Costco hours near me. Costco will no longer be offering special shopping hours for members ages in any near locations, store or stores.
Costco hours near me
Excellent savings. Free samples. Giant containers of cheese balls. What's not to love about Costco? Well, your next trip to Costco might not be as simple as you hope. You might be doing all sorts of things that employees secretly despise. Hear us out on this!
Nobody really needs to be told how to shop, right? But when you shop at Costco, the rules are different.
As a card-carrying member, you're probably paying for a ton of benefits that you might not even know you get. You also might be making incorrect assumptions when it comes to the items you select. Here are some huge mistakes you could be making while shopping at Costco.
Huge Mistakes Everyone Makes Shopping At Costco
Not upgrading your your membership:
Costco has two options when it comes to personal memberships, Gold Star at $60 and Gold Star Executive at $120, and if you haven't upgraded to Executive yet, you're missing an opportunity to recoup some, or all, of that annual fee. While it might sound a bit counterintuitive to pay twice as much for the same access into the warehouse store, depending on your spending habits, it could be well worth it. At the Executive level, you receive two percent cash back on most purchases. According to Costco's math, if you spend $500 a month, or $6,000 a year, you're looking at a rewards check of $120, and in effect, getting your membership totally free. The more you spend, the more you get back, up to $1,000 a year. Even if you don't come close to that maximum, anything over $60 in rewards is money back in your pocket. As a safety net, if you take the plunge and don't spend enough in the first year to come out ahead, Costco will make up the difference by ensuring that first check is at least $60. So what are you waiting for? Go upgrade that membership.
Don't be a sneak:
Costco operates on a paid membership policy. That means that once you pay your dues, you're granted access to the warehouse's deals at wholesale prices. They even check member cards at the door. If you think you'll get by on borrowing someone else's membership card, think again. Costco employees stand at the entrance to check cards, and each membership card has the card owner's name and photo printed on the back. If you do manage to slip inside, your cashier checks your card again before you make your purchase. One employee told Refinery29, "At Costco in particular, employees have to be strict about confirming members' IDs, since their prices are based on a paid membership model. This often led to customers throwing fits, ranting at employees, and abandoning giant carts filled with hundreds of dollars of merchandise. One customer actually slapped me during an argument about the membership she was using." Don't make the employees' lives more difficult. Even without a membership, you can go to Costco with a friend who happens to be a member. Simple.
Getting confused by the layout:
Spoiler alert: Costco's layout is confusing by design. They want you to get lost in their labyrinth of tempting bargains so you spend all the money. Think about it… you shopped at the warehouse store just last week, but somehow the layout is very different this time around. According to one former employee who posted on Quora, this dipsy-doo switcheroo is no coincidence: "I worked for Costco for 13 years. They purposely move products around to different locations and are constantly rotating a certain percentage of their inventory to new products. This creates a 'Treasure Hunt' experience as you shop and helps you discover new products that you may not normally see on your shopping visits." In other words, you're much more likely to impulse buy this way. More tricks the retailer uses? The fresh food is all located at the back of the store so you're forced to walk past all those amazing deals and hopefully put them in your cart. Costco also forgoes any aisle signage, another effort to get you to peruse all the products and buy what you see. If you don't want to spend more than you planned, don't let their layout lead you astray.
Don't abuse the refund policy:
Costco has a very generous "100% Risk-Free Satisfaction Guarantee." You can get your money back for your membership if you find it unsatisfactory, and you can return most merchandise without issue and for any reason. "The lady returned a Christmas tree to Costco and got a full refund for it." In an interview with Mental Floss, a Colorado-based employee opened up about one regularly returned item: couches. She said that "Members return couches that are over five years old, and interestingly enough, they still have the receipt. My guess is that they buy that couch with the intention of returning it someday, so they tape the receipt to the bottom of the couch so they don't lose it. Then, when they've worn it out and want something new, they bring it back and get a full refund." If this has you scheming up some evil return plans, just know that Costco employees do take note of members who constantly return used items. Repeat offenders are at risk of having their memberships revoked.
