Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on The Penny Hoarder.
Are you really getting the most out of your Costco membership?
You may think you are if you’ve figured out how to save money on groceries by buying everything you need in bulk — even wine. You might even be saving money on health care by using the Costco Prescription Program.
But you might still be missing out.
Here are little-known items your Costco membership can help you get for less — sometimes without even entering the store. (Though the $1.50 hot dog deal is worth the trip.)
1. A Casket
The company doesn’t keep most of these items in stock at your local club, but Costco does have a funeral department.
On its website, the warehouse club sells caskets, urns and memorial keepsakes. And of course, you’ll get a discount.
For example, Costco sells this Prime Rose casket for $1,349.99 with free shipping. The same one would cost you more than $1,600 from Amazon or Walmart.
Some state restrictions apply, so double-check the details before including Costco in your funeral plans.
2. A Piano
There are many different instruments you can get at Costco, one of them being a piano.
This one you can get for $699.99 with your membership.
3. An Engagement Ring
You might not be excited to tell people where the ring came from, but a diamond is a diamond, according to the experts.
In fact, Tiffany & Co. sued Costco for selling “Tiffany” style engagement rings. The suit was dropped, but if we can get our hands on that coveted style for thousands of dollars less, we’re in.
So you can pay more to enjoy the glamor of the Tiffany brand … or you can accept the stigma that might accompany a Costco diamond and save thousands.
Your call.
4. Your Next Vacation
Like many others, your Costco membership comes with perks you might not even know about.
These include exclusive Costco travel discounts and vacation packages that could save you a ton of money. Even if the cost is the same, Costco travel deals often come with extra perks, like a gift card or resort credits.
A four-night stay for two at a luxury Kauai resort includes a rental car when you book through Costco Travel and shaves a few hundred dollars off what you’d pay booking through the resort.
5. A Car
Yes, Costco will help you save money on your next car. Participating dealers offer exclusive lower prices for Costco members.
The Costco Auto Program includes pre-owned and new cars, trucks and SUVs.
As a member, you’ll also save 15% on parts, services and accessories from participating service centers for vehicles in your household.
6. Emergency Food Supplies
For $3,000, you and your family could be ready for the end of times.
The Readywise Variety Emergency Food Pallet comes with 5,400 total servings with a 25-year shelf life. You’ll get grains, fruits and veggies, protein — even dessert, for your post-apocalyptic sweet tooth. The pallet even includes 864 servings of a whey milk alternative and an “orange drink.”
Sure, the upfront cost sounds pretty huge … but you can’t argue with feeding your family in an emergency.
7. Flowers for Your Wedding
When you think of purchasing fresh flowers for a wedding, you probably picture a small, local florist. So do we, but if your budget doesn’t include $2,800 for those beautiful blooms, Costco could be the answer.
With 4- to 20-piece wedding bouquet collections ranging from just $280 to $700, you’ll have all the pretty petals your heart desires on the big day, without going over budget.
8. A DIY Shed
Need a workshop or place to store gardening tools? You can get this premium shed that’s $1,000 and build it yourself. A similar one sells on Amazon for around $1,500.
Now, channel your inner Bob Vila and get building.
9. Your Insurance
As a Costco member, you have access to everything from pet insurance to term life insurance.
Health insurance plans include vision, and the Costco Marketplace promises a simple navigation process.
You could save on auto and home insurance, too. When switching to insurance provided through Costco, members said they saved an average of $596 in the first year. With those savings, you could buy that pool.
10. Home Sauna
Ready to take your home gym to the next level? You could add a home sauna to it and save a few hundred dollars.
This two-person sauna from Costco is $1,799.99, while a similar one from Amazon runs $2,200.
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