- I've worked at Costco for 19 years, so I have a few key tips for shopping at the warehouse.
- If you shop at Costco a lot, get the executive membership and pay attention to the prices of items.
- An asterisk on a price sign means that an item will not be restocked.
I've worked at Costco's membership counter for over 19 years. Throughout my time at the warehouse, I've picked up a few tips to help save money and grab my favorite items before they're gone.
Here are eight tips I use almost every day so I don't miss out on groceries and items at Costco.
If you shop at Costco a lot, consider getting an executive membership
I think Costco's executive option is the best way to get your money's worth and make the most out of your membership. Although it's twice the cost of a gold-star membership at $130, the executive membership gives customers 2% back on most purchases, including at the pharmacy and tire shop, and on optical and hearing-aid services.
Cardholders usually get their 2% reward in the mail two months prior to renewal time and may use it for future purchases or their next membership fee. Executive members can also receive up to $1,250 on qualified Costco purchases annually.
Just keep in mind that certain products — including tobacco, gasoline, Costco cash cards, and postage stamps — are excluded from the 2% cash-back reward.
Pay attention to and take advantage of price adjustments
If you buy something at full value and it decreases in price, you might be able to take advantage of Costco's price and coupon adjustments 30 days from the date of purchase.
Bring in your original receipt and head to the refund counter to try for your adjustment. If you can't find your receipt, just simply ask a team member at the counter to help you out.
If you purchase something online and notice a difference in the price, go to Costco.com under "rebates" and do a price adjustment yourself.
Signs with an asterisk mean it's time to stock up
Signs with the asterisk at the upper-right corner mean it's time to stock up because Costco will not be restocking that item.
If you enjoy a product, make sure to check its sign occasionally. Employees at Costco's membership counter can also check if any surrounding warehouses will continue to restock that item.
Some pricing indicates an item was marked down
Prices ending in .97 or .00 are on sale. Most markdown prices mean the warehouse is trying to get rid of it, or it's a seasonal item.
That being said, prices may vary per location.
Don't miss out on Kirkland Signature items
Kirkland Signature is Costco's own brand and has products that are comparable to more mainstream brands.
To me, it's worth trying Kirkland Signature items because Costco offers a satisfaction-guarantee policy. If you're unhappy, you can usually return the item for a full refund.
Download the Costco app before you shop
Downloading the Costco app before your shopping trip can be very useful because you can see what's on sale as you shop or even before your trip.
You can also access your membership card (which may even eliminate the need to bring your physical card) receipts, online orders, any 2% reward balance, and your Costco Anywhere visa card — if you have one — through the app.
Come prepared to load items without grocery bags
Costco doesn't provide grocery bags, but there are boxes available to help pack your items, usually toward the exit of the store.
I also recommend bringing some reusable bags to make packing up your shopping go smoother.
This story was originally published on May 2, 2023, and most recently updated on November 1, 2024.