Costco, known for its bulk groceries and household items, has quietly become a major player in the hearing aid market.
Offering competitive pricing, flexible return policies, and strong customer service, the retail giant now ranks as the second-largest supplier of hearing aids in the U.S., behind only the Department of Veterans Affairs.
With hearing centers in nearly 600 of its U.S. locations, Costco has cultivated a loyal following and sold hearing aids since 1989.
The retailer’s success lies in its ability to keep prices low while maintaining a shopping experience free of high-pressure sales tactics.
Costco, known for its bulk groceries and household items, has quietly become a major player in the hearing aid market.
With hearing centers in nearly 600 of its U.S. locations, Costco has cultivated a loyal following and sold hearing aids since 1989.
Hearing aids at Costco cost about $1,500 per pair, significantly cheaper than the $3,500 to $7,000 typically charged at clinics.
Customers also appreciate the generous 180-day return policy and free follow-up services, such as cleanings, all without the pressure of commission-based sales.
The service also offers a three-year warranty on hearing aids, follow-up appointments, devices and check-ups, not to mention hearing tests.
Many shoppers are drawn to Costco after negative experiences elsewhere.
Cathy Ellis, 67, of Virginia, initially paid $6,000 for hearing aids from an audiologist, but switched to Costco after struggling with maintenance costs. He finally bought a device that cost $3000 and syncs with his iPhone.
Hearing aids at Costco cost about $1,500 per pair, significantly cheaper than the $3,500 to $7,000 typically charged at clinics.
Shoppers say they like Costco’s no-pressure sales tactics
“I had my snake oil radar on but t“There’s no stigma or upselling here,” Ellis said. he told the Wall Street Journal.
Stephen Martin of Arizona felt pressured to buy a $7,000 pair while in the hospital, so he turned to Costco.
After he was allowed to walk around the store wearing a pair, he noticed he was hearing sounds he wouldn’t normally pick up and decided to purchase a pair for $1,500.
“Every time I go into that store to get something done with my hearing aids, I buy other things,” Martin said. WSJ.comapproving the company’s sales technique.
Both Ellis and Martin say they found quality products at a fraction of the price without having to experiment or pressure sales staff.
The reason Costco is able to sell out and reduce prices is because of the sheer volume the company sells, which now accounts for more than 16 percent of all hearing aid sales nationwide.
Costco is able to sell, and that price reduction is due to the sheer volume the company sells, which now accounts for more than 16 percent of all hearing aid sales nationwide.
Even audiology experts have recognized the challenge of competing with Costco’s prices and services, as the retailer offers an affordable solution to hearing loss.
“There’s nothing even close to the price you get at Costco,” says Abram Bailey, a doctor of audiology.
‘It’s an unfair position for anyone trying to practice audiology, but have I recommended my friends and family go to Costco to buy hearing aids? Yes, I have done it.