Costco, a beloved shopping destination offering a vast array of products at competitive prices, has captivated the hearts of millions of shoppers. But beyond the surface-level benefits, a world of smart shopping strategies exists that can drastically enhance your Costco experience.
Clever Costco Hacks That Frequent Shoppers Swear By
Purchase Gift Cards at a Discounted Price
Costco offers an array of gift cards for less than their actual value. For instance, you may find a $100 restaurant gift card on sale for just $80. This strategy works for various services and experiences, including dining, entertainment, wellness, and travel.
Display Item Prices Are Negotiable
If you spot a TV, laptop, or any out-of-the-box display unit, it’s likely up for sale. If it’s a display for a discontinued item (* marked on the sign), they’ll be eager to sell it, even if a few boxed units remain.
If they can’t sell the display, they’ll return it to the vendor for a small price. So, they usually prefer to sell it to a customer, even at a very cheap price, sometimes 50% off or more.
Know The Code
Often, items ending in $.99 are ordinary inventory items you’ll likely find on a return visit. Those ending in $0.97 are marked down from their original price. Additionally, products with an asterisk (*) on the price tag are being discontinued, so it’s your last chance to grab them before they’re gone for good.
These strategies can help you spot the best deals and get the most value for your money.
Get Refunds From Sales Transactions
Did you know Costco has a generous return policy that could save you money? If you buy an item and see it on sale within 30 days, you can get a refund on the price difference. This applies to most products.
Visit the customer service desk or fill out a form on their website for a price adjustment. Just remember to keep your receipts!
Keep an Eye Out for Groupon Offers
These hidden deals are a secret weapon for shoppers. They include discounted memberships, free product gift cards, and valuable Costco Cash cards. Stay updated on Groupon’s Costco page to seize these time-limited offers before they run out!
Opt for Costco Gas
Costco’s gas stations have earned a reputation for offering significantly lower prices than local competitors. One shopper, for instance, mentioned, “I regularly save 10 to 20 cents per gallon compared to other local stations. The fuel quality is top-notch as well!”
Another added: “The quality of Costco gas is top-notch. I’ve noticed my car runs smoother, and the gas mileage is noticeably better.”
Buy in Bulk
Utilize the Return Policy
Costco is famous for its generous return policy. Unlike many retailers, Costco offers an almost unlimited return policy on most products. You can return any item that doesn’t meet your expectations, with a few exceptions, like electronics, which must be returned within 90 days.
Try Before You Buy
One shopper stated, “The ‘Try Before You Buy’ option gives me the confidence to explore new items without the fear of wasting money. It’s a win-win!”. Another expressed, “This is one of the many reasons I love shopping at Costco. Their commitment to customer satisfaction is unparalleled.”
Choose Memberships Wisely
Here are some insightful comments from seasoned shoppers on choosing memberships wisely:
- JaneDoe101: “I opted for the Executive Membership because of the 2% reward. If you’re a frequent shopper like me, the rewards really add up and practically pay for the membership.”
- CostcoFanatic: “The Gold Star membership works great for our small family. We don’t buy in bulk often, but the savings on gas and occasional purchases make it worthwhile.”
- SmartShopper22: “If you’re a business owner, the Business Membership is a no-brainer. I save so much on office supplies and snacks for our break room.”
- BudgetBuddy: “Remember, you can always upgrade or downgrade your membership depending on your needs. Don’t be afraid to switch if your shopping habits change.”
Purchase Seasonal Items Early
You can snag a great deal on items such as holiday decorations, summer grills, or winter gear, as Costco stocks them up early in the season.
Cheapest Car Rentals
Costco Travel offers members a valuable car rental program with surprisingly cheap rates. With an easy-to-use platform and access to multiple rental companies, members can find lower prices than booking directly.
The program also includes perks like a free additional driver. This car rental hack provides the best value for frequent Costco shoppers and is highly recommended.
Buy Alcohol
Did you know Costco is a top spot for buying alcohol? Even in states where membership is required for liquor store access, non-members can still purchase alcohol at Costco.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand is renowned for offering high-quality spirits, wine, and beer at lower prices than other brands.
Take Advantage of the Pharmacy
Even without a Costco membership, you can access their pharmacy services. They have a wide range of prescription and over-the-counter drugs and health and wellness products at lower prices than traditional pharmacies.
They also offer online prescription refills and convenient pickup at any Costco location.
Try the House Brand
“Kirkland Signature” is Costco’s label and is often a good deal. It’s usually a high-quality product at a reasonable price and often surpasses its name-brand counterparts.
12 Things You Shouldn’t Buy on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Welcome, savvy shoppers! As you gear up for the biggest shopping sprees of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it’s easy to get caught in the whirlwind of jaw-dropping deals and seemingly unbeatable discounts. But hold on, not everything that glitters on these high-discount days is gold. Here are 12 things you shouldn’t buy on Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
12 Things You Shouldn’t Buy on Black Friday and Cyber Monday
