Costco vs.　Even with high prices, here is the best paid membership system where you “get what you pay for”!

As prices continue to rise, consumers are becoming more frugal than ever before. Amid such a situation, have you heard that paid membership programs that dare to pay “not-so-expensive membership fees” are attracting attention?

At first glance, this may seem like an increase in expenses, but if utilized properly, it can ultimately lead to significant “benefits.

The break-even point for “getting your money’s worth” at Seijo Ishii…the impact of 30,000 yen per month

First of all, we would like to focus on Seijo Ishii, known as a “high-end supermarket. The company launched a fee-based membership program with an admission fee of 11,000 yen (including tax) on a trial basis at its Seijo store (Setagaya-ku, Tokyo) last March, and this year the program is in full swing, expanding mainly in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

The benefits include a 3% discount on purchases and free delivery. According to a customer survey, more than 80% of customers are “satisfied” with the program, but what is the actual cost performance?

Let’s do the math. 366,667 yen in purchases per year would be required to make up for the 11,000 yen membership fee for the 3% discount alone. On a monthly average, that would be about ¥30,556. The full benefit of the discount will be realized only after this line is exceeded.

Ms. Naoko Kuga, a senior researcher at the Nissay Research Institute, analyzes Seijo Ishii’s target customers as “consumers who are relatively well off financially. While general supermarkets such as Ozeki compete on the basis of discount rates, Seijo Ishii seems to be targeting consumers who are interested in the “added value” of its products.

Just refuel and the annual membership fee is waived! Costco’s most powerful secret is gasoline!

On the other hand, Costco, a warehouse-type store from the U.S., can be said to be the originator of the fee-based membership system. The annual membership fee is 5280 yen (including tax) for a typical Gold Star member. The main feature of this membership is the ability to purchase large quantities of groceries and daily necessities in bulk, thereby obtaining goods at low prices.

But Costco’s appeal goes beyond cheap prices. Costco’s appeal is not just about cheap prices, however. It is truly an ‘extraordinary’ experience, ” says Kuga.

The gas station is a powerful ally for families with children who are in the prime of life, but what is even more remarkable is the presence of a “gas station.

Looking at the example of the Minami Alps Warehouse Store (Yamanashi Prefecture) that opened this April, gasoline prices at the attached gas station are several yen less than those at nearby very inexpensive stores, and in some cases 10 to 20 yen less than those at general gas stations.

For those who use their cars on a daily basis, it would be easy to recover the annual membership fee just by repeatedly refueling. Note, however, that in the Tokyo metropolitan area, there are many stores that do not have a gas station, such as Tamasakai (Tokyo), Kawasaki, and Makuhari, so it is necessary to choose a store that has one, such as Tsukuba or Shinmisato (Saitama).

OKAY recoups the cost immediately, and movies are ¥1,000… “Surprising Hole in the Road” that you can’t afford to miss if you don’t know about it.

The discount supermarket “Okay,” which operates more than 160 stores in the Tokyo metropolitan area and three prefectures and claims to have the “lowest prices in the area,” actually has a membership system. However, there is no admission fee or annual fee, only a membership card issuance fee of 200 yen (including tax). If you pay in cash, you get a 3% discount on groceries (excluding alcoholic beverages).

Since the card fee can be recovered after only ¥6,667 in purchases, the 3% discount will be applied directly to your savings thereafter. Like Costco, the low prices are achieved by cutting costs, making it ideal for those who buy in bulk.

Other entertainment-related items are also not to be missed. If you are a movie buff, there is no way you can avoid using the membership system.

Kino Cinema (Shinjuku, Yokohama Minatomirai, Tachikawa Takashimaya S.C., Shinsaibashi, Kobe International, Tenjin): Annual membership fee is 1000 yen. Viewing is ¥1,300 anytime, and ¥1,000 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Since a 1,000 yen discount coupon is given at the time of membership, there is virtually no cost to the member.

United Cinemas (42 theaters nationwide): 600 yen membership fee (including tax). Regular adult fare of 2,000 yen is reduced to 1,300 yen on weekdays and 1,500 yen on weekends and holidays. *1-year renewal, 600 yen renewal fee (tax included)

Even with an annual membership fee of 160,000 yen, the popularity of this service is booming… “the true nature of status” that wealthy people flock to.

On the other hand, there are also paid memberships for advanced users whose main purpose is not to “earn” money.

The American Express Business Platinum Card, for example, has a hefty annual fee of 165,000 yen (including tax). The American Express Business Platinum Card, for example, has a high annual fee of 165,000 yen (including tax).

It’s not just the point redemption rate that makes it a bargain, it’s the fact that it’s different from other cards and that you have it that makes it a status. The credit limit is also different. Some people want the services that come with their rank, such as access to luxury lounges at airports.”

The travel and hotel industry is also hot. The “ALL Accor+ Explorer” membership program (annual membership fee 200 euros = approx. 36,000 yen) of Accor, the French hotel group that operates Sofitel, Pullman, Mercure, Novotel, Ibis, and others, includes twice-yearly free night awards at participating hotels in the Asia-Pacific region. The “Ambassador Membership” at InterContinental Hotels (annual membership fee of 225 USD = approx. 35,000 yen) also offers more value than the annual membership fee easily by staying at luxury hotels for tens of thousands of yen per night with the benefit of a free weekend stay.

Is mere frugality out of fashion? Modern consumption techniques to enjoy “petit luxury

While holding down the cost of necessities through sales, spending money on travel and leisure activities is a way of enjoying yourself. According to Mr. Kuga, an increasing number of people are engaging in such “balanced consumption.

The means of obtaining goods at low prices are diversifying. Rather than cutting back on everything, people are willing to spend a little more money than usual to enjoy ‘petit luxury’ and ‘experiences. Companies are also focusing on their targets to meet these needs,” says Kuga.

It’s not just about saving money; it’s about finding a membership program that suits you and using it to its fullest. This is the modern way to get through this era of high prices wisely and happily.