Costco Membership Dues - a rip off?

[Blueberry]

Our membership isn't anywhere near that expensive, and I do believe we get our money's worth from it. We buy many, many veggies from them (things that aren't in season locally), some cheese, some select meats, contact solution, contacts (that actually pays for the membership), etc. I wonder if you can downgrade to a less expensive personal membership if you're not using it for business that much? And tell the step daughter she's on her own (oops - I guess that was out loud too!).

ETA: I should say - I have lots of friends who don't have sams or costco. I refuse to do business with sams because of the treatment of their workers. However, I think it's a perfectly valid choice to not have a big discount club membership. We are very cautious with what we purchase, but they definitely can encourage over-consumption in the worst way, and most people don't *need* one. I find it a good, economical source for things I would purchase anyway. Others might not agree. That's OK.