5 Tips to Save Big on Your Next Costco Shop

If you’re a Costco shopper, you’re likely a smart consumer. Otherwise, you won’t be paying for an annual membership, which is designed to help you save money all year long. But even the most savvy shoppers can easily become so busy that they fall into the habit of doing the same things the same way. If you want to save more money at your next Costco store, why not adopt some of these five tips?

1. Break down the costs of items packaged in bulk.

Let’s say you see a 60 pack of toilet paper. Considering how long 60 rolls will last, the price seems pretty good. However, it is not the overall price of the product that is important. This is the amount you pay per unit.

One of the best actions you can take is to run a quick price comparison. There are two ways to do this:

Compare before shopping

• Enjoy your shopping list with your favorite hot (or cold) beverage.
• Using one of these mobile apps, enter each item on your shopping list one at a time into the search bar.
• The app will quickly tell you which retailers sell the product and at what price.
• Let’s say you’re looking at a bulk package of toilet paper and the Costco price is $55. Divide $55 by 60 to get a price per roll of $0.92.
• The app shows that a nearby store is selling the same 30-pack of toilet paper for $25, or $0.83 per roll. Instead, you can save a total of $5 by picking up two packages of toilet paper from that store (or ordering them online if they offer free shipping).

Here’s another (easier) way to comparison shop:

• Once you go into Costco, you can use the price comparison app to scan the barcode of the item you want to buy.
• Again, the app provides retailers selling the same items and provides prices.
• Before you add an item to your cart, you’ll know whether you’re getting the best price or if you should buy it elsewhere.

2. Go in with an exit strategy

One of the biggest complaints about all warehouse stores is having to buy everyday items like fruits and vegetables in bulk. You don’t always need a ton of avocado or grapefruit, and some of it ends up going to waste.

When making your shopping list, make a plan for how you will use the items you want to buy. This might mean preparing a week’s worth of meals on a Sunday afternoon and putting them in the freezer until needed. It might mean talking to friends or family to see if they want to go halfway with you. If you buy a huge bag of avocados and deliver half to them, they will reimburse you for half the price.

remember: A bargain is only a bargain if you waste nothing.

3. Check out one or more Costcos for bulk or special purchases.

Even long-time Costco members may be surprised to learn that prices vary depending on warehouse location, even within the same city. Just because something is sold at a Costco warehouse 20 miles away doesn’t mean you can get it for the same price at a store near you.

If there’s something you’ve been eyeing, like a new television, tennis bracelet, or kids’ backyard playset, check your regular stores to see if they have a discount on it. The opposite is also true. If you want to buy big-ticket items, check out Costco locations far from your home to see if you can get them at a cheaper price elsewhere.

While you’re focused on saving money, remember that you can get back a portion of what you spend with some of the biggest cashback apps available.

4. Request price adjustment

Did you know that you can ask the store for a refund of the difference within 30 days of purchasing an item with a listed price? It’s a pretty easy process. Bring your original receipt to Costco’s customer service desk for an immediate refund as long as 30 days have not passed.

When it comes to personal finance, saving as much money as possible is important, and requesting a price adjustment is one of the quickest and easiest ways to save.

5. Start at the back of the store

There are a few places in a typical Costco warehouse where sweet deals are hidden. Most of us grab a cart and begin our shopping trip in the front part of the store, commonly referred to as the “action alley.” This place has a lot of Costco’s newest products. However, Action Alley is the place with the most floating population in the warehouse, so it is also the place with the highest prices.

Typically, the deeper you go into the store, the better deals you’ll find. If you’re shopping to save money, start at the back of the store and work your way up to the center.

Most of us shop at Costco with the goal of leaving more money in our checking account each month. If that describes you, these tips will make it easier to achieve your goals.

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