Costco is a great place to save money and find great deals, but there are a few things you may not know about even if you are a long-time member.
There are some great Costco hacks that everyone should use and other perks that members might not be taking full advantage of with their membership.
To make the most of your shopping trips, here are some tips that the retailer's employees think may be helpful for you.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
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Costco is a great place to work
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If you're looking for a job, you may want to consider working for Costco. The retailer is well known for its good pay and benefits packages for Costco employees.
You may qualify for health care coverage or contributions to a retirement fund. You also could get bonuses depending on how long you've worked there.
It's not easy to get a job at Costco
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While Costco may sound like a great place to work with good pay and benefits, it's an attractive workplace for many people. So don't be surprised if you don't hear back from someone when you apply for a position.
It may be a good idea to try applying online on a regular basis or consider applying during the holiday season when the retailer is looking for additional help.
You can shop online without a membership
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You don't need to be a member to order items from Costco's website, which may be a good thing to try if you need a one-time item or don't order often from them.
Be aware, however, that the retailer does charge a fee for many items if you order online without a membership.
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You don't need a membership to buy alcohol
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Some states have laws that don't allow the restriction of alcohol to members only. Because of that, you may be able to take advantage of discounts on alcohol at Costco without needing a membership.
Check the state laws to see if the state where your Costco warehouse is located allows non-members to purchase alcohol.
Prescriptions can be filled without a membership
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Costco's pharmacy may help you save money by filling your prescriptions even without a membership card.
But you also might want to look into a membership and see if it can get you extra savings through Costco's prescription drug program.
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Sample handlers have strict rules
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You may see the sample carts with lines of people on the weekends and wonder just how sanitary that is.
But Costco prides itself on its clean workstations with fresh products handled according to strict health standards like gloves and a constantly clean workspace.
Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals
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April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.
Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:
- Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
- Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
- Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
- Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
- Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
- Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
- For groceries, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.
Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds.
Don't leave perishables on the shelves
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Did you pick up a rotisserie chicken and then decide you didn't want it somewhere in the cereal aisle? Make it easy for Costco employees by placing it back in its correct location instead of dropping it off among the cereals.
Sometimes, Costco employees may not see a perishable item on a shelf for hours, which could cause issues with the product you leave behind and where you left it.
You can place big orders ahead of time
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It may be a good idea to check with Costco before you go in if you're planning to make a big order for a particular reason.
Consider calling ahead for things like party platters for your Christmas parties or talk with someone at the bake shop about a cake for a birthday celebration. That extra time can help both you and Costco's employees fill your order.
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
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Whether or not you’re a new homeowner, a home warranty from Choice Home Warranty could pick up the slack where insurance falls short and protect you against surprise expenses. If a covered system in your home breaks, you can call their hotline 24/7 to get it repaired.
For a limited time, you can get your first month free with a Single Payment home warranty plan.
You can ask employees for help
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If you're looking for a particular cut of meat or a certain type of baked good, it's not a bad idea to knock on the window or ask a baker for an item.
They may be more than willing to help you find it or give you a suggestion for an alternative that they do have in stock.
Look for asterisks on the price tags
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There may be an item that you eye at Costco and figure you can just get it the next time you're at the store.
But before you walk away, look at the price tag to see if there's an asterisk. That's a Costco code, which means the item won't be restocked, and this may be your only chance to get it.
Costco has it all
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Perhaps you've been in a grocery store where you wanted an item and a store worker told you they would check to see if it's "in the back."
Costco doesn't have an "in the back" for items that haven't been put on the shelf yet. What you see on the shelves is what they have.
Quick tips: How to save on your grocery bill
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Grocery shopping doesn't have to break the bank when you use the right strategies. Here are some of our favorite tips for reducing food expenses that we personally put to use:
- Plan your meals around what's already in your pantry, then create a shopping list to prevent impulse purchases.
- Buy store brands instead of name brands whenever possible.
- Always make sure to compare unit prices, not just sticker prices.
- Stock up on staples when on sale, but don’t ever buy just because something comes in bulk.
- Shop the marked-down section for near-expiration bargains
- Join your store's loyalty program so you don’t miss out on member discounts.
Even though something like choosing coupons in your grocery store app can feel like an annoying task to handle every week, the savings can really add up. Double check in case your store also offers perks like gas rewards or any other discounts you might be able to take advantage of outside the grocery store.
Put in your food court order early
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It's easy to grab a hot dog on the way out the door when you finish your shopping, but it may be harder to get a big order from the food court during peak hours.
Costco can get busy on weekends, so consider stopping by the food court before you start shopping if you plan to take home a pizza or a big hot dog order that may take some time to prepare.
Kirkland Signature products are worth the price
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One reason you can save money on groceries at Costco is because of its in-store brand Kirkland Signature. You may be able to get good deals on Kirkland Signature alcohol and wine that tastes just as good as the name brand without the name-brand markup.
Don't forget to compare other items like food and cleaning supplies to see how the Kirkland version stands up to the name brand.
You can't use coupons
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Coupons may work when you go to the grocery store and are only picking up typical grocery items, but buying in bulk at Costco likely means instant savings without the need for those coupons.
So, if you're looking for a great deal on toothpaste or tuna, leave the coupons at home because Costco won't accept them.
Bottom line
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Make sure you have the best cash back credit cards for Costco shoppers in your wallet when you head to your favorite warehouse.
You also will want to check out Costco's monthly deals to see if you can find extra savings if you're working within a tight budget.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Current Offer
$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
Annual Fee
$0
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
Benefits
- Low spend threshold for its welcome offer — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
- Cell phone protection benefit (subject to a $25 deductible)
- Can redeem rewards at an ATM for literal cash
Drawbacks
- Foreign transaction fee of 3%
- No bonus categories
- Apply Now to take advantage of this offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
- Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
- Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
- 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 19.24%, 24.24%, or 29.24% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
- $0 annual fee.
- No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
- Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
- Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
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