Whether or not a Costco aid is a problem depends on two things. First, the skill of the person at Costco, and, second, how any audiologist you work with view Costco. I'm doubly fortunate because the gal at Costco is very knowledgeable and willing to work with me to get the most possible out of the aid (which is not their entry level but an Oticon by another name). The audi at the center in Portland (two hours away) believes that Costco aids are good and has sent me back to Costco with suggestions--which the Costco gal was perfectly happy to take the time to do. There's no limit to the number of times you can go back for adjustments without an additional charge, the warranty is great, long return for full refund period--all points in Costco's favor IF the one you go to has a good tech. Although I live on the coast in a very small town, I have a choice of several Costcos. If the one in Salem (just over an hour away) doesn't have a good tech there are several others within a two-hour drive (Portland, Eugene, Corvallis, etc., etc.). Price can't be beat!