Update

Current news for Costco members

PRACTICAL TIP

C ostco i s y our b est c ar-buying c ompanion

WE HUMANS share many fears. Phobias about spiders, flying, heights, small spaces and public speaking are universal. Add to those the very real fear of car buying.

What is it about the thought of visiting a car dealer’s showroom that summons up such dread? Is it the fast-talking salesperson who swoops down on naive car shoppers, entrancing them into purchasing vehicles they don’t really want, much less can afford? Or is it the inevitable negotiation in a windowless office with the salesperson and an intimidating sales manager? You’d no doubt sign anything to escape from that situation.

This car-buying fear appears to be even greater for women than for men. A June 2006 study conducted by Capital One Auto Finance reports that 77 percent of the 1,000 women surveyed intend to bring a man along for their next vehicle purchase.

Why? While 85 percent of women in the study did feel they had been treated fairly in their most recent car purchase, 70 percent indicated that the greatest challenge for them was getting a good price—something that they believe is not as big a problem for men.

But there’s great news for Costco members: a remedy for the auto-buying fear. Women and men can feel equally

ARTVILLE

confident purchasing a car by relying on three auto-related member services.

Costco Auto Program

This program takes all the legwork and haggling out of car shopping. Use the Costco Auto Program to find the car you want at a prearranged price from a participating dealer. Just walk into the dealership, sign the deal and hit the road. It’s that simple.

Auto Financing

Shopping for the right auto financing is easy for Costco members. Capital One Auto Finance offers an exclusive discounted rate for approved members. Capital One’s Blank Check^®, which can be used just like a personal check, is a simple way to close your car purchase transaction.

ALSO: For an article about the Merchant Credit Card Processing program, see page 61.

Auto & Home Insurance

And don’t forget Costco when you shop for the best deal on auto insurance. Great rates are available for Costco members from Ameriprise Auto & Home Insurance, and you might qualify for even greater savings when insuring both car and home.

Brochures about these services are at all warehouse locations, or go to costco. com and click on “Services.”

SERVICE UPDATES

Your event tickets
coast to coast

COSTCO’S ONLINE Entertainment Ticketing is your ticket source for outstanding family events at major venues. Here are new events with tickets available for purchase this month.

• Blue Man Group, The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino, Las Vegas. Blue Man Group combines music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to create a unique form of entertainment designed for maximum emotional impact. The new custom-built theater with state-of-the-art sound system enhances the performance. Tickets include a visit to Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, an interactive experience.

• Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. Tickets for the North American holiday tour are available for 18 cities in the United States.

For information on these events and more, visit costco.com, click on “Services,” then on “Online Entertainment Ticketing.”

FAQ

Your 2% Reward

COSTCO EXECUTIVE Membership pays a 2% Annual Reward on qualified purchases. Here are questions frequently received from members about this benefit. Q: When will I receive my Reward check? A: The Reward check comes as an attachment to your membership renewal notice near your membership anniversary date. Q: Is this Reward the same as the American Express cash rebate? A: No, these are different benefits. The 2% Reward is for Executive Members. Costco members who are American Express TrueEarnings^SM cardholders are eligible for the rebate stipulated by that card. Q: Will purchases by all family cardholders earn toward the 2% Annual Reward? A: The Reward applies to purchases made by the primary and specified primary household cardholders at the same address.

To learn more about our complete suite of member services, click on the “Services” link at costco.com or call 1-800-220-6000.

All services are provided by third parties, may not be available in all areas and are subject to change without notice. Some restrictions apply. See “Services” at costco.com for applicable terms and conditions.