17 Surprising Facts About Costco

Costco can seem like a magical place with a delicious food court and tasty samples. It could also be a stressful shopping trip if you go on the wrong day or show up at the wrong time.

Whether you’re a regular or a new member, here are some surprising things you may not know about your favorite warehouse retailer as well as some genius Costco hacks.

Costco is great if you have a membership, but there are some things you can still purchase even if you aren’t a member. 

You can get eye and hearing tests at many stores or have the Costco pharmacy fill your prescriptions, for example. It's a great way to keep more money in your bank account for some, normally, costly health items.

Some states prohibit the sale of alcohol to only clubs or members of an organization, so you may be able to grab supplies for your next party at Costco prices without a Costco card.

In addition to medication for humans, Costco can also get you a deal on medication for your pets.

Costco’s Member Prescription Program, which is available to members, offers discounts on common human medications, but it also covers common pet medications like Heartgard for your furry friends.

You may think the beginning of the work week is a good time to head to your local Costco. After all, it’s better than dealing with the weekend rush, right?

But you might be surprised to learn that Mondays are one of the busiest days at Costco because other shoppers have the same idea as you.

Costco does have some limits on what you can return, such as restrictions on electronics or jewelry. 

Otherwise, you can return an item to Costco without a receipt and get a full refund, which is a great lower your financial stress.

Talking about end-of-life plans may not be the easiest conversation, but being prepared can help families manage during a stressful time.

Costco sells caskets that can be delivered to funeral homes in most states. The price includes shipping and handling. 

The retailer offers numerous styles and colors, including special caskets for each branch of the armed services. Costco sells urns as well.

Costco has more than just groceries and other items in its stores. 

You can also connect with the retailer to help you get a deal with their Costco auto program. Find the car you want and lock in a price so you don’t have to haggle with a local dealer.

There are some restrictions, but it could be worth it depending on how much you may be able to save.

The warehouse retailer has made its way into several movies and television shows such as “The Sopranos,” “Baskets,” and “The Valet.” 

And some movie buffs may remember it making an appearance in the 2006 film “Idiocracy.”

Worried about a natural disaster like an earthquake or a hurricane? Costco has you covered.

Their Ready Project Emergency Food Supply includes a two-week supply of food that just needs a little water and cooking and you’re ready to go.

The hot dog combo at the Costco food court is a fan favorite. In fact, Costco sold 122 million hot dog and soda combos during its 2021 fiscal year.

Despite concerns about inflation increasing food costs, the warehouse retailer plans to keep the hot dog combo price at $1.50.

Want something unique and special for someone? Get a diamond ring at Costco. 

The retailer announced at a shareholder meeting that it had a 7.45-carat diamond ring for the perfect buyer for only $364,999.99.

An intangible item that you may not know Costco sells is insurance.

Under the Services tab on the Costco website, you can find the types of insurance you can purchase at a member discount, including auto and home insurance, life insurance, and even pet insurance.

If you’re on a budget, you may like making a meal out of Costco samples as you shop. Or perhaps you just want to test an item before you buy it in bulk.

Costco, like other retailers, has its own in-store label, and Kirkland Signature items are better than you might expect in some cases. And some of your favorite brands may be behind the Kirkland Signature name.

Kirkland Signature products may or may not be better than the name brand, so it might be a good idea to try different items to find your favorites.

Costco warehouses aren’t just an American destination. Among its international locations are 40 stores in Mexico, 29 in the United Kingdom, 15 in Australia, and even one in Iceland.

In 2022, it opened new warehouses in Japan, Spain, France, and China along with additional stores in the U.S. The company reports it has a total of 875 warehouses worldwide.

In May, Costco reported that it had 116.6 million cardholding members. And while membership does have its perks, including great deals on bulk items, there are some things you can get without a membership like vision and hearing tests. 

You can also take advantage of the Costco food court deals without a member card.

Sure, you may walk into your local Costco and think it’s big. But how big? Costco reports that the overall space in its warehouses combined is 120 million square feet. And you thought your local Costco took a long time to walk through.

Costco’s rotisserie chickens are a great bargain, but at $5 per chicken, Costco actually takes a loss on them. Costco prefers to use them as a way to get customers in the door even if it means they don’t make a profit on them.

The chickens traditionally warm the back of the store to make you walk through the warehouse and see all the products before you get there.

Pro tip: Only certain credit cards are accepted at Costco. Make sure you have one that will work as well as one that can help you earn rewards like cash back.

The next time you’re at Costco, you can dazzle fellow shoppers and even employees with these little-known Costco facts.

Using one of the best credit cards for Costco, you can pick up Kirkland Signature brand items, grab a rotisserie chicken, and enjoy a fresh churro from the food court on your way out the door.

If you’re trying to manage your money, Costco may be a good partner.