Company case study · 10 podcast episodes
Costco
Costco is a membership-only warehouse club that provides a wide selection of merchandise, including groceries, electronics, and household goods, often at discounted prices. It came up on 10 podcast episodes (Koerner Office, My First Million, The Side Hustle Show) between July 23, 2025 and November 10, 2026.
At a glance
| Discussed on | 10 episodes: Koerner Office, My First Million, The Side Hustle Show |
|---|---|
| First and latest | July 23, 2025 to November 10, 2026 |
| Revenue and traction | In one week, $6,000 in sales were generated from food products sourced from Costco. |
| Category | E-commerce |
Figures and claims are as told on the episodes, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What Koerner Office said
He Copied My Episode With $70. Now He Does $15K/Month - Ep. #351 · aired November 10, 2026 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
Costco's bulk purchasing model allows resellers to acquire products at a lower cost, which can be sold at a higher margin through various sales channels.
Revenue and traction
In one week, $6,000 in sales were generated from food products sourced from Costco.
The playbook
Strategically sourcing high-demand food items and utilizing live selling platforms to maximize reach and sales efficiency.
Also mentioned
The user has successfully integrated food sales into their business model alongside other product lines, capitalizing on the popularity of grocery items.
What My First Million said
We found an app that lets you buy anything for $0 · aired June 24, 2026 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
By passing on savings from bulk purchasing to customers, Costco creates a compelling value proposition that fosters customer loyalty.
Revenue and traction
Generates about $300 billion a year in sales, with approximately $5 billion from membership fees.
The playbook
Focus on low markup and high customer savings to drive membership and repeat business.
Also mentioned
The company's model allows it to attract customers by offering significant savings, creating economies of scale that enhance profitability.
What My First Million said
Mohnish Pabrai: How to be a top 1% investor · aired May 22, 2026 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
Costco's business model focuses on bulk sales and membership fees, which creates a loyal customer base and consistent revenue streams.
The playbook
Costco's strategy includes a simple business model and a commitment to customer satisfaction, exemplified by its return policy and product selection.
Also mentioned
Costco has been compared to Walmart in terms of operational efficiency and market strategy.
What The Side Hustle Show said
731: Unlocking Big Profits from Liquidation and Government Auctions · aired April 2, 2026 · hosted by Nick Loper
Why it works
Costco's business model focuses on bulk purchasing and offering reduced prices, which attracts a large customer base looking for value.
Revenue and traction
Specific revenue figures are not discussed, but items auctioned from Costco on platforms like B-stock are sold at significant discounts.
The playbook
Costco's inventory is often sold in bulk or as customer returns, providing resellers opportunities to acquire high-value items at low costs.
Also mentioned
Costco is noted for having a reliable pricing structure, making it a favored source for resellers.
What Koerner Office said
He Makes $45K/Month Selling Stuff on Live Stream⏐Ep. #287 · aired March 31, 2026 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
Costco's model focuses on selling a large volume of products at low prices, which attracts a loyal customer base.
The playbook
Costco auctions allow for the resale of returned items, thus enabling sellers to access inventory at a fraction of the retail cost.
Also mentioned
Not all returned items are destroyed; some are sold through platforms like B-stock.
What Koerner Office said
He Quit His Job and Built a $1M+ Vending Business (Full Playbook)⏐Ep. #262 · aired January 2, 2026 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
Costco's business model relies on selling products in large quantities at lower prices, appealing to both individual and business customers looking to save money.
The playbook
Costco's strategy includes offering a wide variety of products at competitive prices, which attracts a large customer base and encourages bulk purchasing.
Also mentioned
Quinn Miller sources some of his vending machine products from Costco, highlighting its role in his supply chain.
What Koerner Office said
This Is How You Actually Go From $0 to $100K Reselling Online⏐Ep. #243 · aired November 5, 2025 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
Costco's business model revolves around bulk sales and a membership system that drives customer loyalty and repeat business.
Revenue and traction
Costco sells high-value items such as Nordic track treadmills, which have retail prices ranging from $2,500 to $3,000.
The playbook
Costco offers detailed manifests and images of their products, allowing resellers to assess the condition and potential resale value of items.
Also mentioned
The transcript mentions buying items like exercise equipment from Costco for resale at a profit.
What Koerner Office said
Everyone Chases Trends. Resell This to Actually Make Money⏐Ep. #220 · aired September 12, 2025 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
Costco's pricing strategy and membership model create a loyal customer base, while their bulk buying reduces costs.
Revenue and traction
Costco sells high-quality items at competitive prices; their e-commerce is still expanding.
The playbook
Utilize a strong brand reputation and vast distribution network to sell products at lower prices.
Also mentioned
Costco's e-commerce expansion is expected to grow alongside their traditional warehouse sales.
What Koerner Office said
Finding Great Reselling Deals Is Easy (If You Know Where to Look) w/ Shannon Jean⏐ Ep. #201 · aired July 28, 2025 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
Costco typically sells high-quality products at lower prices due to bulk purchasing, which attracts customers looking for value.
The playbook
Utilizes seasonal pricing strategies to offload excess inventory, making it an attractive source for seasonal arbitrage opportunities.
Also mentioned
Costco is known for its generous return policy, which often leads to a large number of seasonal item returns after holidays.
What Koerner Office said
This Is the Beginner Hustle You’ve Been Waiting For w/ Shannon Jean⏐ Ep. #199 · aired July 23, 2025 · hosted by Chris Koerner
Why it works
Costco's success is attributed to its ability to maintain low prices while treating employees well and building strong relationships with suppliers. This approach fosters customer loyalty and a dedicated membership base.
Revenue and traction
Costco sells items like hot dogs and Coke for $1.50, which is part of their strategy to keep prices low while still being profitable in a competitive grocery market.
Founding story
Founded by Jim Senegal, Costco exemplifies a business model where it's possible to treat employees and customers well while achieving financial success.
The playbook
Key strategies include maintaining strong supplier relationships, offering low prices, and creating a loyal customer base through exceptional service and value.
Also mentioned
Costco is noted for its unique warehouse shopping experience and the strong cult-like following it has among its members.