If you’re a regular at Costco, you already know it’s one of the best spots for coffee, snacks, and some amazing deals on bulk items. But did you know there are hidden opportunities to stretch your budget even more? Whether you're browsing for gifts, stocking up on holiday essentials, or just picking up weekly groceries, you can save big if you know the right tricks. Below are effective shopping tips and savings strategies to make your next Costco experience even more rewarding.
The Power of Membership
At first glance, the fees for Costco, which run about $65 for the Gold Star membership and $130 for the Executive membership, might seem steep. But dealing with bulk items and exclusive discounts can quickly turn those fees around. The Executive membership, for example, offers 2% cash back on eligible purchases, potentially giving you significant savings throughout the year.
Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Timing is everything when it involves shopping at Costco. If you want to dodge long lines and crowds, aim for mid-week visits, particularly on Tuesday or Wednesday, early morning or late evening. You’ll find larger stock levels, especially for popular items, which makes your Costco run much smoother.
Cashback Opportunities
Many savvy shoppers skate through Costco with various cashback apps. Apps like Ibotta allow users to earn money back on selected purchases. Before heading to the store, browse your app to check if any of your planned purchases are featured for cashback offers. Yes, you can use these apps at Costco! Also, several credit cards offer cashback rewards when you shop at Costco.
Instacart: A Hidden Gem
Did you know? Costco partners with Instacart for grocery delivery. Buying Instacart gift cards via Costco’s website can save you money. For example, you could snag a $100 gift card for about $80, effectively cutting down the delivery fees to align closer to the store prices.
Coupon Strategies
Costco provides members with monthly coupon books filled with discounts. Be sure to check these during your shopping. You can often find bulk deals on popular items, making it worthwhile to buy items you’d otherwise hesitate to try.
Exclusive Online Offers
Shopping on the Costco website can also yield some unique savings. They frequently run promotions exclusive to online purchases. Browsing these deals thoroughly can lead you to significant savings, especially on larger items like appliances or furniture.
Buy Seasonal Items Early
A tip from seasoned Costco shoppers is to grab seasonal items early. Holiday-themed products often run out quickly, and replenishing stocks may take time. Whether it’s pumpkin spice products for fall or unique gifts for Christmas, buying early ensures you take advantage of those limited-time specials.
The 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee
Costco has been lauded for its 90-day satisfaction guarantee on most items. If you purchase something and find it’s not what you expected, you can return it, no questions asked. This creates an excellent opportunity to try new products without the fear of regret. Just keep your receipt!
Stockpile Non-Perishables
Purchasing non-perishable items, such as canned goods, pasta, and toiletries, can help you save significantly over time. Stocking up during sales means you'll have supplies on hand when prices rise later. Just make sure to assess your storage space to prevent clutter.
Check Regional Managers for Local Deals
Many Costco branches have local managers who run regional deals you might find when shopping. Frequently, they will have extra discounts on certain items due to overstock. These offers can be very local and surprising, so it pays to look.
Utilize the Pantry Section
Once you’ve navigated your way through the memberships and discounts, head over to the pantry section for stiff savings on essentials. You can often find private label products, which typically cost less than national brands but deliver the same quality.
Bulk Meat Purchases
Costco can save you tons of money on meat. You’ll get quality at prices considerably lower than specialty stores, especially with rotisserie chickens which are famous among shoppers. If you're buying bulk, don’t hesitate to pick up some extra butter, cheese, or pre-cooked vitamins!
End-of-Season Sales
Costco often marks down seasonal items at the end of their availability window. This means waiting until the end of summer to pick up those patio chairs or snagging decorations after the holidays. Keeping close tabs on when these sales happen will pay off significantly.
Make Use of the Deli and Bakery
If you’re planning on entertaining, turn to Costco’s deli section. You can find ready-to-eat meals and platters which can save tons of time and effort. Pair this with their bakery items, such as cakes and pastries, to create easy and affordable get-togethers.
Be Mindful of Your Shopping List
Even the best deals can lead to overspending if you're not careful. Stick to your shopping list and resist the temptation of impulse buys. Consider organizing your list by aisle to make sure you don't miss any essentials.
Final Thoughts
Utilizing these strategies can take your Costco shopping experience to the next level, potentially saving you significant dollars along the way. Whether you stick to cashback offers, take advantage of seasonal sales, or utilize the satisfaction guarantee, there’s no shortage of ways to make your membership work harder for you. Happy shopping!