Missing the price adjustment policy:
Don't let your kids run wild:
Costco can be pretty hectic, even on a weekday afternoon. The wholesale value makes Costco incredibly popular across the country, so it can get busy and crowded in the warehouse. Add a few mischievous children into the mix, and you have a recipe for disaster. Business Insider spoke to several anonymous Costco employees, and many of them could not understate the importance of keeping your kids in control while shopping. Kids are welcome at Costco, but try to keep them on their best behavior, eh? As busy as Costco gets, it takes just one instance of a child turning the corner too quickly to become a safety hazard. They could just run into other shoppers, carts, or the shelves. They could damage merchandise, but more importantly, they could hurt themselves or others. Of course, this rule should be upheld at every store, but Costco can be tempting for even the most well-behaved children. The setup practically dares kids to climb and goof around, which is exactly what employees don't want to happen. Even if you allow your kid to sit in the cart, keep a watchful eye on them. As one Costco employee put it: "Quit letting your kids jump around in the basket. It's dangerous."
Ignoring the gift cards:
If you're not buying gift cards at Costco, you're doing it wrong, plain and simple. These prepaid cards for restaurants, coffee shops, movie theaters, and other attractions aren't just a good generic gift option, they're a gift you should be giving yourself, too. But why would you bother to buy a gift card for yourself? Why not just pay the restaurant directly? Because you're leaving money on the table, that's why. See, Costco sells $100 gift cards for these establishments at a sizable discount, typically a 20 to 25 percent savings. Since you were going to spend $100 on movie tickets eventually anyway, you might as well just buy the gift card and keep the $20 to $25 in your pocket. This system makes sense on any goods or services that you use consistently, or even a one-off night out to a nice restaurant. Hey, nobody can fault you for saving a few bucks on date night.
Don't forget to plan ahead:
Costco has some impressive deals on large purchases, including major appliances and theoretically fancy furniture. "Make your guests feel special when you entertain with the regal-looking Saratoga formal cushion dining set." But before you take advantage of some of those savings, make sure you have a way to transport your large item home. Bring a measuring tape or check the dimensions of your upcoming purchase online, then check the dimensions of the vehicle you plan to use to pick up the item. There's nothing worse than making your purchase, having Costco employees carry the item to your car, then finding out it won't fit. The employees then have to take it all the way back to the store - and then someone has to babysit your purchase while you figure out a game plan for getting it home. As one Costco employee in Ontario told Business Insider, "Check the size of your car before coming - and the size of the product." Frankly, shoppers who don't plan ahead are one of Costco employees' major pet peeves. So even if you arrive at Costco with a moving truck, be prepared to help employees move your items, or at least bring friends who can. One Costco employee revealed that, "I've had members arrive with a U-Haul and purchase multiple pieces of furniture that they cannot help load. We are more than happy to help but prefer you help too and not assume we are going to do the moving for you."
Not considering the shelf life:
Although it might seem like a great deal, not every bulk buy ends up being a money saver in the long run. "An entire case of cream of mushroom soup for 4.99? Dammit Costco, you've done it again." Not all grocery items last forever, even those canned, dried, and bottled. Take condiments, for example. While the six-pack of ketchup bottles might seem like a bargain, you have to remember that the tomato-based product only keeps for six months once opened, and one to two years unopened. Similarly, you only have a few months to use up that giant jar of mayo, barbecue sauce only lasts about five months after opening, and some hot sauce brands recommend finishing a bottle within six months. When it comes to canned and dried goods, you've got a little more leeway, but there's a limit there, too. Dried pastas give you one to two years shelf life, and while white rice keeps for up to five years, brown and wild rice only keeps for up to eight months in the pantry. As for canned goods, acidic products like tomato and citrus will only keep for about 18 months, while most other products hang in there for up the five years. When it comes to the fresh items, you've got to be even more careful. Unless you're feeding a large family, it's probably best to avoid things that ripen or spoil too quickly, like peaches or a tub of leafy greens. Buy fruits and vegetables that last, like apples and carrots, and take advantage of produce that can be refrigerated, like avocados. This also means the freezer section is your friend and so are individually-wrapped snacks. A ginormous bag of something will likely go stale before you get to the bottom, but tiny single-serve bags won't. For household items like toilet paper, if you have a place to store the dozens of rolls, go for it. But when it comes to giant bottles of bleach and bulk disinfectant wipes? They actually lose their effectiveness if stored for too long. So unless you run a cleaning service, that's probably not the best buy for you.
