Costco’s DoorDash delivery partnership hailed a ‘game changer’ for some, but others aren’t so pleased

When Costco Australia announced its partnership with delivery service DoorDash earlier this year, I was thrilled.

Not only because I could now have the store’s discounted bulk grocery specials delivered to my door, but because it made me feel hopeful Aldi and perhaps even Kmart and Big W may follow suit.

For the record, Aldi has no plans to do this at this stage. 

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The partnership was announced in February, with DoorDash explaining on its website: “Australians can access Costco’s wide selection by downloading the DoorDash app and searching for Costco on the platform.

“Customers simply add items to their cart, choose a delivery time that suits them, and enjoy the benefits of bulk shopping without the heavy lifting.”

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Three months into the change, one customer gave the collaboration a firm thumbs up. 

“It’s saved me from having to cook and do physical shopping all the time,” they said on DoorDash Australia’s Instagram account.

“Ummmmm life hack!” added another on the DoorDash TikTok account.

”I think it’s cool you can access Costco without a membership,” TikTok content creator Tiffany Jane, while another shopper described it as a “game changer”.

“I did it yesterday I found it isn’t that much more in price,” added another, while one wrote: “I wish they would deliver their roast chickens.”

But while many have pleased been with the service, some have taken issue with the fact non-members can now make purchases on the DoorDash app – without buying a pricey Costco membership.

Membership at Costco costs $65 for a regular membership and $130 for a premium membership for an individual.

“That really isn’t fair to us that pay membership,” one Costco member said on Facebook.

“Does that mean you don’t need to spend on membership, if non members can order?” a second shopper added.

“I feel like this is unfair on us that have paid memberships to buy food from Costco, if everyone can now buy from Costco without a membership through DoorDash,” one member added on the Costco Coomera Community Facebook page.

“It should work the same way in store and just make the membership for fuel only.”

Although Costco member can access lower prices via DoorDash, when placing an order members are prompted to enter their membership details for up to 15 percent off.

“You could save on the item you just added and many more across the store,” the DoorDash app prompts.

“All you need to do is link your existing or new Costco membership account to start saving.”

Costco Australia declined to comment, however its website explains membership is the best value for money as “Costco members access exclusive member only prices, resulting in savings”.

Also, the DoorDash delivery is only available to those who live within an hour of Costco in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

At the time they announced the partnership, DoorDash Vice President APAC Simon Rossi said: “We are thrilled to partner with Costco to expand DoorDash’s affordable options for Australian families.

“Through this partnership, we’re making it easier for families and small businesses to get what they need at Costco’s low prices, delivered directly to their doorstep.”

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Costco Wholesale Australian Country Manager Chris Tingman added: “Our members appreciate the value and convenience of shopping in bulk, and we’re excited to extend that ease with DoorDash.

“This partnership allows members improved access to the range of quality and value Costco offers, because we know that many people live busy lives and are always looking for ways to make the weekly shop more accessible.”

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Costco launched in Australian in 2009, with local shoppers heading to their local store in droves.

The company is credited with reminding Aussie shoppers of the savings that can be found by purchasing items in bulk.

Popular items include Costo’s rotisserie chickens as well as pantry staples such as flour, pasta and rice.

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