Few establishments have as loyal of a following as Costco, and the wholesale retailer has been drawing in new customers with their tough-to-beat prices and fun membership perks for years. While we love this behemoth shopping warehouse, with so many options and offerings to peruse, it can be easy to miss great deals and limited-edition products. In a post circulating on Reddit, one user asked Costco fans to share things about Costco no one else knows—and the responses were beyond helpful. From shopping tips to store hacks and perks you probably didn’t even know existed, here are a few of our favorite Costco hacks shared by real shoppers. Do you have any tips of your own? Let us know in the comments!
1. Do your homework when it comes to Costco Optical
When it comes to Costco’s optical department, at first glance, it’s a gold mine. However, it’s important to note that their optical department, which offers affordable glasses and contact lenses, is separate from their eye exams and optometrists. That being said, one Reddit user warned: “Even if the optical department is in network, the actual eye doctor might not be.” Another user added that a Costco membership is not needed to get an eye exam, but it is needed to purchase glasses from Costco Optical. The more you know!
2. Shop with a full stomach
While this tip might not apply exclusively to Costco, when you’re cruising through the aisles, walking past shelves loaded with snacks, smelling the tempting aromas wafting throughout the warehouse, it’s easy to buy more if your stomach is already grumbling by the time you arrive. Food shopping while hungry is always tempting, but doing so in a store where there are samples at every turn? That’s just dangerous!
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3. Try this genius trick to save on cookies
True Costco fans know the #1 way to get the bakery’s most incredible chocolate-chip cookies for even less: Ask the bakery for frozen cookies. At some locations, you can get a giant box of frozen cookie dough for a fraction of the price of fully baked!
4. Save on Shutterfly purchases
With the holidays around the corner, you might be making plans for printing your annual Christmas cards, or maybe you’ve got a big celebration coming up that you plan on purchasing invitations for. Looking to save? Turn to Shutterfly! The company offers stationary, prints, photo mugs and endless other options, and if you’re a Costco member, you get 51% off all orders!
5. It’s all in the timing
Costco on a Saturday or Sunday morning, or even worse—right before a holiday? Best of luck. However, taking timing and location into account can change your shopping experience completely. “Live in a college town that loves football? Head to Costco at kickoff. Ghost town,” wrote one user, with another adding that stores tend to clear out on weekdays at around 2 p.m. while parents head out to pick up kids from school.
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6. Stock up on starred items
If you notice an item with an asterisk next to it, that means it’s your last chance to grab it before it’s gone for good! Additionally, if you spot something you like, such as a set of drinking glasses, be sure to buy a backup. Chances are, when the time comes you go to replace them, the type you purchased will be long gone.
7. Booking a car rental through Costco saves you money
As shared by another user, “Booking car rentals is almost always cheaper with Costco Travel than with other travel sites and discounts. Added bonus that the second driver is free. Also, fully cancellable.” Who knew?
8. Have to duck out for a second? A team member will make sure your cart stays secure
If you’re nearly complete with your shopping spree and realize you’re running late to pick up the kids from school or forgot your wallet at home, let a team member know. “I was able to have my cart with perishables pushed into one of the fridges until I returned,” shared a Costco shopper.
