Shopping at Costco is a shopping trip like no other! A new Costco customer will feel overwhelmed, while regular customers believe they have it down like the back of their hand. We are here to tell newbie and diehards alike that everyone still makes common Costco mistakes. It is not for lack of visits, just that Costco has make tricks up their sleeves, or shall we say aisles. There are certain tips that can help every level of Costco shopper. Here are 55 mistakes that are commonly made and can entirely change your Costco experience at your next visit!
1. Full Refund
Many individuals do not shop at Costco because they are worried the yearly membership price will not be worth it. While, some members realize their membership was not worth it because they never go. Do not worry, Costco will give a refund of your membership at anytime during your membership! So, do not let that membership hold you back from shopping at Costco.
2. Health Screening
Every Costco member has access to free health screenings at their pharmacy. These health screenings include, heart, lung health, diabetes, and osteoporosis. There is a schedule for the health screenings, but you can check their schedule by clicking here!
3. Kirkland Brand
Throughout Costco many people spot the “Kirkland” brand and it is good to know that this is the Costco name brand. The Kirkland brand will be the best deal many times. If you are wary that it might not be as good as other well-known brands, do not worry. Costco wants Kirkland to be equal to or even better than other brands. When it comes to there liquor there brand is created alongside Grey Goose, Jim Beam, and Macallan 18.
4. Printer Ink
Printer ink is expensive at most locations, except at Costco! Any member can get their printer ink refilled at Costco for under $10! It is hard to purchase ink at any location that is under $30, so a refill being under $10 is an amazing deal, that is relatively unknown.
5. Website
Shopping at a Costco location should not be the only shopping experience you have with Costco. Costco’s website’s inventory is unmatched in comparison to their stores. Through Costco’s website a customer can find great deals that are not available in store such as furniture and even coffins!
6. Busiest Day
Some members have had a bad experience at Costco solely on how busy it was. So, it is important to remember that Costco’s busiest day is Sunday and its slowest times are between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays. Try and always shop during their slower times for a more relaxed experience.
7. Travel Discounts
Costco provides their members great worldwide travel packages! A person can save on a great deal to Hawaii, London, Paris or Las Vegas. When you are traveling remember to always check the travel deals that Costco is providing at the time to compare packages.
8. Worldwide
In the theme of travel, with the last tip, it is important to note that Costco is a worldwide company! While traveling aboard check to see if there is a nearby Costco to help save on any items you might need during your stay. There are Costcos in countries such as Australia, Japan, South Korea, and France.
9. *Asterisk
When there is an asterisk in the top right corner of an item’s price, it means that the item is a seasonal item. Therefore, the next time you shop at Costco it might not be there anymore. It is always important to buy seasonal products at the exact visit, so you do not lose out on the purchase!
10. Gift Cards Plus
Costco does not only sell gift cards, such as for restaurants, but discounted tickets for many outside companies. Members can purchase discounted movie tickets and theme park tickets! Always be on the look out for great discounted deals for Disneyland, Sea World, or movie theater chains.
11. Price Adjustments
If a member purchased an item and on their next visit notice the item has been marked down, there is no reason to be bummed out! If the second visit has occurred within the month, Costco will do a price adjustment and honor the marked down price! There is no reason to miss that deal within a month of visits.
12. Booze Run
Many participating Costco locations do not require a membership to purchase alcohol. They will allow limited entrance for any customer that states they are their for alcohol! Now there is no excuse to not purchase your liquor at the best prices.
13. Deals on Deals
There are already many deals available at Costco, but using rebate apps can create even greater deals. Rebate apps such as Ibotta, Snap, or Checkout 51 include Costco as a participating location. Customers can save even more money by using these apps after a Costco shopping trip.
14. Personalized Checks
Another relatively unknown perk to having a Costco membership is Costco will create personalized checks for their members. Instead of having plain and boring checks, members can create checks that fit their own personality! The personalized checks can range from Disney movies, superhero characters, nature images, and plenty more.
