Costco is now selling Covid19 PCR tests that you do at home with saliva

[helpisontheway]

Results in 24-72 hours

https://www.costco.com/CatalogSearch?dept=All&keyword=PCR+test

https://www.costco.com/covid-19-saliva-pcr-test-kit-with-video-observation%2c-redeemed-by-azova.product.100706659.html

[underthematrix]

1. It cost 139 dollars.

[Gregory Peccary]

2. $140 per test feels like price gouging

[Hekate]

3. I've read of people being billed a couple of thousand for a test by their insurance companies...

That was a couple of months ago. All this year the story has been how there are no tests available for love or money too much of the time.

That said, Costco has a reputation for the fairest prices anywhere. They may be out of, say, bleach, but when they get it back in they don’t charge, say, $20/jug. They charge the customer what they paid plus iirc 5%. If you’re not satisfied with a product, be it a pair of jeans, a blender, or a piece of furniture, they will take it back.

Somehow, I don’t think Costco is the one to suspect of price gouging. Shop around, and if you can do better, by all means.

[Gregory Peccary]

6. I'm more skeptical of the manufacturer than the retailer

That said, I have no information on their price modeling strategy, maybe it costs $100 to manufacture each kit. Certainly quick and affordable over the counter home testing kits would be a major breakthrough for the people of the world, so it sure would be nice if profits could take a little bit of a back seat to help reach that goal. Having this test become available is great, but a lot of families just can't afford $560 (plus tax) to test a family of four.

[judeling]

10. Yes it is out of reach for many. That will remain a problem no matter who actually sells them.

The thing about COSTCO is that their basic business model with its reliance on member fees actually sets up one of the more virtuous feedback loops. There is a constant balance between price and satisfaction for the customer. That naturally feeds into the employees and the stability, a satisfied employee is just more pleasant for a customer interaction. The limited number of SKUs and bulkier product allows suppliers a way to shave production and distribution costs.

So if they have a test it will be close to the least expensive / highest quality available.

[Ms. Toad]

8. Try here first. These are all free.

https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html#:~:text=The%20Families%20First%20Coronavirus%20Response,health%20department%20for%20more%20information.

Had one on Monday. Got my results on Wednesday.

[crickets]

11. Great link - thanks!

Hope you don't mind I shortened it.

https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html

[Ms. Toad]

12. Anything to make it easier for people! n/t

[JCMach1]

4. Just in time for the XMAS Spike

[miyazaki]

5. Stocking Stuffer?

Merry X-Mas, I'm positive. Thanks Santa.

[Renew Deal]

7. They are also selling disaster prepper buckets with a weeks worth of food.

I am tempted to buy one and try it out.

[Ms. Toad]

9. Tests are avaialable for free a lot of places.

https://www.hhs.gov/coronavirus/community-based-testing-sites/index.html#:~:text=The%20Families%20First%20Coronavirus%20Response,health%20department%20for%20more%20information.

Got tested on Monday, got my results on Wednesday (negative).