13 Mistakes Everyone Makes While Shopping At Costco

Going at peak times

Costco is not for the timid. Every member has likely felt the surge of shoppers rushing in and out, often leaving you shoulder to shoulder with others while maneuvering through a labyrinth of shopping carts. A weekend visit, in particular, can resemble a chaotic arena filled with food samples and merchandise. Shopping during peak hours can not only be unnecessarily stressful but may also hinder your ability to find the items you need.

To avoid the inevitable bumper cart game on Saturdays and Sundays, consider visiting the store during midday on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. This is the ideal time to steer clear of crowds, as most people are usually at work or school during those hours. Shopping on a weekday can also reduce the chances of struggling to find a parking spot or being left with a limited selection of near-expiration products.

Shopping while you're hungry

We've all experienced it. Heading to the grocery store early in the morning before you've even had a chance to enjoy your first cup of coffee. Or perhaps you've been rushing around running errands straight from work, trying to fit in every task before your well-deserved dinner. No matter the situation, you're navigating the store's aisles on an empty stomach.

Suddenly, everything appears incredibly tempting and seems worthy of being snatched off the shelf to be devoured in the car or as soon as you get home. Shopping in this state often leads to picking up items you wouldn't normally consider — and likely more of them, too. This is especially challenging at Costco, where you can find just about anything to satisfy your cravings, from ice cream and chips to their food court chicken bakes and pepperoni pizzas. To avoid buying more than you actually need or want, consider having a quick snack before you head to the store. This way, you'll be able to get in and out with only the items you intended to purchase.

Assuming it always has the cheapest price

As of November 2023, Costco boasts nearly 128 million members, and the viral TikTok videos showcasing people trying out the company's products only add to its appeal. It's no wonder that Costco has cultivated a loyal customer base that appreciates its competitive pricing. The company genuinely provides a wide range of high-quality items at reasonable prices. However, sometimes devoted shoppers may view the store with a biased perspective, leading them to believe that Costco always offers the best deals.

While it frequently does have the lowest prices, there's no harm in checking prices at other grocery stores as well. For example, take a look at your local Walmart or Aldi. They may carry the same product, a more affordable alternative, or an impressive deal that could save you more than what you would find at Costco. Even your local Dollar Tree might surprise you with its selection of budget-friendly supplies and food items.

Stocking up on more than you need

Costco has earned its reputation as a leading big-box retailer for good reason. With its seemingly endless aisles filled with well-stocked items, it's easy to feel tempted to stock up on various products. Purchasing in bulk can certainly save you both time and money, helping you avoid frequent trips to the store (and the bank). However, this strategy only works if you have adequate storage space and are confident that you'll use your purchases before they expire.

Take toilet paper and paper towels, for instance. When stored properly in the right conditions, you can easily extend their typical three-year shelf life. In this case, it makes sense to keep a few extra rolls on hand. On the other hand, fresh produce serves as a prime example of what you should be cautious about buying in excess. Fruits and vegetables generally have a short lifespan, lasting only a few days to a couple of weeks, so it's best to purchase only what you can realistically consume. Other items at Costco, like skincare products or vitamins, can also fall into this category, as they may lose their effectiveness over time. If you buy too many of these items and don’t use them quickly enough, you risk wasting both your money and your groceries.

Being too picky with brands

The charm of Costco lies in its diverse selection. From groceries and household necessities to beauty items and apparel, the retailer offers a wide range of brands to complement its products. This includes well-known national brands as well as its own Kirkland Signature line.

A seasoned Costco shopper understands the importance of keeping an open mind about brands. Instead of only choosing products that are heavily advertised, consider the Costco alternatives. You might find a Kirkland Signature version that is not only more affordable but also performs just as well, if not better. For instance, Costco offers a butter that serves as a great substitute for Kerrygold, providing a similar taste at a lower price.

Conversely, not every Costco alternative will surpass the original product. In some cases, it may be worth spending a little extra on a brand-name item if the price difference is minimal. Investing a few more cents or dollars can lead to better quality and reliability. Ultimately, avoid limiting yourself to just Kirkland Signature or only brand names. Doing so restricts your chances to explore and enjoy a wider variety of products.

Shrugging off the Costco app

Incorporating technology into your grocery shopping might feel like an inconvenience, but for dedicated Costco shoppers, it can actually streamline future trips. The Costco app offers numerous benefits, provided you're a member of the warehouse club.

One of the main advantages of the app is that it serves as a digital version of your Costco membership card. If you forget your physical card at home, you can still enter and pay using the app. It gives you complete access to your account details, including your reward balance, and logs every purchase you make, whether online or in-store. Additionally, the app simplifies tracking your online orders during the delivery process.

Costco's app also features a convenient tool for creating a shopping list, helping you stay organized in what can be a busy and distracting environment. You'll receive alerts about promotions for greater savings as well. But that's not all—the app offers even more perks, such as printing photos directly from your phone and checking the calendar for upcoming Costco events. Download the app to discover all the additional benefits it has to offer!

