15 Ways Shopping At Costco is a Money Saver
Talk to anyone who shops at Costco, and they’ll tell you the warehouse club is the best thing since sliced bread. Costco is a one-stop shop that sells everything from groceries to flat-screen televisions.
What makes Costco so popular among its members? The prices are deeply discounted, and they get benefits forshopping there. Many grocery stores and big box chains find it hard to compete with Costco. And when you see all ofthe ways the retailer saves you money, you’ll understand why.
1. Membership Level
Costco has two levels of membership at different price points: Gold Star and Executive. Each level has perks, with the Executive level offering more significant benefits. Both provide online and in-person shopping, two membership cards, and a 100% satisfaction guarantee.
The Executive membership also discounts Costco services and an annual 2% reward. The Executive membership is more expensive than the Gold Star membership, but if you want the additional rewards, it’s worth the upgrade.
2. Use Costco’s App
If you haven’t shopped at a Costco store, it’s a very big place. Because so many aisles and products are on display, it’s easy to miss out on sales while shopping in person.
Using the Costco app is a great way to find out which items are on sale and any deals they’re offering. You can look up the prices of specific products, so you know exactly how much they’ll cost.
3. Avoid the Crowds
Shopping in a crowd full of other shoppers isn’t the most pleasant experience. You rush through the store to find what you need and get out quickly.
Selecting the right times to shop, like early morning or late afternoon, gives you a chance to shop at your own pace. You’re more likely to overlook deals and sales in a hurry.
4. Buy the Store Brand
Kirkland is Costco’s proprietary store brand. Its products are competitively priced compared to name brands, and Buying Kirkland products can substantially reduce your grocery bill.
Unlike some generic brands, Kirkland products have a reputation for being of good quality. It’s worth trying them to see if you like them compared to name-brand goods.
5. Shop After the Holidays
This bit of wisdom can apply to any retailer. Purchase Christmas decorations, Valentine’s Day cards and candy, or Easter candy and supplies in the days after the holiday when the prices are lowest.
If you buy perishables like candy, you have a limited time to use them. Non-perishable items can be saved for use during future holidays. Why pay full price if you don’t have to?
6. Shop at the End of the Season
Retailers like Costco sell seasonal items that aren’t necessarily holiday-related. Buying these products at the end of the season can result in big savings.
Winter clothing in the spring or cookout supplies at the end of summer are sold at even more discount and can be used the following year.
7. Buy Meat in Bulk
Costco sells meat in bulk sizes, and when you calculate the cost by the pound, you’ll find that you’re paying less than if you were buying regular-sized packs of meat at a grocer or butcher.
Buying your meat in bulk doesn’t mean you have to cook it at once. You can divide it into the appropriate meal sizes, label it, and freeze the rest.
8. Shop From Back to Front
Costco is very strategic in the layout of its stores. If you shop at the front of the store, where many newer, higher-priced items are stocked, the odds are low that you’ll make it to the rear.
If you start at the back of the store, the best deals and sales are to be found. As you work to the front of the store, deals and sales tend to taper off.
9. Buy Dry Goods in Bulk
For example, you pay less per pound when buying meat in bulk, and you’ll pay less for dry goods like canned foods, cereals, and paper towels. Purchasing these items in large quantities is a big money saver.
Not only do you pay less per pound, but it also saves you from making additional trips to the store to replenish them as they run out. You save money, time, and transportation costs.
10. Price Adjustments
Members buying from Costco’s website can request a price adjustment if the price of anything they bought goes down within 30 days. This is part of their 100% satisfaction guarantee.
If you request a price adjustment and it’s approved, it’ll be credited back to your original form of payment within 5 to 10 business days. There are some restrictions, however, so make sure you’re aware of them.
11. Gas Up At Costco
Many Costco’s have their service stations adjacent to their warehouse clubs. Filling up your tank at a Costco gas station can save you several cents per gallon.
The amount of money saved depends on the location, but saving 15 or 16 cents per gallon is not unusual. If you’re filling up a nearly empty tank, that’s a few bucks saved right there!
12. Make a Grocery List
Having a grocery list is a necessity regardless of where you shop. Having one at a large retailer like Costco is essential to stay within your grocery budget.
Shopping at a Costco is like visiting a candy store: there’s so much to see, and you’ll want to buy everything. Having a list helps keep you on track and within your spending limits.
13. Use Costco Coupons
It’s Costco’s policy not to accept manufacturer coupons because their prices are already discounted. The only coupons they’ll accept are the ones the store offers.
It’s still a good idea to keep an eye out for these Costco-only coupons. They could come in handy for items that you need and plan to buy.
14. Comparison Shop
Before embarking on a trip to Costco or making your purchase online, verify that you’re getting the best deals. Compare Costco’s prices to those of other retailers in your area.
Make sure you’re accounting for bulk versus regular-size product differences when comparison shopping. More than likely, you’ll find that Costco has the better deals.
15. Auto and Home Insurance
Believe it or not, Costco offers auto and home insurance. The services are provided by CONNECT, which American Family Insurance backs.
Members who switch insurance carriers can save hundreds of dollars yearly in premiums and receive perks like roadside assistance. One caveat: CONNECT isn’t available in all states.
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