15. Price Secret Part 1
There is a method behind certain prices at Costco. One secret is that any price that ends in nine cents, such as .59 cents or .69 cents, is own a special sale created by the manufacturer. This indicates that price of the product has not been changed by Costco itself but from the manufacturer. This counts for any item ending in nine cents, except .99 cents, that is important to remember!
16. Price Secret Part 2
Another price secret that is useful while shopping at Costco is that any price that ends in .97 cents demonstrates that it has been marked down from its original price! This price will not stay for long, so if you really want that item, this price is a great time to buy it at.
17. Price Secret Part 3
Another pricing secret is that any item price that ends in .00 or .88 cents are on clearance! These items are being priced down so they can be completely cleared off the shelves. Any items ending in .00 or .88 cents will usually be a great deal that all customers should not miss out on, especially because the item might not return for awhile or not at all!
18. Price Secret Part 4
The last price secret are about items that are still at full price. Most items that end in .99 cents are still at full price and are usually not on sale at that moment. So, if you are waiting for a deal than members might want to wait a bit to see if the price changes. Some popular items will stay full price most of the time, so members still might want to purchase a needed item at full price though.
19. Costco Gas Lines
The price of Costco’s gas is always an amazing deal, but many members hate waiting in the gas line! Most Costco gas pumps open at 5:30 a.m. and the earlier a member goes to get their gas, the shorter the wait will be. The best time to get gas at Costco is at their opening. So, if you are a member that hates waiting in the gas line, then go as early as you can to beat the lines!
20. Costco Cash Card
A Costco Cash Card is a great gift for any friend or family member and they do not even have to be a member! Any person using a Costco Cash Card can shop at Costco without a membership. If a person has been wanting to see what all the buzz about Costco is, than a Costco Cash Card is a great way to try it out first.
21. Hot Dog and Soda Combo
In 1985 Costco listed one hot dog and a soda at $1.50 and the price has never changed since! For over thirty years Costco has sold their hot dog and soda combo at the $1.50 price and they do not plan to increase the price anytime soon. That is a deal that cannot be found at any other chain hot dog seller, talk about a great deal!
22. Quality Dogs
If any member is worried that Costco’s hot dogs are cheap because they are not sold often, put your worries at ease! Costco sells four times as many hot dogs are all Major League Baseball stadiums combined! That is a lot of hot dogs. If any member is a huge fan of the hot dogs, the hot dogs that are used are the Kirkland Signature hot dogs, which can be purchased at Costco.
23. Tech Support
A great perk that Costco gives its members is free tech support for any technology purchase through Costco! Setting up new technology can be difficult when a person is not a natural techie and with a quick call all Costco members can receive support for their technological purchase. It ranges from televisions, laptops, cameras and more!
24. Tech Warranty
Costco does not only provide tech support for technology purchases, most purchases will also include a two year warranty on the technological item! Many companies will provide a one year warranty, but Costco provides two years. This is a great warranty to have because a lot can happen to a television or computer, for example, in two years, so it’s nice to be covered!
25. Employee Satisfaction
It is always a bonus to shop at a company that supports its employees. Costco can be included as an organization that considers their employees well being high on their list! Costco employees are known for being well-paid. The average Costco employee makes $20.89 an hour. If an employee moves to a new state or city they can be transferred to the nearest Costco while keeping their pay the same, no matter the pay difference between the stores!
26. Costco Employee Perks
Costco employees are not only paid well but have an extra perk! All Costco members receive an executive membership to Costco. Executive members receive 2 percent cash back of all Costco purchases at the end of the year. Customers have to pay $12o a year for the membership but all employees receive this level of membership for free!
27. Pizza Hotline
If any person is only going to Costco to order a pizza, there is a special pizza hotline for them! Any order on the pizza hotline will start before you even arrive at Costco, there is no need to wait at Costco. This hotline will get your pizza ready as you drive and park at Costco! Find your pizza hotline at your local Costco to save you time for your next pizza run.
