Everything You Need To Know About Shopping At Costco

There’s a kind of science to making your Costco membership an investment. It’s all about learning what to buy and what not to buy. There must be a perk to buying at members-only warehouses. Here’s a list to help you along.

Kirkland Laundry Detergent – Don’t Buy

Don’t buy it no matter how cheap it is. You’ll be saving money on detergent but you’ll be spending more to buy new clothes because your cheap detergent damaged your clothes. Plus on ointments to soothe the allergic reaction and skin irritation it caused.

Kirkland Maple Syrup – Buy

Real maple syrup is usually too expensive that’s why people buy an alternative, which is corn syrup. Kirkland’s syrup is the real deal, 100% pure maple syrup. It’s not only cost-effective but the 1L bottle is big enough to last quite some time.

Books – Don’t Buy

If you’re a bookworm you’ll be drawn to the book section but resist the urge to buy a book. Some of them might be a little cheaper than you’d find elsewhere but you’ll definitely find better deals online or during sales.

Kirkland Toilet Paper – Buy

Unless you and your family prefer to use the luxurious quadruple layered, ultra-soft, quilted toilet paper, then this is a great bargain. This giant pack of 30 toilet rolls is not only economical, but it’s actually pretty soft toilet paper.

Terra Delyssa Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil – Buy

Olive oil is pretty much a staple in most kitchens and is something you always want to have at hand. Whether you get the 1L or the bigger 3L container, you’ll still be saving with this high quality organic olive oil.

Folgers Ground Coffee – Don’t Buy

In most instances, buying in bulk is the best idea but not when it comes to coffee as once the coffee is grounded, the beans lose their flavor and strength. So skip the big jar and get your coffee elsewhere.

Gas – Buy

Even if Costco didn’t have warehouses that sell household items and all they sold was gas, you would still save if you have a membership. Whether you drive a lot just remember to take your membership card with you next time you fill-up.

Kirkland Light Beer – Don’t Buy

Costco tries to care for every customer and their tastes, that’s why they have attempted to make their own beer. However, we recommend that you stick to the brand you usually enjoy as their beer is not exactly a success.

Frozen Fruits – Buy

When you freeze fresh produce it can be kept for longer so it is the ideal item to buy in bulk. This will save you money and time from making frequent trips to the store. Just check that you have space in your freezer.

Fresh Fruit And Vegetables – Don’t Buy

This one is tricky because if your family eats a lot of fresh fruits then it could save you a lot of money. But if you buy in bulk and your family doesn’t it fast enough then you run the risk of it spoiling.

Kirkland Spices – Don’t Buy

Spices are the same as coffee when it comes to its shelf life. If left to sit in your cupboard for too long they lose their strength and flavor. It’s always better to buy smaller jars to ensure you get the fullness of the flavor.

Pure Vanilla Extract – Buy

Because vanilla extract doesn’t lose its flavor like dry spices you can buy a big bottle and it will remain the same. Unless you prefer to use vanilla beans, this is a great, tasty, and cost-effective alternative.

Kirkland Tissues – Don’t Buy

The quality of tissues can make a huge difference when you have a cold. When your nose is chafed from blowing so much you want a soft tissue that won’t irritate your nose further. When that’s the case stay away from these tissues.

Tires – Buy

Not only will you receive a great saving when you buy tires from Costco, but you will also receive fantastic service at their fitment center. What’s more, the service won’t cost you anything extra because it’s included in the price.

Soda – Don’t Buy

It makes sense to buy your soft drinks when you’re doing your grocery shopping at Costco but it’s not always the best idea. Because soft drinks are one of the most popular drinks you can find better specials elsewhere.

Diapers – Don’t Buy

When you become a parent you have to start including diapers into your monthly budget. That’s why you would want to find the best deals wherever you can find them. Amazon offers specials when buying in large quantities. So rather do that.

Breakfast Cereal – Buy

If you have kids you’ll notice that many times they want cereal for lunch so that’s why the big cereal boxes are a hit. Costco is the best place to buy these because they’re often on discount and their boxes are huge.

Plastic Wrap – Buy

You can find two different brands of plastic wrap at Costco and they’re both good. They adhere well and they’re one of the cheapest on the market. Because the box is so big you probably won’t need to get another box in a couple of years.

Shampoo or Soap – Don’t Buy

Much like with soft drinks, shampoos and soaps are the types of products that are often on special everywhere. If you’re buying these full price, think twice, and wait for the specials next time. You can even buy a few at a time.

Oatmeal – Buy

If your family loves oatmeal and eat it every morning then the large box will be the best choice for you. If you buy the individual packets in another store you could end up paying almost $10 more. Rather buy in bulk.

Healthy Bite-Sized Snacks – Buy

For some reason eating healthy is quite costly and it’s not very accessible to everybody in most cases. But Costco’s’ healthy bite-sized snacks are very affordable. They also have a variety of snacks to choose from so you can eat healthy more often.

