Disclosure
As a family of three, we were undecided about getting a membership to a wholesale store, but after Target announced it would drop its DEI policies, we decided now was the time to give Costco a try.
Shopping at Costco requires a bit of learning and getting used to, so here are some tips if you're considering a membership.
1) Sign up online or in-store
If you're new, you can easily sign up for a membership online or in-store. If you sign up online, you'll have to pick up your card in-store at the Service Desk. Dress nice as they will take your photo!
There are two membership options: Gold Star and Executive. The Gold Star membership costs $65 per year, while the Executive membership costs $130 per year. The Executive membership offers a 2% reward on most Costco purchases (Up to $1,250 every year on qualified Costco, Costco.com, and Costco Travel purchases). Executive members also get to enter the store an hour early (9 AM), which, in my opinion, might just be worth the higher fee. It's easier to park and way less crowded at 9 AM.
2) Bring your card or download the app
Unlike other stores, you will need your membership card to enter Costco and check out. If you forget it, you can visit the Service Desk to receive a temporary one.
To avoid forgetting your card, I highly suggest downloading the Costco App onto your smartphone. No card, no problem! You can just scan the QR code on the app to enter the store and at checkout.
3) Grab a cart before entering
Unless you're truly going in just to grab milk, you will want a card. Almost everything is sold in bulk, and trust me, your cart will fill up fast.
4) Bring your own bag, but not into the store
Costco does not bag groceries. They will pull small items out of the cart to put on the belt and scan. Larger items remain in the cart, and they'll scan them before reloading the smaller items. You'll push your shopping cart to the car and unload your groceries, and bag them yourself there.
Costco does provide boxes if you prefer to bag that way, so you can grab one of those on your way out. I just bring a cooler for cold items and use my own cloth bags.
For this reason, I also strongly suggest parking near a cart corrall so you won't have to walk far to return your cart.
5) Some items will require you to buy two
Be sure to read the signs, as some items, typically located in the bakery section, require you to select two. I love Costco bagels, and luckily, they freeze well, so having to get two bags for our family of 3 isn't so bad, as I can freeze one bag for later.
6) No coupons accepted
Costco doesn't accept manufacturer coupons, which makes sense as they are already selling you the items at a pretty good discount. Costco also has its own sales, and they'll send members a savings book in the mail so you can plan ahead.
7) Kirkland is Costco's brand
Like every other store, Costco has its own store brand called Kirkland. Kirkland products are often cheaper than major name brands.
8) Invest in a deep freezer
If you don't already have one, I would suggest getting a deep freezer. Costco sells in bulk, so their frozen vegetables are sold in giant bags, frozen pizza comes in a box of four, and ice cream is sold in tubs of two. Having a bigger freezer makes it easier to save money and stock up on these items. (Also, their mandarin chicken is amazing!)
9) Food Court, Pharmacy, Tires. Optical, ETC
Costco is known for its cheap hot dog and soda combo, which costs only $1.50. I've had it a couple of times, and I personally don't care for it. But besides the Food Court, Costco has a lot of other perks, such as a Pharmacy, Optical Center, and you can even get new tires!
10) Hold onto your receipt!
Before you can exit Costco, an employee will need to review your receipt. They'll do a quick check over your cart and mark your receipt, usually with a highlighter, and then you are free to go.
11) If you see an item you want, grab it!
Some items are not stocked regularly, especially if they're seasonal, so if you see it, grab it! It might not be there next time.
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