Keeping items you want to return

Everyone appreciates a solid return policy, particularly one that is quite flexible and covers most of the store's items. Costco offers just that to its customers. The store permits returns on nearly all of its products, and there isn't a strict time limit for doing so—except for electronics, which must be returned within 90 days of purchase.

There are a few reasonable exceptions to this policy, including items like cigarettes, alcohol, gift cards, gold bars, airline-related products, and a few others. However, aside from these specific cases, you don't have to stress about keeping items you won't use, as you can simply get your money back. Just be cautious not to take advantage of this policy, as there have been reports of Costco terminating memberships due to excessive returns.

Settling for undiscounted items

Shopping at Costco, with its bulk items priced at full value, is likely already saving you more than shopping at other retailers. However, think about how much more you could save by strategically waiting for the company's discounts. This requires a bit of patience along with some helpful tips.

One of the most effective strategies customers have developed is deciphering the secret codes on product labels. Have you ever wondered what the asterisk on Costco price tags signifies? Or why you should pay attention to prices ending in .97? Each of these symbols and numbers has a specific meaning. The ones you should focus on are the price tags that end in double zeros or sevens, as these indicate that the item is on sale and should be purchased quickly.

Additionally, you can keep an eye out for the company's monthly coupon books, which highlight items available at discounted prices. The fantastic deals featured in these pamphlets compensate for Costco's policy of not accepting manufacturer coupons. Since these coupon books are released every month, you’ll always have new savings opportunities to look forward to.

Not price adjusting

Costco does not offer price matching with other retailers. The company's prices are reportedly so competitive that it primarily competes with itself to provide customers with the best possible deals. Thanks to the store's clever price adjustment policy, you come out ahead.

If you purchase a full-priced item and notice a significant price drop within the next 30 days, you can request a price adjustment to reflect the lower price. This policy applies to most items, but note that you cannot match prices for Costco's in-store purchases with online prices, as online orders include shipping and handling fees. So, be vigilant for any price reductions on your previous purchases within the one-month window; it could lead to some unexpected savings for you.

Forgetting to reap member benefits

Being a Costco member offers more than just the ability to shop online and in-store. While that alone is impressive given the wide range of affordable products available, there are numerous additional benefits that come with membership. Not taking full advantage of these perks is one of the biggest oversights you can make as a regular contributor to the Costco community.

The benefits you can access vary based on your membership type. Executive members, who pay a higher fee, enjoy an annual 2% reward along with discounts on various services offered by the company. Gold Star members can access the same services, but without the annual reward and reduced pricing. However, both membership types can benefit from Costco's savings in key areas such as travel, fuel for your vehicle, tech support for electronics and appliances, grocery delivery, pharmacy prescriptions, optical products, and, of course, the beloved food court featuring chicken bakes. Additionally, don’t overlook the bottled water service that many Costco members should be aware of.

Disregarding the gift cards

The pricing of Costco gift cards resembles an astonishing magic trick that many people overlook. For instance, consider their Domino's gift card offer. For approximately $80, you can buy a set of four gift cards, each valued at $25. This means you receive a total of $100 to spend on Domino's menu items, but you only pay about $20 less for it.

Costco doesn't just offer gift cards for Domino's; it features a diverse selection of brands, including Southwest Airlines, Topgolf, SpaFinder, Uber Eats, Subway, Sony PlayStation, and many more. With many of these options, you're effectively paying less for a greater value loaded onto a prepaid card. This is a significant advantage for those who frequently visit a specific restaurant or brand. Additionally, as the name suggests, these gift cards make for a thoughtful and budget-friendly gift for someone on a special occasion.

Overlooking the movie tickets

Among Costco's extensive range of enchanting gift cards are its equally impressive movie tickets, which enable you to spend less while enjoying greater value in movie theater perks. You can also select your preferred cinema, as Costco offers gift cards for Cinemark, Regal, and AMC Theatres.

While there are various bundles to choose from, each typically includes tickets along with an e-gift card. Individual movie tickets can cost as much as $17 these days, so opting for Costco is a significant savings. For instance, consider the AMC Theatres package. It includes two standard tickets and a $20 gift card that can be used for snacks, online redemption fees, upgrades, and even more tickets. You're getting a bundle valued at $52 for just $40. It’s an astonishing deal, and there’s no reason to complain when it allows you to enjoy the latest blockbuster at a reduced price.

Ignoring its postage stamps

In a rapidly evolving technological society, people have grown accustomed to communicating through texts and emails. Many have lost the nostalgic excitement of sending a letter and eagerly awaiting a response. Nowadays, even bills can be paid online, reducing the need to pull out checkbooks and envelopes. With stamp prices steadily increasing, it's all too easy to abandon traditional mail. A single stamp can now cost a staggering 73 cents.

Fortunately, Costco comes to the rescue once again, preserving the charm of handwritten letters with its discounted Forever Stamps. These stamps can be used at any time, remaining valid even if stamp prices rise in the future. Costco offers a pack of 100 of these timeless stamps for a few cents to a few dollars less than what you would pay at your local post office. So, while you're there, it makes sense to stock up—you won't have to rush to use them!