12 Costco Mistakes You Don’t Want to Make Again in 2024

Heading to Costco with a plan to save big? While it's a great place for deals, it's easy to slip into habits that can end up costing you more than you bargained for.

If you’re aiming to get the most out of your Costco membership, steer clear of these 12 rookie mistakes many shoppers make.

Avoiding these pitfalls will put you well on your way to maximizing savings on every Costco run.

Costco doesn't just help you save money shopping. Costco's food court is a great option for a cheap meal before you head home.

Check out their famous hot dog deal for $1.50, or you can also put in an order before you start shopping so that it’s ready when you leave. For example, place an order for a pizza and pick it up hot when you're heading out.

It can be annoying when you buy something and see that Costco put that same item on sale a week later. But you can still save money if you’re proactive.

Costco has a price adjustment feature that will allow you to get the sale price on an item if you mention it within 30 days of purchase. Check with the Costco customer service desk to see if you can get the price change, or request an adjustment online.

Costco sends out an ad booklet each month that lists all kinds of savings on food, home products, electronics, clothes, and more.

Make sure to check this out. You might find a good deal on something you have been thinking about buying.

Costco has three different membership options, and choosing the wrong one can cost you money.

Costco’s Gold Star membership and Business membership each cost $60 per year. The Executive Membership is $120 per year with 2% cash back on your purchases. Do some math and see which one is best for you.

Costco is full of delicious foods, which is why it's risky to shop at the warehouse retailer on an empty stomach. Instead, go after you’ve had a meal.

Make sure you create a list and stick with it so you don’t get tempted by the food in the aisles.

Sometimes, it’s not about the money you spend but rather the time you waste. So, if you want to get in and out of Costco as quickly as possible, don’t waste your Sunday at the warehouse retailer.

Lines will be long, aisles will be crowded, and you might have to fend off other shoppers to get the best samples. Skip the stress and enjoy your Costco trip on another day or at a less busy time.

It’s a mistake to automatically assume that Kirkland Signature products are not as good as name-brand items.

Items with this Costco brand are usually good in quality, and they could save you cash.

Costco shoppers can be overly ambitious. That’s not a problem if you’re stocking up on pasta or grabbing extra paper towels for the family. But Costco’s bulk-size produce options may cost you cash if you don’t eat them quickly.

Think about your produce purchases before you put them in your cart so you don’t end up disposing of them if they go bad before you eat them.

Buying in bulk isn’t the only great thing about having a Costco card: Your membership can also get you discounts on travel, cars, insurance, and other products.

Dig into Costco’s various perks and see if there is something online that might save you money.

Don’t drive by those gas pumps in the Costco parking lot. The pumps at Costco often have lower prices than many local gas stations. So, fueling up at Costco can save you money on gas.

Costco’s pharmacy can fill your prescriptions just like your normal pharmacy, and the cost may be lower at the warehouse retailer.

The pharmacy also has various generic drugs at a discounted price, which may help you save money. And remember your furry friends — you can also get dog and cat medication from Costco.

Costco has some great deals on seasonal items for holidays in the winter, gardening in the spring, and other events during the year. Check for things that you need when these seasons roll around.

You can save a lot of money as a Costco member, particularly if you know how to unlock the power of your Costco membership. For one, avoiding the above mistakes will help you keep even more cash in your pocket.

Before you head out, check your wallet for the best cash back credit cards for shoppers. Then, look for sales and in-store brands to get extra savings.