Costco Wholesale — Local services in City of Rochester

My experience is with the Costco Rochester hearing aid department.

They staff at least two hearing aids specialists and have the soundproof test rooms containing state-of-the-art analysis equipment. I got a perfect ergonomic and sound quality fit to my hearing profile.

What I got at Costco for I think $2000-ish was way better than multiple private audiologist that would've charged me from $5000 to over $7000.

As part of the five stars, I highly recommend Juliana at Costco Rochester as she is experienced, technically adept, good at sharing her knowledge, caring and personable, all while being professional; rare combination.

I purchased a top manufacturer's prior year's state-of-the-art model from Costco. It was far better, in terms of processor power, noise filtering, ambient filter overlays, and features like music streaming, than this year's state-of-the-art from another of the top three hearing aid manufacturers offered elsewhere for $7000.

When I got the bill, it was half of what I expected because I thought the price they quoted me was for one hearing aid, not two. The price was that low.

I went from saying "WHAT?" all time to having "bionic hearing," since I don't even feel the devices. Good thing they are waterproof because it's easy to forget you have them on and jump in the shower or pool.

1-year update still 5-stars: all follow-ups have been awesome. Any question was immediately answered to my satisfaction. My provider worked graciously with me to schedule, and often reschedule my appointments around my busy schedule. My thorough 1 year exam showed that the initial fit was perfect and that my hearing had not deteriorated, with my word recognition score actually improving.

2020 update 5-stars: Repeatedly wearing COVID masks broke off my hearing aid wire. Online forums said the part was $50-$80 if I install it myself. One person mentioned an audiologist charging $200 for the repair. When I called Costco they said 'just come in and we'll take care of you.' I even got the time wrong and was 1/2 hour after the Center closed but a staff member coming out from behind the counter still helped me and performed the repair immediately. Such awesome customer service. I would recommend Costco Hearing Center to anyone.

2021-08 update 5-stars: The hearing aid center has expanded with high demand for their newest technology but remains caring and patron-focused, especially the aforementioned Juliana, who although being duly promoted to a senior role, still consistently handles all the customers concerns and any counter congestion with cool grace. The department follows in this manner with efficient but kind processing, low wait times, and high throughout. This is despite the fact that in a recent visit they had five or six people seeking service well before their opening time -- they opened early without even having time to take down the 'closed' sign, which people can't seem to read anyway. Appointments for all services, including cleanings, are highly recommended.

2022-07 update 5-stars: went in for a hearing check and found that my prescription was still working perfectly. No update needed. While most businesses are lacking in post-COVID customer service, this department of the store has maintained their high standard. Their partnership with top manufacturers also continues to advance the state of the art in the hearing aid models they offer.

2023-07 update 5-stars: lost both my hearing aids in a boating accident shortly before I was to leave for South America. I emailed the Costco team on the weekend and got a call from Juliana first thing Monday morning so that I could be seen ASAP and get the new prescription necessary to have new hearing aids ordered and in hand for my extended trip. Also, when I had to cancel an appointment literally last minute, instead of being angry, Juliana was gracious beyond measure; a rare experience in customer...

I just spent eleven hours waiting for service at the tire center on a warranty issue as a walk-in. I was told (repeatedly) that they had too many reservations in the way and they kept pushing my car and two others back while they took the reservations. At several points they were down to one car, but made me sit and wait until the entire store was empty and everything was locked. To be fair, they were still there, working on the three walk-in cars, but really? No estimate on the amount of time it would take cost me an entire day (surprise PTO), and a whole bunch of good will. I have removed the auto-renew function on my membership. It expires in June and I will not be renewing.

Management needs to review the number of reservations they allow in a day and consider hiring more people to cover their customers.

While at the store (early) I attempted to purchase half a dozen blueberry muffins (would be a dozen meals for me) and was told they only sell them in buy one, get one, made no attempt to go back to that section of the store to get a second (unnecessary) box for me. When I said I wouldn't take the one I had, they walked the rejected box back to baked goods. They could have gone to get a second box for me, but that didn't occur to them.

I spent a bunch of money on infrastructure while I waited. I also picked up and looked through the catalog of stuff, the cruise and travel brochure, and the auto buying services. I also looked at home renovations. I need flooring for my attic. After this experience, Costco will not be getting any more of my money.

To the gas station attendant's credit, I was the last customer at 9:35, but that's because I got there just as they were closing shop, after arriving at the store around 10:45am this morning. Most expensive gas fill-up ever. Going to BJ's after...

I am a part of a VERY Costco family, which includes my father and 4 uncles and 3 aunt's who work at Costco. I too, once worked at a Costco in CA. I have been around a few to sat the least. Anywho, this one isn't too bad and it seems well staffed and many of the staff seem competent, friendly and in the business of making the customer happy. I have talked to a few employees there with issues with supplies, replacement cards (I tend to lose my card a lot tbh lol) and just general questions about the bakery. Everyone has been helpful and happy to help. Now take this with a grain of salt as I was respectful to THEM so they were respectful to ME. I have seen OTHER kinds of people have problems with the mask mandate but that's another review. The employees did handle the situations I've seen very well though.

Now with that being said, the store itself is 9/10 of cleanliness and orderliness. There are times when it is a mess but that's usually after a busy day and near the end of closing so I do not blame them when most of the staff is in the front making sure to get everyone out in a fast and orderly fashion. Produce is usually fresh except maybe some bad strawberries once, but I told an employee there and they immediately thanked me and took the product away.

Checking out is probably the biggest hassle but it's not TOO bad. They do have a self checkout which is very nice since some days I only want to pick a chicken and one other thing and leave. As for days when I want to get more items it can vary with check out time. Some days they are swamped and have all Lanes open and still swamped and some days I can just go into a line and get out within 5 minutes. The worst days may be Sunday since EVERYONE and their grandmother are there at Costco. I would avoid it...