10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make At Costco

Shopping at Costco is like stepping into a whole other world. With those huge carts, endless shelves, and free samples at every turn, it’s pretty easy to get carried away. But let’s be honest—Costco can also be a bit of a jungle.

We’ve all been there, making rookie mistakes that cost us time and money. Whether you’re a Costco newbie or a long-time member, it’s helpful to know the common mistakes. So, let’s take a look at the 10 worst mistakes everyone makes when shopping at Costco and how you can avoid them.

Going At the Busiest Times

Have you ever tried to brave Costco during the weekend rush? HUGE mistake. With carts clashing and the aisles packed, it’s enough to make you want to pull your hair out. Especially on weekends, the store transforms into a hotspot with people battling over the last sample or that coveted parking spot close to the entrance.

To dodge the chaos, consider visiting midweek. From what I’ve read, the best times to go are Tuesday-Thursday, between 3 and 4 p.m. Most people are tied up with work or school, leaving the aisles clear and the checkout lines short. Plus, you’re more likely to snag the best picks without having to circle the parking lot or settle for whatever’s left on the shelves.

Not Maximizing Your Membership Perks

Being a Costco member unlocks more than just the ability to snag bulk bargains—it opens up exclusive benefits that are too good to miss. If you’re only using your membership for basic shopping, you’re not getting the full bang for your buck.

Depending on your membership level, the perks vary. Executive members, for example, enjoy a sweet 2% annual reward on most purchases, plus extra discounts on services.

Both Executive and Gold Star members can tap into savings on a range of needs like travel, fuel, tech support, and even grocery delivery. Not to mention, there are discounts on health services like pharmacy items and optical wear.

Oh, and let’s not forget about enjoying a cheaper bite at the food court or saving on bottled water services!

Don’t Sleep on Costco Gift Cards

The deal with Costco gift cards is seriously too good to pass up. Take their Domino’s deal: pay about $80 for $100 worth of gift cards. That’s $20 in savings right there -hello stocking stuffers!

And it’s not just Domino’s. Costco offers similar savings on brands ranging from Southwest Airlines to SpaFinder and even PlayStation.

Costco Doesn’t Always Have the Cheapest Price

Costco’s got a reputation for low prices, and with millions of members and all those viral videos, it’s easy to see why. It’s tempting to think that every deal in there is the best you’ll find, but you’d be sadly mistaken. Sure, Costco offers great deals, but so do other places like Walmart, Aldi (my personal fav), or even Dollar Tree.

Stocking Up On More Than You Need

Stocking up might seem like a smart move to save both time and money, but it only works if you really use everything before it goes bad. Sure, paper towels and plates can sit in your closet for years without a problem, but what about those veggies or that giant bottle of vitamins?

Think about what you really need and what you can realistically consume. It’s a bummer to toss out spoiled produce or expired products just because you bought more than you could use.

Being Too Picky With Brands

Costco’s shelves are lined with a variety of brands. But, if you’re loyal to specific brands, you might be missing out. For example, did you know that Costco’s Kirkland butter is almost exactly the same as Kerrygold? It’s worth giving the store brand a try—you might find out it’s just as good, if not better, and will save you a few bucks.

Don’t Forget About the Costco App

Pulling out the Costco app might seem like overkill when you’re just picking up groceries, but trust me, it’s a game-changer for making your shopping trips way smoother. First off, it turns your phone into a digital membership card. Forgot your card? No problem! Just flash your phone at the entrance and at checkout. Plus, the app keeps all your purchase history and reward points right at your fingertips.

Not just that, the app helps you track your online orders from the moment they leave the warehouse. It also lets you create shopping lists to keep you focused and lets you know if there are any special promotions.

Not Using Costco’s Return Policy

Costco’s return policy is famously generous, allowing returns on almost everything, anytime—except for electronics, which have a 90-day return window.

While this open-ended policy is great, there are a few understandable no-gos like cigarettes, alcohol, and gift cards. But for almost everything else, you’re covered, which means there’s no reason to keep something you don’t really want or need.

But don’t get too carried away! There’s talk that too many returns could flag your account, potentially leading to a membership cancellation.

Not Waiting for the Discounts

Sure, shopping at Costco already saves you a buck with its bulk pricing, but if you’re not paying attention to their discount cycles, you’re probably leaving money on the table.

The key to unlocking extra savings lies in understanding their price tags. Ever noticed an asterisk or prices ending in .97? These aren’t random—items ending in .00 or .97 are typically on clearance, signaling it’s time to buy before they’re gone.

And don’t forget about Costco’s coupon books. Released monthly, these gems detail which items are currently on sale, helping you plan your purchases around the best deals. Remember, Costco doesn’t take manufacturer coupons, so these store-issued booklets are your best bet for scoring serious discounts.

Forgetting to Claim Your Price Adjustments

While Costco doesn’t match prices with other retailers, they do have a slick price adjustment policy that’s all about ensuring you get the best deal possible right in their stores. If you snag an item and it goes on sale within 30 days after your purchase, you can request an adjustment and get refunded the difference. This is a fantastic way to save, especially on bigger-ticket items.

Just keep in mind, this policy doesn’t extend to price differences between Costco’s warehouse and online offers, as online prices factor in shipping and handling.