Buzz
Image: NoDerog/Getty ImagesCostco opened its first megastore in Seattle back in 1983, and since then, the company has prided itself on being a consumer-friendly, convenient, and cost-effective wholesaler. For more than 40 years, shoppers have been pushing their oversized carts through vast, open aisles, stocking up on bulk food, top-notch groceries, home goods, and beyond. Today, if you ask any Costco member, they’ll likely talk with enthusiasm and affection for the store. A Costco trip isn’t just a simple errand; it’s a fun, exciting outing that often leads to unexpected finds. But believe it or not, even the most loyal Costco enthusiasts make some mistakes. The truth is, it’s easy to miss out on some of Costco’s best deals. To become the smartest shopper, avoid these ten common missteps, and you’ll not only save money but also get access to even bigger discounts and exclusive services.
1. You haven’t upgraded your Costco membership
This tip is ideal for those who visit Costco at least once a month. Costco offers two types of memberships: Gold Star, priced at $60 annually, and Executive, which costs $120 per year. Although the Executive membership is double the price, it offers a 2 percent cashback on almost everything you purchase (excluding alcohol and tobacco), which adds up to significant savings over time. In fact, many customers find that the cashback they earn offsets the cost of the membership, making the Executive membership practically free.
2. You miss out on gift card discounts
Did you know that Costco is arguably the best place to buy gift cards? Gift card deals are rare, but a viral TikTok revealed that Costco.com offers amazing discounts on gift cards for various retailers, restaurants, and even airlines. Whether you’re preparing for the holidays or want to surprise a loved one with a gift to their favorite restaurant, make sure to check out Costco’s gift card offers.
3. You don’t take advantage of weekdays for shopping
Costco can be an enjoyable shopping trip for many, but if you’ve ever braved it on a weekend, you know how chaotic it can get trying to navigate through the crowds. It’s no surprise that weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to be the busiest days at any grocery store. To avoid the crowds, try to shop during the weekdays whenever you can. Also, don’t miss out on “Markdown Mondays”—the deals are real, so kick off your week by heading to Costco for the best sales!
4. You don’t give enough credit to the Kirkland brand
For true Costco fans, this tip is likely unnecessary because they already know: Kirkland isn’t just a brand, it’s practically a way of life (and affordable too). Some of the most highly sought-after Kirkland items include vodka, clothing, wild-caught salmon, and mixed nuts. Costco shoppers swear by Kirkland, claiming it’s the best store brand ever, and we’re starting to agree with them.
5. You don’t prepare with a shopping list
This may seem like a no-brainer, but having a well-organized shopping list is essential for a successful trip, especially when navigating a giant store like Costco. Sure, you’ll probably end up with a giant teddy bear and some Kirkland slippers, but a list will help you focus on getting what you really need.
6. You miss out on the best savings with deeper discounts
Although Costco doesn’t accept manufacturer coupons, they do send out mailers with special monthly deals for members. And the sales aren’t limited—everything from groceries, furniture, home goods, electronics, and beyond can be on sale. Plus, don’t forget to check Costco Next for exclusive offers.
7. You overlook the possibility of price matching
Here’s another reason Costco is unbeatable: they offer price matching within 30 days of your purchase, and will refund the difference. That’s right—if an item goes on sale after you buy it, just provide proof of purchase within 30 days for a price adjustment. While it’s not always feasible to track every sale, this tip is especially useful for big-ticket items.
8. You don’t think about how much you can actually use or store
Costco can be a shopper’s paradise, but even with the best intentions, you might find yourself walking out with enough marinara sauce to last a lifetime. If you truly want to make the most of the deals and save money, stick to purchasing only what you know you’ll actually use. Not only will this reduce waste, but you’ll maximize your savings.
9. You overlook the concierge service
Planning to purchase appliances or electronics from Costco? Take advantage of their Concierge Services program, which provides lifetime technical support for eligible products. Additionally, being a member automatically extends the manufacturer’s warranty by two years from your purchase date.
10. You don’t learn how to decode the price tags
At Costco, understanding the price tags is almost like learning a secret code—one that can save you money and guide your shopping decisions. Here’s how it works:
- Prices ending in “.99” are for full-price or regular-priced items.
- Prices that end in “.97” are exclusive “store manager deals,” which are only available at that location and are often limited.
- Prices with “.49” or “.79” typically indicate manufacturer special offers—often discounted to assess consumer interest.
- Items priced at “.00” mean they are low on stock and will likely not be restocked.
- Price tags marked with an asterisk indicate that the item is being discontinued, though it may not be gone for good.
