This post comes from Brinton Parker at partner site POPSUGAR.
If you’re a savvy shopper, you probably have a Costco membership. The warehouse store offers massive discounts on bulk foods, household goods, and even gasoline, but the savings don’t stop there. Prepare to save more money than ever before by getting educated about the inner workings of Costco’s price schemes, in-store deals and policies. It might just change your life.
1. Some locations allow nonmembers to buy alcohol
Certain states require Costco to allow alcohol purchases by nonmembers, so keep this in mind when you’re stocking your bar cart.
2. Use the store to snag discounted gift cards, movie tickets, and local fares
One of Costco’s best offerings is the gift card aisle, which offers great prices for bulk movie tickets and store gift certificates. Some store locations even offer discounted bridge toll passes for area freeways.
3. Some prices never change
You can always enjoy a great deal on Costco’s signature hot dog and soda combo, because the chain refuses to raise its $1.50 price. This tasty meal is one of the best deals in the store.
4. Check the mail before making your list
Costco sends out coupon and deal booklets to members via mail, so be sure to check for any extra savings before making your shopping plan.
5. Fill up on samples, but don’t let their tastiness sway you
Costco samples are the well-known perk of the store, but they can often lead to impulse purchases. Try to fill up on samples, a free meal that will stop you from “hungry shopping,” but don’t stray from your set shopping list.
6. Buy store-brand items for bigger savings
Buying Costco’s store-brand items (labeled Kirkland) is one of the best ways to save money at the store. Kirkland brand products are extremely high quality, sometimes even coming from name-brand factories.
7. You can skip lines by shopping on weekdays, especially midday
The biggest business days for Costco stores are Saturday and Sunday, so avoid the crowds by getting your shopping done during the week.
8. Stick to your shopping list
Because Costco offers so many different items, it can be easy to get distracted from your shopping goals. The best way to avoid overspending at the store is by creating a physical list and only walking out with the specific items that you needed.
9. Enjoy unlimited free samples
Costco policy encourages sample distributors not to limit samples, which means that you can have as many as you want without getting in trouble. Happy eating!
10. Bring your own bags to avoid getting stuck with cumbersome boxes
Because Costco doesn’t offer a bagging system, the store offers cardboard boxes from product shipments so that customers can carry out their purchases. You can make things easier on yourself (and reduce your carbon footprint!) by bringing reusable shopping totes for your grocery trip.
For POPSUGAR’s entire list of 25 Costco shopping secrets, click here.
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