Costco has been a go-to for many shoppers when it comes to wholesale, bulk savings. Now, WiseDime has the inside scoop on what employees are saying the best ways are to maximize your savings at the store, no matter how frequently you shop there. So let’s break them down from the basic to the nitty-gritty, and get your wallets ready for super savings.
The first saver tip is to never shop on the weekends. The crowds of people that come during high-traffic times such as rush hour can make you feel panicked, pressured, and purchase items you don’t need in a rush to get out of there. According to employees the best days to shop are Tuesdays, as the store is “usually a ghost town.” This way, you can better focus on what you need to buy and avoid the added chaos.
Speaking of pressured shopping, never go grocery shopping on an empty stomach. This may sound like an obvious tip, but it really makes a difference when your grumbling stomach isn’t persuading you to get junk food or quick snacks to fill you up. Instead, go when you’re fully stuffed while wearing comfortable shoes so you don’t get impatient or uncomfortable during your adventure.
Kirkland products are a must-buy for frequent Costco shoppers. Their off-brand, signature label of Costco, offering lower priced items while not sacrificing quality that you would find with big name brands. However, because of the ever-changing landscape of Costco, whenever you see an item you do want, you should go for it. A lot of items are seasonal, and won’t be there the next time you shop.
Just for good measure, here’s the way prices work at Costco: items ending in .99 always indicate full, retail price. Items ending in .97 are clearance items which have already been marked down. And anytime you see an item ending in .00, it’s most likely going to be off the shelves soon, so if its a must have, definitely add it to your cart.
Finally, if you’re not a Costco Wholesale Member, there’s a secret hack around how to avoid paying for the membership fee of 60 bucks annually. Grab a friend who is a member and get a Costco Cash Card. That way, you can get a free trial of the store to see if it’s somewhere you’re going to frequently shop or not.
