11 Costco Shopping Secrets to Get the Most Out of Your Membership

costco shopping tips
11 Tricks to Know Before Shopping at CostcoTim Boyle - Getty Images


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Shopping at Costco is jam-packed with experiences that adding to your digital cart from home can't deliver. Where else can you buy a rotisserie chicken and a sofa? If you're a frequent shopper or new to buying in bulk, we looked into tips and tricks to ensure you get the bang for your buck on your next trip, furniture included! Shop with your eyes on the prize with the tips below!

  1. Take note of pricing. Costco uses codes to label clearance, reduced, or discontinued items. A $0.99 marked product is the regular price, while items ending in $0.97 are discounted. Don't overlook anything ending in $0.00 or $0.88 as it's usually a return or marked by the store manager for a significant reason. The date under the price indicates the last time the product was discounted and this will help you figure out if you want to wait to see if it's discounted again.

  2. Costco offers internal price adjustments. For purchases made within 30 days before the price tag chance, Costco will reimburse you the difference. With online purchases, you can receive price adjustments but you cannot go to the warehouse and request one.

  3. If you can visit the two-story Costco in Port Chester, NY–go! According to a content creator at Delish, this wholesale dream come true is twice as fun. Skip the elevator for a quick trip up the flat escalator to take people-watching to a new level.

  4. There are incredible deals on home goods and appliances. Shop for discounted prices on microwaves, air fryers, fridges, and more! With extended warranty opportunities on select items.

  5. You can find iconic furniture and home brands. Yes, you can walk out of Costco with a Herman Miller Eames Lounge Chair or Pendleton blanket. Don't underestimate what's in stock!

  6. It is worth shopping Costco's semi-annual furniture sale. Who can resist a shopping extravaganza? Usually, a week after July 4th and a week before Christmas, Costco has a mega sale with heavily discounted home goods. You can shop online but the items are more expensive than they are in the warehouse.

  7. Costco keeps industry-leading cleaning brands in stock. Our editors are obsessed with Bissell's deep pet cleaner and Tineco's cordless vacuum. We've given the brands a Live Better award and kept our eyes on the lookout for whenever the products are on sale. Your floors will never be the same!

  8. Shop for furniture in the middle of the week! Frequent shoppers rush to the stores on weekends so you will find yourself spending the majority of your day in line since most customers are shopping in bulk. Visit Costco during the week in the afternoon to avoid crowds and competition for furniture finds. If you notice a big ticket item like a sofa, don't hesitate to buy it as Costco will not have the product stored in the back.

  9. Costco allows third-party delivery services to offer same-day delivery to customers buying large furniture and appliances in store. Not sure how you'll fit a sofa in your small sedan, you can schedule a pickup with Dolly, Haultail, or GoShare. If you are shopping online, Costco offers free shipping or a $50 white glove delivery.

  10. The home organization products will keep your home in order If you are low on space or struggling to declutter your kitchen, invest in a storage cart. Tired of finding your kids' laundry on the floor? A bamboo hamper with a bag within to make going back and forth to the laundry room a breeze is the perfect solution.

    two workers with a truck, moving large box
    kali9 - Getty Images
  11. The Costco membership card is required to purchase furniture.

To enjoy the benefits of shopping, the card provides access to all in-store and online deals. You can shop with a friend without a membership, but the cardholder must make the purchase (unless you're shopping from the pharmacy.) Choose from Gold Star ($60 a year), Business ($60 a year but only for business owners or resale), or upgrade to Executive ($120 a year) from your Gold Star to shop with freedom!


Can't resist a great deal? Neither can we! Join us for exclusive shopping discounts from our favorite stores!


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