In this section you will read the unbiased...unsponsored reports of the ButteCountyNet's Secret Shopper. We randomly select a business and report back to you about the service, prices, and overall impression of our shopping experience. We do not...and will not...accept any gratuity for any secret shopper report. We also do not ...and will not...do a secret shopper report on any of our advertisers as we believe that may appear to be a conflict of interest.

Costco....Chico

   Since we're always hearing about the low prices at Costco... and since we're really in need of a digital camera for the site... and since it's been a while since we did a secret shopper.... it's off to Costco we go. Before you can actually shop at Costco you need to become a member... as in pay them $45.00 to sign up and get a membership card complete with picture. Now even though their site says a membership is good for a family.... the girl at the counter tried to sell us two. I don't think so...! Actually paying a store for the right to shop there goes against the grain but what the heck... we'll be saving so much it'll easily be compensated for. Right...? Well I make a bee line straight for the camera department and what do I find...? There is last years model of the camera we're interested in for $30 MORE than what you can get this years model for delivered from the internet. Well pop my bubble...! What happened to the too cheap to believe prices you always hear about? It wasn't just the camera prices either. A 1 gig CF for $10-$20 more than delivered from the net or even a good sale at Staples. Well...move on and get over it. No deals there. Must be something here that's too good to pass up. After roaming around the warehouse style building it seems like their main claim to fame is bulk foods. Since I don't tend to buy too much bulk foods because they tend to get stale before being eaten I can't really comment on the prices there other than to say they didn't seem to be that outrageously low that you couldn't get the same deal at the other big box cheapo food stores. Not wanting to walk out empty handed... I glommed onto a couple of life time guaranteed garden hoses and we went on our merry way. The second visit was around 10:15 in the morning and low and behold...regular people aren't allowed in before 11:00. Only business card owners...who happen to pay the same $45.00 for their card. It wouldn't be so irritating except one look into the store showed very few shoppers in there. Visit number three was spent looking in more detail for the super deals that surely must exist there somewhere. Sadly....we did not find anything worth paying $45 to get a card in order to buy. Overall impression of Costco is of a store that charges you to shop there, only lets common members shop at certain hours, is limited to what is available to purchase, and can't even beat the prices available to any savvy shopper. We completely fail to see the allure of Costco and would advise you to save your $45 membership fee and shop smart somewhere else.
P.S. 
It looks like another visit is in order. The lifetime hose has sprung a leak.
Sometimes a deal is not a deal.
Post P.S.
since a membership is good for a year we will make several more visits and will keep you updated as necessary.

 Triple SSS Tires.....Oroville

   Needing tires on the old pick-up, I decided to pay a visit to Triple SSS Tires in Oroville. They are located just south of Oro Dam Blvd. on Lincoln. Well... if you're looking for a fancy building with a showroom then this is not your kind of place. If you are looking for fast, friendly service and good prices....then you've found the right place. Although they were obviously busy, Chuck and the crew fit me right in. After a thorough safety check to assure that there were no problems with the front end or brakes I was ready for new tires. Chuck asked how the truck was driven and what kind of loads I would be carrying and then made several suggestions. After making my decision the crew went right to work mounting and balancing. While I was there I saw the same friendly and professional service extended to several other customers making it clear that this was their normal way of doing business. The service was excellent, the prices were less than expected, and the overall shopping experience was very good. Triple SSS has passed our secret shopper test with flying colors. Triple SSS is on BCN's Better Business List. Keep up the good work.

Stay tuned for the next installment of the ButteCountyNet Secret Shopper.