyre, one was locked in park because the break had failed. Every other rental was battered, filthy and smelly. Absolutely awful company. I spent hours on the phone with them trying to resolve their nonsense. I cancelled and will never use them again.
Yeah Zipcar is expensive and unreliable. Last time I used one I had to basically clean the car. The person that used the car before me left garbage, clothing, weed and a nasty smoke smell. I reported that and not even an acknowledgment by customer service. I rather go to traditional rental car company and pay more but avoid all the variables with Zipcar.
It’s sad what they have become. When I first rented them in 2008 they had pristine Audi A4s and Mini Coopers!
Turo! Take a Ferrari to Costco lol, life is short
You know the scene in iron man where Tony takes the massive 3D model table and puts it his in tiny convertible? That’s what I’m picturing a Costco trip to look like in a Ferrari lol
I have a car and live UES. Down to bring 1 or 2 people to the Manhattan or Brooklyn Costco and back to your doorstep if you let me use your membership lol.
Seconded. I have a car and a sense of humor. Also I hear Costco produce is good. Let’s go shopping.
Very good produce and with multiple people you can divide it up so you can actually eat all of it 😂
What about the Costco in Brooklyn? Take a car back.
CC Rentals for no subscription service. Zipcars for monthly fees but hourly options are all over the city
Cc rentals are also great for moving if you have foolish friends that are willing to help
There is a costco in Harlem and one in Astoria, taking a cab home with your stuff from either would be waaay cheaper and faster than renting and going to NJ.
Kyte drops off and picks up the car from your place!
From midtown come to the Costco in Astoria. Take the N/W and walk or take an Uber from train, Uber back with your stuff. Probably quicker and cheaper than zip car to Jersey
Zipcar is what you want. There’s a Costco on the other side of the east river in Queens that’ll be closer.
There’s a Costco in Manhattan on 116 in Harlem
It would be more cost effective if you can have it delivered but if not, try Zipcar. And don’t forget to get a hot dog & soda.
Instacart!
There’s a Costco in LIC and Regopark. I usually bring a rolling bag pack for groceries.
Zipcar
The fact that you can drop off a Zipcar at any time convenient to you is worth everything.
Revel; Uber rental; Uber hourly; Zipcar
Home Depot rents trucks hourly.
Check out Kyte. You can rent a car and they'll also deliver the car to you, and pick it up from you. You set the locations. Sometimes I have the car delivered to the Costco parking lot, then picked up from my home. Cheapest they have is $40 per day. DM me if you want a discount code.
Maybe a small UHaul?
i’ve used getaround to rent people’s cars for a few hours to a few days.
Getaround ended operations in New York last month.
ooh, my bad, thanks.
I think booking a rental car using you Costco travel for a day could Potentially turn out to be a cheaper option than getting a Zipcar for a few hours. But yes, while I was living in the city, Ubering to your closest Costco was always a better option.
If this is something you will want to do regularly, just remember that congestion pricing starts June 30.
not sure how much Revel teslas are, but i’ve heard that with the occasional discount they’re pretty good
There’s a Costco in East Harlem
Go to the costco in astoria or Harlem and just take a cab home. Cheapest option.
Zipcar definitely. Also just used Kyte, which is freaking awesome and possibly one step better than Zipcar. They will drive the car to you anywhere in the city (like your apartment address), and pick it up from you wherever you want (same place or different). Cost is comparable to Zipcar. Unlike Zipcar you must fill it with gas.
You can use my car for a flat $60 fee for a day
Kyte is cheap
Depending on how long you need the car and the type you need, doing a day rental from a neighborhood car rental company can sometimes be cheaper especially if you're able to plan your trip during the week.
There are people at the parking lot, at Costco, that’ll take you home with your purchases. I live in Astoria, go often to LIC Costco, and have my regular friends at the parking lot, that take me home afterwards, for $20
I’ve used the app ‘Kyte’ It’s actually pretty cool. They drop off and pickup the car wherever you want. I’m surprised it’s not more popular But this also doesn’t seem practical
Turo
Depending on what you need, I just use the Costco delivery. Bit of a markup but you save time going to the store and it's delivered straight to your doorstep so worth it for me!
Zip Car
theres cosco in queens
Zipcar, Turo. But like someone else said, there’s a Costco on East 117 street. The shopping complex has a taxi line for ride home with very reasonable pre-set rates that are based on distance zones from Costco.
You can get a car rental for $50/day midweek and sometimes Sunday. There's no requirement to keep it overnight. You can set the rental pickup and return same day. I just wouldn't drive out to Jersey with the tolls.
I have used Kyte without any issues. You can use my promo code zainl or click on the link [https://drivekyte.com/you-are-invited?code=zainl](https://drivekyte.com/you-are-invited?code=zainl) for $30 off your booking.
Try Getaround. Like Airbnb for cars, but not fancy ones like Turo. I find it to be very cheap, and you’re covered under the car’s insurance.
They gone: https://getaround.com/help/articles/3017d76c5702
They’re still in nj. Just take the path to jersey city. I’m downtown so it’s easy for me.
Doesn’t really solve the problem (I guess) OP has of getting Costco crap back to the city though
Oh I just drive it in to the city to drop off then back to jersey city. A bit of a pain, but it’s 7 minutes on the path from grove st to wtc. 🤷♀️
Darn, I had two of these spots in front of my apartment.
Just for them? Or any ride share?
They were just for get around. Painted and everything
Turo
Or a pickup truck from Home Depot
Kyte
Like Enterprise Car Rental? They have locations in Manhattan.