13 lifehacks for shopping at Costco, about which experienced buyers are silent

Costco is one of the most popular wholesale shopping chains in the United States. Regardless of how often you go shopping at Costco, tips and lifehacks will help you make the right choice and save a lot. Here are some verified recommendations..

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Search for special offers at Groupon

If you are not sure that you are ready to spend money on full membership in Costco, wait until such an offer appears on the sites of coupons and discounts, writes Reader's Digest. The network collaborates with Groupon and offers large discounts on Gold Star membership about once a year. This year the proposal was: 20 dollars in Costco Cash and 65 dollars in coupons. Memberships are selling quickly, so set up Google alerts for Costco and Groupon to make sure you know about the promotion in time.

Thoughtfully choose the level of membership

Once you decide to purchase a Costco membership, you will need to choose a level: Gold Star ($60 per year) or Executive ($120 per year). The main advantage of the second option is 2% cashback annually. This means you'll have to spend $3000 a year to pay for the card.

On the subject: 6 Secret Costco Membership Privileges Many Do Not Know About

Ask for ground meat from the seller

“For low-fat, cheap ground beef, ask the meat department for a 10-pound block of ground beef,” writes one Reddit user who works at the store. “We sell our regular ground beef (4,5/88%) for $12 per pound, adding cuts from steaks to increase the fat content and increase profits. A 3,49 pound block of the leaner product will likely contain 10%-5% fat and only cost $8 ​​per pound! You'll have to ask directly as we don't usually list them for sale." That's why professional chefs love Costco beef.

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Buy Alcohol Without Membership

Many states prohibit requiring a membership to purchase alcohol—this includes Costco. Just tell the seller in the hall that you are going to buy alcoholic drinks, and you should not be interfered with. Repeat the same at the checkout. It is most profitable to do this in one of the following states: Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas or Vermont.

Go to the store with a friend

Since most of the savings at Costco come from buying in bulk, it's a good idea to bring a friend along to shop with you. For example, the two of you could buy a set of two jars of peanut butter and each take one. Another option is to combine purchases or membership fees and split the bill.

On the subject: Personal experience: 8 things I always buy at Costco

Ask if you can't find something.

Costco forces you to spend more by consistently moving goods around the store. The more time you spend searching for a product or product, the more opportunities you have to see and buy other things that you “need”. Stop this thread by simply asking where your favorite brands are.

“Items that don’t require refrigeration tend to be moved further away,” writes one Reddit user. “So I always asked before I gave up or spent 45 minutes wandering around.”

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But do not ask for the help of promoters of food

Everyone knows and loves promoters offering food samples at Costco. But if you are going to ask them where these or other products are located, it is better to look for other employees. Promoters are not allowed to leave their locations, they need to constantly monitor food samples, so they are unlikely to be able to help you.

Check out the costco business center

Would you like to shop before work? Most Costco wholesale centers usually open at 10 in the morning hours, but if you live near the Costco business center, it will be easier. These stores serve business owners (although they are open to everyone!) And open around 7 in the morning. They are also organized easier to serve customers who need to enter and exit as quickly as possible.

Take ice instead of a cooler bag

Have you forgotten the cooler bag at home and are worried that you will not carry perishable products? Make such a bag yourself. Fill a regular pack with ice from a soda fountain at Costco. This is fully authorized, according to one Reddit user who runs the store.

Buy seasonal items before

If it doesn't seem like a good idea to buy Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving, Costco thinks differently.

“Our philosophy with seasonal items is first come first,” says company manager Robert Kyle. “We will have sold out of everything Christmas-related by mid-December.”

The purpose of the store in this case, of course, is to fully sell seasonal products in advance and reduce costs.

On the subject: 5 secrets of profitable shopping at Costco

Hurry for fresh grilled chicken

If you hear the sound of a bell outside a Costco deli, it means fresh rotisserie chickens have just been prepared. Try to get to the grill bar quickly - they sell out quickly. Don't worry: you don't risk buying chicken that has been sitting there all day; they must be removed from the display case 2 hours after cooking.

Talk to the butcher about meat

Do you ever eat a whole grilled chicken by yourself? Ask the butcher to cut the carcass in half or sell you a quarter. Want to get a bigger piece than the one that showed you? Ask about it. Perhaps your requests will not always be met, but by asking, you risk nothing.

Go for a snack on weekends

Weekends are the days when the stores are busiest and full of promoters with food samples. If your goal is to avoid crowds, try visiting the store immediately after opening, or between 15 p.m. and 00 p.m., or within 17 minutes after hours, said manager John Van Gilder. Take advantage of these secrets and your shopping will become more profitable and easier.

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Personal experience: 8 things I always buy at Costco

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