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Costco tops our list of places to shop when we want to score the best deals on bulk items like food and household necessities (and wine. And tires. And just about everything else). While the deals are already impressive, there are always time and money-saving hacks to learn and who better to teach them to us than a former Costco employee?
Here are 7 smart hacks to try during your next trip to Costco.
[Photos: Shutterstock]
Coupons + Costco brand shopping = amazing deals
Shopping at Costco without arming yourself with all of the fantastic coupons they mail to your home is a little like taking a wad of cash and throwing it out your car window. There are times when you can save 50-60% off on big-ticket items like TV’s and cameras, but you’ll need that clipped coupon to score deals. Likewise, always check out Costco’s own Kirkland Signature brand before shopping for its competitors. Many Kirkland items are top-notch quality and will save you tons of money.
Skip lunch and fill up on Costco’s free samples
Although we’d never not encourage you to drop $1.50 at Costco and treat yourself to one of the tastiest hot dogs around, there’s a way to eat without spending a dime at the store. Costco’s food samples are free, freaking delicious, and never-ending — as in, you can sample as many as you want as many times as you want. Of course, it’s good manners to purchase at least one snack treat you’ve sampled.
Costco’s wine selection is available to non-members
Some Costco stores actually allow non-members to stock up on their wine favorites. This rule doesn’t apply to all states, so check before you get a stern scolding by a Costco employee, but if your state gives you the green light, you really must take advantage of the amazing deals you’ll find on delish bottles of wines — which include the largest selection of French wines at any retailer in the U.S.
Costco’s membership perks go beyond everyday shopping
If you’re debating whether to spring for Costco’s yearly $55 membership, consider some of the perks you’ll get that extend beyond bulk paper towels and coffee. You’ll automatically be enrolled in Costco’s travel program and gain access to flight, rental car, and hotel discounts; you’ll get deals on tires, health insurance, auto insurance and low-cost prescriptions; and can even take advantage of free health screenings for diabetes, lung health, and more. Oh, and you can even nab movie theater tickets at Costco that are often cheaper than theater prices.
Pay attention to the cents in prices
Any item that ends in .79 or .49 is usually a steal that represents a special item sent to Costco by a manufacturer interested in testing its popularity. You can rest easy knowing you probably won’t find it for less money elsewhere. If an item ends in .99 you’re paying full price for it and a .97 price tag means the item is a manager’s deal.
There’s no better place to buy an affordable cake for your next big bash
Bakery cakes can run you close to $100, which is why it’s amazing to know you can score a sheet cake at Costco for less than $20. Did I mention they’re absolutely delicious, look fancy, and no one at your party will know you didn’t visit a bakery?
You’ll get a full refund on your Costco membership
We’re not sure why you’d ever want to cancel your Costco membership, but in the event that you feel unsatisfied with it or aren’t using it enough to reap its benefits, Costco will provide a full refund — no questions asked.
