The system has clear functional limits. Courier delivery does not offer an identical mirror of warehouse inventory. Fresh foods and bulk proteins arrive reliably, but high-ticket electronics, seasonal outdoor merchandise, and specialized tires remain inaccessible through third-party platforms.
Shoppers who rely on deliveries also forfeit broader club benefits. You cannot book vacation packages through the Costco travel and delivery perks portal, access warehouse optical clinics, or fuel up at discount gas pumps without an active subscription card.
Inventory mismatch introduces additional friction. If a gig courier encounters an out-of-stock item, the app automatically drops the product or selects a substitute, occasionally dragging the basket total below the threshold needed for an active promotional coupon.
Platform security rules require careful navigation as well. Uber monitors redemption cadences for sudden spikes. Attempting to add five or six gift cards in a single hour can trigger temporary fraud locks on an account, tying up funds until manual support clears the balance.
