Costco isn’t for everyone, but plenty of folks are huge fans of the retailer, which is famous for selling quality items in bulk at prices that will save you money shopping.
That’s why customers are willing to shell out $65 (or more) per year for a membership, even if they only make it there once a month.
Because there are so many loyal fans, you're bound to run into the same kinds of shoppers. So, next time you head to the warehouse wonderland, keep an eye out for these classic Costco shoppers.
Earn 2% cash rewards at grocery stores and Costco
The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card(Rates and fees) is a powerful rewards card that allows you to earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases — including on groceries, even at warehouse stores like Costco.
New cardholders can also earn a one-time cash rewards bonus — $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months!
If you’re looking for a powerful rewards card that offers an extended intro APR period, look no further, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card checks that box too!
This card also offers an intro APR of 0% for 12 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers (then 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% Variable). Which is great for someone who wants a break from high interest rates, while still earning rewards.
The best part? There's no annual fee.
Click here to apply for the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card now.
Parents shopping for a big family
Some of the most common shoppers you’ll see at Costco are parents with lots of children to provide for.
These are the ones stocking up on giant boxes of diapers, 30-packs of TP, and as much milk and bread as they can fit in their cart.
Parents will often have their kids in tow with them, who undoubtedly will find at least one item to beg and cry for. That’s why you always want to help these weary souls get that box of Cheerios off the high shelf.
The efficiency expert
Unhampered by children and deft with the giant grocery cart, the efficiency expert weaves in and out of aisles at the speed of a New York City resident.
They somehow know where everything is, even though Costco is known for changing things up to keep you there longer.
You’ll typically find the efficiency expert in the grocery and hygiene sections since they have no need to buy a flatscreen TV or pick through seasonal items. They always manage to find the shortest line at the checkout, too — an impressive feat.
The one who forgot to renew their membership
It’s always good to keep track of when your Costco membership expires. Otherwise, you become the shopper who lets it lapse without knowing it.
Remember, you don’t swipe your card at the door — an associate just eyeballs it and lets you in. That means this customer may find themself at the checkout with a cart full of groceries and an expired membership.
The problems start when the checker informs them their membership fee is due. The shopper will have to spend $65 more than they budgeted for, begrudgingly.
Stop overpaying when you shop online at Costco
Shopping online has its perks. It's super convenient, but it can be time consuming to find the best deals. Instead of hunting for coupon codes (that don't always work!) and opening tons of browser tabs comparing prices, you can try Capital One Shopping.
Capital One Shopping makes saving money effortless. Just add the browser extension and when you check out, it'll scour the internet for coupon codes to help you save cash. And before you check out at 25+ major retailers, Capital One Shopping will notify you with a friendly pop-up if the item you're buying is available cheaper somewhere else.
Capital One Shopping is free to use and won't show you ads. Add it today and stop overpaying!1
Friends pretending to be a household
Speaking of Costco memberships, rules stipulate that you have to live in the same household to share one. If you live separately, you’re expected to get a Costco card of your own. But not everyone follows this rule.
To that end, you’ve seen them: The group of friends pretending to be related. But then you notice each person is buying their own stuff, often purchasing duplicate items.
The telltale signs are separate piles of merchandise in the cart, grouped by the individual.
The newbie
Accustomed to regular grocery stores or less-than-stellar bulk competition, you can always tell when it’s someone’s first time at Costco.
Chances are the shopper can’t believe you can get a rotisserie chicken for $4.99. And that’s just the beginning.
Conversely, some newbies just have that overwhelmed look because the warehouse is so huge. Others put too many things in their cart before assessing their inventory. In any case, they usually go home with a bunch of new stuff — and a membership.
Trending Stories
The routine weekly shopper
Like the efficiency expert and the parent of a large family, weekly Costco customers have their shopping habits nailed down.
They know they need to get everything for the week ahead, including everyone’s lunch staples and all of the proteins for weeknight dinners.
Weekly shoppers also grab items like lunch meats, portioned cups of fruit or yogurt, salad greens from the cooler, a case of bottled water, and a bottle of liquor. They only get the super bulky stuff — like peanut butter or paper towels — as the need arises.
The bulk stock-up shopper
If you live in a rural area and your nearest Costco is two hours away, chances are you won’t make it there as often as the weekly shopper.
However, plenty of customers make the trek less often for the savings — and you can spot them a mile away because their cart is truly a sight to see.
These shoppers have every staple imaginable. Items can run the gamut from frozen proteins and giant boxes of cereal to an assortment of snacks for the entire family.
The doomsday prepper
Often confused for the super bulk shopper, the doomsday prepper only frequents Costco when it’s time to replenish the supply in their bunker.
This shopper is going to be on the lookout for non-perishable items and what you need to hunker down for a long time.
The doomsday prepper will have a cart full of protein buckets, MREs, bottled water, canned soda, canned foods, paper products, shelf-stable milk, peanut butter, and vegetables. Oh, and did you know Costco sells emergency kits? The doomsday prepper knows.
The $1.50 hot dog combo visitor
For nearly four decades, Costco has featured an icon on its menu: The $1.50 hot-dog-and-soda combo.
You can’t get a cheaper lunch anywhere, which is why you‘ll often spot someone who comes just for the combo and leaves.
Hey, we aren’t judging their creative tactic to save money on groceries. And those hot dogs are good!
Get a protection plan on all your appliances
Did you know if your air conditioner stops working, your homeowner’s insurance won’t cover it? Same with plumbing, electrical issues, appliances, and more.
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.
The samplers
One of Costco's best perks is the free food samples. Sure, the store is trying to promote certain products, but you can almost make a meal from a round or two of grazing.
Of course, where there’s free food, there are the folks angling for a deal. That’s why it’s not uncommon to spot someone who isn’t even planning to buy anything. They’re just there for the samples.
At least throw down for the hot dog combo!
Bottom line
There are all sorts of reasons to shop at Costco, which is why you’ll always spot various archetypes meandering through the aisles. Some are supporting families, while others are just there for the cheap stuff.
One thing every Costco shopper can count on, though, is that the retailer will always bring in new items to shake things up. Odds are Costco will manage to surprise you once in a while.
So grab your best cash back credit card and see how many of these shoppers you can spot on your next visit.
Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards
FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.
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
- Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific 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. 19.74%, 24.74%, or 29.74% 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.
Subscribe Today
Want extra-cash moves to come right to you?
Stop browsing endlessly. Get proven ways to earn pocket money, help cover rent, and crush your debt — sent to your inbox daily.
Author Details