Additional Coverage:
- 12 Costco Secrets That Employees Aren’t Telling You (blog.cheapism.com)
Cracking the Costco Code: Insider Secrets to Mastering the Warehouse
Costco: a land of giant teddy bears, bulk toilet paper, and surprisingly affordable electronics. But beneath the surface of this retail behemoth lies a hidden system—a code, if you will—that can help savvy shoppers maximize their savings. Let’s unlock some of Costco’s best-kept secrets.
The Wandering Aisles: Ever notice how the layout seems to shift? That’s intentional.
Costco regularly rearranges its merchandise to encourage exploration (and impulse buys). So, while you’re searching for that elusive ketchup, you might just stumble upon a kayak.
The Dreaded Asterisk: Employees have a nickname for the asterisk that sometimes appears on price tags: the “Death Star.” This ominous symbol indicates a discontinued item. If you see it on a product you love, stock up—it might not be there next time.
The $4.99 Chicken Conundrum: That rotisserie chicken isn’t profitable for Costco. It’s a loss leader designed to lure you in, enticing you with the aroma of roasted poultry while you fill your cart with other (more profitable) items.
Deciphering Price Tag Endings: Pay close attention to the cents on Costco price tags. A “.97” ending signifies clearance. Prices ending in “.00” or “.88” often indicate a manager markdown, meaning even deeper discounts.
Sample Psychology: Those free samples aren’t just a tasty treat—they’re a carefully calculated marketing tactic. Companies pay for the privilege of offering these bite-sized morsels, hoping to trigger impulse purchases.
Price Adjustments: If an item you bought goes on sale within 30 days, Costco will refund the difference. Simply bring your receipt to customer service.
No Secret Stash: What you see is what you get at Costco. There’s no backroom brimming with extra inventory. If you see something you want, grab it before it’s gone.
The Reason Behind Later Openings: Costco’s later opening hours aren’t just for employee convenience. They allow time for stocking and organizing, ensuring a smoother shopping experience.
Membership Flexibility: Not satisfied with your Costco membership? You can cancel anytime for a full refund.
Kirkland Signature Secrets: Many Kirkland Signature products are manufactured by the same companies that produce name-brand goods, often offering comparable quality at a lower price.
Markdown Dates: Check the bottom right corner of price tags for the markdown date. This can help you predict future price drops.
Location, Location, Location: Costco tailors its inventory to local preferences and demographics, so what’s available in one store might not be in another.
Read More About This Story:
- 12 Costco Secrets That Employees Aren’t Telling You (blog.cheapism.com)