Kirkland Cashews – Buy

Anyone that’s ever bought nuts will know how expensive they can be. They’re delicious but it’s the kind of snack that you can usually only buy on special occasions because of the price. At Costco, you can buy in bulk and save.

Condiments – Don’t Buy

You should never buy condiments from Costco because as much as it’s appealing to save when buying a large tub it’s not very practical. Condiments need to be refrigerated but trying to fit those huge jars in your refrigerator can be quite a challenge.

Salsa – Don’t Buy

Unless you’re throwing a party for the whole neighborhood then you want to avoid buying the salsa at Costco. The jar is so massive that it’s like a bucket, so you’ll probably end up throwing the leftovers away.

Snacks – Buy

You will find a huge variety of snacks available at Costco. Whether it’s for school, a party, or if you’re a snacker head on to Costco and get yourself your favorite sweets, crisps, or any salty goodie. Their big boxes are a hit.

Kirkland Vitamins – Buy

It is often the case that you end up paying a higher price for products that are made by a renowned brand. At Costco, you get the same vitamins at a much cheaper price, plus you can get it in bulk.

Batteries – Buy

Anyone that has gadgets at home that are battery operated knows just how expensive batteries are. Other than saving by buying in bulk, you can save even more money by buying the Costco brand because they’re actually made by Duracell.

Milk – Buy

If you have a large family and you can go through a one-gallon bottle of Kirkland milk before it goes bad then it’s a great bargain. Did you know that you can freeze milk as well? So you’re winning either way.

Kirkland Coffee Cups – Buy

It’s not usually recommended to buy coffee in single portions but if you live on your own it works. If these are compatible with your coffee machine then you can save a lot by buying Costco’s coffee cups instead of well-known branded ones.

Rotisserie Chicken – Buy

Picking up some fast food for dinner on your way home from work is very common, but it’s seldom a healthy option. Why not get a rotisserie chicken from Costco instead? It only costs $10 and it’s a much healthier alternative to fast food.

Toothpaste – Don’t Buy

These types of products are on sale pretty often in every store. Check out weekly flyers and shop around for the best specials. You might find that you’ll get a better bargain at your local supermarket or pharmacy.

Peanut Butter – Buy

Peanut butter is yet another staple in almost every home across the country. It’s also something that has a long shelf life so you can buy large jars and it won’t spoil or lose its flavor. This 2kg, family size jar is cost-effective and delicious.

Bagels – Buy

Costco bagels are just as tasty as New York Bagels or Montreal bagels. As soon as you get to the warehouse grab yourself a pack or two because they’re always a good thing to have. You can even freeze them to last longer.

Kirkland Almond Milk – Don’t Buy

If you’re lactose intolerant or if you simply prefer the taste of almond milk over cow’s milk then don’t get Kirkland almond milk. Even though it’s organic, get Almond Breeze instead, which you can also buy at Costco. It tastes much better.

Tahini – Buy

If you love hummus or salad dressing and like to make your own, then this big jar of tahini is ideal. Not only is it cost-effective, but it’s good quality and tasty. It’s 100% sesame paste so it should be kept in the fridge.

Kirkland Bacon – Buy

Kirkland Bacon won a taste-test that was carried out by Consumer Reports. It was described as an excellent product. Even though you’re buying four-packets at a time you’re saving money and you can always freeze the packs you don’t eat.

Electronics – Don’t Buy

Even though you’re almost guaranteed to find a good deal at Costco there are some items that you can find a better bargain elsewhere. According to Offers.com, you can find electronics much cheaper on coupon sites. So look online for a bigger saving.

Kirkland Paper Towels – Don’t Buy

It’s no secret that Costco is great for buying in bulk but that’s only worthwhile when the product is of good quality. Their paper towels may be affordable but they don’t absorb water very well and they fall apart easily when wet.

Canned Goods – Don’t Buy

It’s easy to get carried away when shopping at Costco and adding what looks to be a great bargain into your shopping cart. Resist the temptation though when it comes to canned goods because you’re guaranteed to find a better deal elsewhere.

Fresh Eggs – Buy

There are two good reasons to buy fresh eggs at Costco and that’s the great price and the variety available. You can even get free-range eggs there. Plus you won’t find a better price on eggs anywhere else.

Aisles That Aren’t Labeled

Have you ever wondered why there are no labels or numbered aisles while you’re strolling through Costco? There’s a good reason for that. Aisles that aren’t labeled encourage customers to shop around and see more products than they typically would. That’s also the same reason why the store’s most popular products are located in the back of the store.

Consistently Cheap Hot Dogs & Rotisserie Chicken

The prices for Costco’s Rotisserie chicken (coming in at $4.99) and its hot dog and drink combo (an astonishing $1.50) are consistently priced at the same affordable price. This is because they are considered “loss leaders,” which means that while customers head towards to the back of the store to pick up a rotisserie chicken, they’re more likely to be enticed by other, more expensive products such as flatscreen TVs.