28. Pizza, Pizza, Pizza
No person should underestimate Costco’s pizzas because Costco is one of the largest pizza chains in the entire country. There are more than 400 locations throughout the United States, putting their pizza dominance up their with Cici’s in locations.
29. Wine Connoisseur
Costco is the largest U.S. importer for fine French wines! Of course being a wholesale store will account for its quantity but its important to note that it is for fine French wines, so quality matters. All wine connoisseurs should do a double take next time they are in the wine section of Costco!
30. Sharing the Love
The purchase of one Costco membership gives access for two people. If a person buys a Costco membership for themselves they can spread the love to their significant other, sibling, or parent! If the person purchased an executive membership, which provides a 2% cash back bonus at the end of the year, make sure to give it to a friend or family member that will shop a lot!
31. Cake Party
Planning any party can get very expensive, very fast! A great way to save some money during any party planning is buy purchasing a sheet cake from Costco! A half sheet cake will feed up to 48 people and can be purchased for under $20! Members can personalize sheet cakes or purchase a generic sheet cake on the day of their party, as Costco will have sheet cakes already made for all!
32. Competitive Prices
Before you go on Amazon to buy children’s toys, compare the prices to Costco first! Children’s toys are cheaper many times than even Amazon. It is always a good idea to keep your eye open at the toy section in Costco when a birthday or Christmas is coming around the corner.
33. Selling Reports
Toys are not the only item that customers should watch out for in comparing prices. In 2015, Costco sold more overall items than Amazon! In 2018, Business Insider compared prices between Amazon and Costco and Costco won out almost every time, except in home cleaning supplies.
34. Experience
There is a reason that Costco has been a well-oiled machine from the very beginning. James (Jim) Sinegal and Jeffrey H. Brotman opened the first Costco in 1983. Jim was a former employee of FedMart, the company preceding Price Club the very first wholesale distribution store. Jim knew his vision from the very first Costco opening!
35. Recreating a Classic
Every Costco member has one of their favorite items and for many it is the Kirkland Signature Chicken Bake! Many have tried to recreate their own version but for some reason it just did not turn out the same. One hint that can be given for the next time anyone tries to make it themselves, is that the bread used is actually pizza dough!
36. The True Heroes
The true heroes of Costco are the sample givers! Walking through the madness of Costco is eased by the samples you can eat throughout the walk. A fact that is widely unknown is that the workers handling the samples are not actual Costco employees. They are hired from outside vendors to man the sample station!
37. Sample Crazy
One individual took to Reddit to give the actual answer, is it ok to take more than one sample? The answer is yes! You can go back multiple times to the same sample station. This Reddit user also admitted the best time to sample, if you are willing to go when its busy.
The worker said, “On the weekends go right around 1 or 2 because all shifts are out at that time.”
38. Costco Credit
If a member does not want to pay more for the executive membership, they still have an option to receive the 2% cash back on Costco purchase! All the member has to do is apply for the Costco Anywhere Visa credit card. The credit card can be used anywhere accepting Visa, but any purchases at Costco will result in 2% cash back.
39. Release Day
When popular books and movies are released, the day off can be hectic at book and movie stories! Costco makes sure to stock these new releases day of too. An easy way to get your hands on that much awaited movie or book is buy purchasing it at Costco! Members can escape the craziness of bookstores and buy their item easily.
40. Large Items
When a person is interested in buying large items, such as cars, boats or furniture, Costco is not usually their first thought but it should be! Costco has great deals on large items, especially on their website. Next time any member is comparing prices for a large item, they should include Costco in their list.
41. Return Policy
Costco has one of the most amazing return policies! Costco will allow any return, except for cigarettes and alcohol. There is a 90 return policy in regards to electronics and a stricter policy in regards to diamonds, but otherwise every other item can returned!
