With its wide array of products and competitive prices, Costco has become a favorite destination for savvy shoppers. But navigating the aisles of Costco can be overwhelming for newcomers. If you’re new to this retailer, don’t worry, as we’ve compiled a list of tips and tricks to help you make the most of your Costco membership.
The Benefits of Being a Costco Member
Costco membership is a subscription-based program offered by Costco Wholesale. Members pay an annual fee to access Costco’s warehouse stores and online shopping platform. With a Costco membership, you can shop for a wide range of products at discounted prices, including groceries, electronics, furniture, appliances, and more.
Here are some key highlights of being a Costco member:
- Access to Costco’s extensive range of products at wholesale prices
- Special discounts and promotions available only to members
- Additional savings on services like travel, insurance, and prescriptions
- Ability to shop at Costco warehouses or online at your convenience
- Convenient shopping experience with hassle-free returns
You can join Costco as an individual or as a business, and for each of these two membership types, you can choose between Costco Executive Member ($120/yr) and Costco Gold Star Member ($60/yr). As expected, the benefits differ depending on the type of membership you choose.
Costco Shopping Tips
Being a Costco member comes with several advantages, as mentioned above, but there are some ways to make your shopping experience at Costco even more pleasant. Whether you’re a seasoned Costco enthusiast or a newcomer to the warehouse giant, here are a few tips to help you navigate the aisles with confidence and get the most out of your membership. From payment options to product rotation and beyond, discover how to maximize your Costco experience.
- Payment Options
Costco accepts various payment methods, including cash, Costco cash cards, Visa cards (credit or debit), checks, and SNAP (EBT) benefit cards. So no matter how you prefer to pay, you’re covered at Costco.
- In-Store vs. Online
Products cost less in-store at Costco than when ordered online from Costco.com or Same Day Costco. While Same Day Costco marks up groceries about 17% on average, online markups vary but are more expensive than in-store.
- Product Rotation
Costco employs a “Treasure Hunt” approach to its product mix, meaning that a large number of items change regularly. This includes core products that are always available, seasonal items that come and go, and test/trial items that are new to Costco. Keep an eye out for these rotating products to discover new favorites and great values.
- Shopping Tips
To avoid crowds, it is best to shop during the first or last hour of the day on weekdays. Avoid weekends, lunchtime, and after-work hours, which tend to be the busiest times. The day before a holiday is also a busy one. Additionally, consider using the self-checkout for faster service, but note that certain transactions, like alcohol purchases, cannot be done through self-checkout.
- Organic Products
Look for green price tags to easily identify organic products at Costco. Keep an eye out for sales in the Costco Coupon Books to save on household basics like detergents, soaps, and paper towels.
- Holidays and Returns
Costco closes nationwide on seven holidays each year, so plan your shopping accordingly. Plus, take advantage of Costco’s generous return policy, but be prepared for long lines at the returns counter.
- Newsletter Sign-Up & Sales
Consider subscribing to Costco’s email or mailing list to stay informed about upcoming sales and promotions. Additionally, exercising patience can often get you significant savings. While immediate needs should be addressed promptly, many items go on sale multiple times throughout the year.
If you’re unsure whether an item goes on sale, a quick online search using the format “[item name] Costco sale” can provide valuable insights. Plus, make sure to read the current circular, as many items are regularly included in these flyers.
- Price Tag Meaning
The meaning of a price tag at Costco can help you know whether you save or not on specific items and provide you with valuable information such as a product’s in-stock quantity. Learn more about the meaning of a Costco price tag before shopping.
- Accessibility and Convenience
Costco provides battery-powered motorized shopping carts for customers with mobility challenges, free of charge. Remember to bring your own bags or use the available product boxes for transporting items home, as Costco does not provide grocery bags.
- Gasoline Savings
If you have a few extra minutes, fill up your car at the Costco Gas Station to enjoy great savings on gasoline. With regular use, the savings from filling up at Costco could cover your membership cost or more in a year.
With these handy Costco shopping tips, you’re all set to make the most of your membership. From staying informed about sales to exercising patience for better deals, you can save big on your purchases. Happy shopping!