No Costco Advertisements

Have you ever noticed that Costco doesn’t really advertise anywhere? The reason behind this is the fact that they don’t really need to. In 2017, 90% of Costco members renewed their memberships and new memberships grew by 3%. The company can count on membership fees as revenue and save a ton of money that would have otherwise been spent on advertising.

Why They Check Receipts

We’ve all gone through it: you’re heading out of Costco and you’re stopped so that a clerk can check your receipt before you leave the store. One reason Costco does this is for inventory control, as they want to make sure cashiers have properly scanned all the items you purchased. Secondly, this is done to ensure that you have no been over or undercharged for items.

Not A Huge Variety

While Costco is known for its great deals, some people have noticed that they do not carry the same wide selection of products and brands that other retailers do. The reason is because it helps avoid “choice paralysis,” which refers to a customer’s inability to decide which product they want due to the sheer amount of choices they are presented with, which can lead to the customer not choosing anything at all.

Great Employee Benefits

You can feel good about shopping at Costco, since they treat their employees very well. Full-times employees are paid $20.89 per hour, and over 80% of its employees enjoy company-sponsored health insurance plans. Additionally, roughly 90% of Costco employees have a retirement plan. This means that Costco employees rarely leave the company and are motivated to be hard workers.

Why The Name Kirkland?

Have you ever wondered why Costco’s signature products are called Kirkland Signature? The simple explanation behind the name is the fact that the company’s first corporate headquarters was located in the city of Kirkland, Washington. These products make up about 15% of the store’s products.

Acai Bowls – Buy

Costco’s food court is typically known for its famous hot dog and soda combo as well as its pizza slices. However, Costco recently changed up its menu and added acai bowls just for $5 per bowl. These are a delicious, healthy, and affordable option for those who prefer to not indulge in fast food snacks.

Almond Butter – Buy

This alternative to peanut butter is a healthy snack option and a perfect solution to those with a peanut butter allergy. However, almond butter can get quite expensive. Buying a jar at Costco will get you a great deal on a jar of almond butter and can make the trip to the warehouse well worth it.

Cheese – Buy

Buying cheese can get quite pricey, especially when you’re interested in buying a variety of cheeses. However, Costco has a great selection of fancy cheese at prices that are very reasonable. Buying Parmesan is especially cost efficient, as per unit it is very affordable.

Signateur Gas Grill – Don’t Buy

While its price is quite attractive, this grill has not received the best reviews. One user on Reddit shared: “Do NOT buy this grill if you like to get a sear/char on your meats. I’ve had this grill for a little less than a month and I’m terribly disappointed by the lack of heat it applies to the food. With all the burners on max, it does not get hot enough to sear a steak or even put some color on a burger patty without cooking the meat all the way.”

Berries – Buy

Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries…all of these delicious fruits are rich in antioxidants but they’re typically quite expensive to buy. A benefit of buying berries in bulk at Costco is that it will save you a whole lot of money.

Prepared Foods – Be Careful

While you might assume that buying prepared foods at Costco will be just as cost effective as many of the other products offered there, this may not be the case. Many times, these prepared dishes, while they are quite delicious, will also be very pricey and will offset the money you’re saving on other products.

Flour – Don’t Buy

Even though Costco’s price for flour is great, the issue is simply the quantity. Most people who do not own a bakery simply can’t go through massive amount of flour, and the problem is that flour’s shelf life is not very long. So if you’re not consistently baking, skip buying flour at Costco.

Kirkland Organic Coconut Water – Buy

Coconut water is a healthy and delicious option for those who are looking for variety in their hydration. The hydrating drink is great but can get very expensive, so it’s a good idea to stock up while at Costco so you can save big on this yummy drink.

Verka Organic Yogurt – Buy

Why buy a 16-oz container of yogurt at the supermarket when you could get one that’s 64-oz for a similar price at Costco? Verka has a very long shelf life and is quite healthy. Its flavor and texture is virtually the same as any other whole milk yogurt and is the best yogurt option to buy at Costco.

Las Fortunitas Tortilla Chips – Don’t Buy

While the price and quality of these tortilla chips are both great, you might still want to avoid buying this giant bag of chips at Costco. The reason why is because it’s highly unlikely that you will finish these, resulting in tossing what’s left over in the trash. It’s even unlikely that you’ll go through a 5 pound bag of these if you’re hosting a party, so maybe stay away.

Kerrygold Butter – Buy

While Costco carries several varieties of butter, Kerrygold is the brand to go for. This high quality butter is made from milk from grass-fed cows, and is simply superior in taste and quality. Costco offers the butter at a great price, but sometimes it can be hard to find.

Kirkland Vodka – Buy

It’s no secret that buying alcohol gets really expensive really fast. That’s why buying Kirkland vodka is a great idea, especially if you want to stock up on a few bottles. Kickland’s vodka is great quality, and some people have even claimed that it stands up to Greygoose vodka.

Generic Medication – Buy

For those who consistently need to use over the counter meds such as allergy pills and ibuprofen, buying generic at Costco is the right choice. These cost a fraction of the price of name-brand equivalents and are virtually the same exact medication.