One customer shared their return story, “Earlier today I called my local warehouse. I spoke to a manager and asked if I can return exercise equipment purchased from Costco Online from two years ago. She quickly replied yes. I asked if she needed the order number or anything before I lug it in. She assured me that Costco takes returns forever as long as the item wasn’t an electronic. She happily and pleasantly told me to just bring it on in if I wasn’t 100% satisfied.
42. Dinner for Months
Costco has many of the greatest deals in their meat department! Some members hold back from purchasing meat because they believe they cannot eat all of it before it goes bad. The greatest part of buying in bulk is being able to freeze the majority of the product! Freezing meats will save it for later use, even by months. For a cheaper price, a member can buy their meat in bulk and be able to use it for months, when frozen properly.
43. Non-Members Part 1
While to benefit from the majority of Costco, non-members can experience certain parts of Costco too! It was already mentioned that non-members can purchase alcohol but they can do more too! Non-members can use the Costco pharmacy. Non-members can use the mail order prescription service and their vision centers!
44. Non-Members Part 2
Another way that non-members can benefit Costco deals is by using the delivery service Instacart! The individual might not be able to shop inside of Costco, but they can get Costco delivered to their house. This delivery service is a way around the membership, but the best part of shopping at Costco is always the discovered finds the member was not expecting to purchase!
45. Coupon Book
Costco members receive a coupon guide in the mail. This coupon book does not need to be brought to the store to receive the deals, which is very helpful. Instead of searching for lost coupons at the bottom of a purse, all members receive the deals shown in the coupon guide, very convenient.
46. Stay on the Lookout
For many families and individuals a Costco membership might be a bit out of their budget. So, stay on the lookout on Groupon and Living Social for a deal. These two sites have been known to have a reduced price sale on Costco memberships, so everyone should stay on the lookout for it!
47. Costco Aesthetic
There is a reason that Costco does not provide their members bags for the purchases, it is all about the money and wholesale aesthetic! Purchasing bags of course is a cost, but most importantly wholesale distribution centers do not like to look too “retail.
NPR revealed that, “Never had bags for two reasons. One is that it costs money to have bags and, secondly – this might be a little bit of the for show idea – that if you have bags you look like a retail store.”
48. California Sales
Many Californians complain about the lines and crowding at their local Costco and looking at Costco’s U.S. financial numbers that makes sense. In 2015, one-third of all U.S. sales came from California! Those Californians love their Costco.
49. Pallets
When shopping at a Costco, the members understand that mostly everything is moved by stacking products on pallets. This system of pallets is the reason why their is usually only one or two size options of products. Having limited options in sizes reduces labor costs, according to an interview on NPR.
50. Seasonal Items
Many members know that Costco has closeout sales following the holiday season, but that is not the only time Costco has great sales! Costco has to have a clear out sale at the end of every season, to make room for the new seasonal items. It is a great chance to find a great deal by going to Costco at the end of a season.
51. Need Directions?
New members can become very lost on their first few trips into Costco. Costco does not have signs to help direct their members and that is for a reason, they want their members to wander! If members have to search for an item they are bound to stumble upon other items they will want to purchase.
52. It Was Just There!
One frustrating part for Costco members is believing they finally know the map of Costco and then something moves! Then, they are back to searching for a needed purchase. One Costco employee admitted that they do not want all members to not wander like everyone else. So, they might move the lightbulbs or another item to make the member search again.
53. More Plain, Better Deal
Some of the best deals are found in the middle of Costco, solely sitting on its pallet. These plain deals are last ditch efforts to clear out the product and the store does not want to create a big display for a clearance item. Keep an eye out on the plain pallets!
54. Costco Roadshow
Costco has partnered with many of their vendors and have created the travelling Costco Roadshow! Yes, you read that right, a Costco Roadshow! The special event will have samples galore and presentations on certain products. Check the schedule and see it if it is coming to your local Costco!
55. Bonus Pizza
All these mistakes and tips have been making us crave Costco’s pizza! For all those that agree, take a look at the method that Costco makes their delicious pizza. Try not to let your mouth water too much!
56. Watch this video to learn even more mistakes people make when shopping at Costco.
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