Costco, the land of giant carts and even giant-er savings, feels like a second home to many seasoned shoppers. We always know the drill: grab a rotisserie chicken, stock up on paper towels, and maybe treat ourselves to a healthy food court hot dog. But even the most devoted warehouse warriors might be missing out on some truly stellar deals hiding in plain sight.
It turns out there’s a whole whispered realm of insider tips and tricks that can stretch your money even further at the beloved bulk retailer. These aren’t just about finding discounted items; they unlock the secrets to getting more bang for your buck on everything from travel to top-tier kitchen tools. Prepare to elevate your shopping lifestyle!
Optical Department Savings
Beyond the readily apparent savings on eyewear, the optical department often offers promotions on frames and lenses. Sometimes, buying two pairs can unlock a deeper discount, or specific brands might have unadvertised rebates. It’s worth asking about current promotions when you’re there for your eye health.
Executive Membership Perks Beyond Cash Back
Many know the Executive Membership offers 2% cash back. This tier unlocks significant savings on services like travel packages, car rentals, and even home and auto insurance through Costco Services. For example, members can snag lower prices on vacation packages to popular destinations, making holiday planning a breeze.
Special “Death Star” Pricing
Keep an eye out for prices ending in .97. These items, often marked with an asterisk (or what shoppers affectionately call a “death star“), indicate manager markdowns and are typically clearance items that won’t be restocked. It’s like a secret handshake for savings, designed to enhance your shopping experience and help you always snag a deal on seasonal items.
Concierge Service For Electronics
Did you know that Costco offers a free concierge service for electronics purchased at their stores? This service extends the manufacturer’s warranty to two years from the date of purchase on select items and provides technical support for the product’s lifetime. It’s an invaluable perk that underpins smart buying decisions on big-ticket electronics.
Gift Cards At A Discount
Costco consistently offers a wide selection of gift cards to popular restaurants, movie theaters, and travel destinations at a significant discount. Often, you can buy $100 worth of gift cards for just $80, offering immediate financial savings.
The Business Centers’ Deep Cuts
While many standard Costco warehouses carry some business items, dedicated Costco Business Centers offer a whole different level of bulk savings, particularly on large quantities of food and even commercial kitchen tools. These centers often have different inventory and even better prices on items suited for restaurants or small businesses, providing incredible value.
Free Health Screenings
Beyond the pharmacy, many Costco locations periodically offer free health screenings for members, including blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes checks. These aren’t heavily advertised, but they are a great way to monitor your health and catch potential issues early. It’s a helpful perk for your overall well-being.
The Tire Center’s Freebies
When you purchase tires from Costco, the price often includes installation, rotation, balancing, and flat repairs for the life of the tire. This adds considerable long-term value and peace of mind, especially compared to external tire services. According to a 2024 Report, Costco’s tire center often ranks high for customer satisfaction and overall value.
The Auto Program Savings
Costco offers an Auto Program that connects members with pre-negotiated, discounted pricing on new and used vehicles from participating dealerships. This eliminates the complexities of haggling and provides a straightforward way to save thousands on a major purchase.
Pharmacy Savings Even Without Membership
Here’s a juicy tidbit: You do not need a Costco membership to use their pharmacy. While you won’t get member-exclusive discounts, their baseline prices for many prescriptions are highly competitive. This provides a smart alternative for prescription drug savings, particularly for those on a tight budget or without insurance. According to NBC News, one month’s supply of generic Lipitor costs $17 at Costco, Consumer Reports’ secret shoppers found. The same drug costs $150 at CVS.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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