Don't take multiple samples:
Can you take several samples of that delicious treat they're handing out for free? Yes, you can… but should you? Probably not. It's rude to take all the samples, as you are leaving less for others. "Oh I've got two boys at home who will go wild for this." "How old?" "Oh, who knows?" One employee said she doesn't mind if shoppers take more than one sample, as long as it is accompanied with a thank you. But she does have limits. In a Reddit AMA, she said, "Do not take more than two if it's a heated sample, more than four if it's cheese and crackers or something." It's especially heinous if a customer is mean while trying to take multiple samples. In the same Reddit thread, the employee said, "[There are some customers] who get angry because we have to wait for [the samples] to cook [... who] do sort of act like savages. But for the most part people are okay. All I wanted was a thank you!" All in all, the guidelines on samples vary store by store. The sample employees aren't employees of Costco. But in general, take one sample and leave more for other shoppers. If you enjoy the sample, buy the product and enjoy more at home.
Ignoring the concierge services:
The competitive prices on electronics is probably enough to convince you to buy your next TV or laptop from Costco. But when you make the purchase at the warehouse store, it comes with another benefit you might not know about: The Costco Concierge Service. This service, which applies to most major appliances and electronics, comes with two major perks. One: Free technical support. Experts are available seven days a week to help you with initial set-up and troubleshooting and will definitely come in handy when you get stumped. Two: It extends the manufacturer's warranty of the product to two years from the date of purchase. Since most items typically come with a one-year warranty, this is huge. A whole extra year of protection, free of charge? Now that's savings.
Don't be rude to employees:
The fact is, a lot of Costco employees really love their jobs. "Welcome to Costco. I love you. Welcome to Costco. I love you. Welcome to Costco. I love you." But one of the worst parts of working at Costco is that many members can be demanding and rude. Costco stores are often busy, and employees do a lot of physical labor, from manning the forklifts to stocking shelves. In addition to being physically demanding, each shift can be mentally draining as well, especially when customers get testy. One employee in Utah told Business Insider, "It's crazy how rude the American shopper is to people they don't know - who are helping them." One employee explained in a Reddit thread that, "[Dealing with disgruntled customers is] mentally demanding." Even indirect actions, like abandoning a shopping cart in the parking lot, all add up to careless, rude treatment toward Costco employees who are simply there to help you.
Skipping the kirkland products:
As you wander up and down the aisles at Costco, it's hard to miss all the Kirkland-brand products. And if you're skipping over them in favor of their brand name counterparts, you're making one of the biggest Costco mistakes of all. First things first: no, Kirkland doesn't always win when it comes to product comparisons. Consumer Reports indicated that though less expensive, the private-label toilet paper and facial tissues ranked lower than national brands when it came to quality. But plenty of the other Kirkland products are cheaper, consistently outperform when it comes to both quality and taste, and in some cases may even be manufactured in the very same factories as national brands. Just a few of the areas where Kirkland can brag: The store brand has beaten Oscar Meyer in the bacon game, is one of the few imported oils that met international and U.S. standards, and has even bested Grey Goose vodka more than once in blind taste tests. Even Kirkland batteries, though they might not last as long, come out ahead thanks to the value provided by the low price. In other words, don't be a brand snob, you could end up paying more for an inferior product.
Don't be a coupon creep:
Costco doesn't offer discounts to employees or shoppers… and the chain doesn't accept manufacturer coupons or coupons offered by other retailers. Simply put, the value and savings afforded by buying items at wholesale costs outweighs the need for coupons from manufacturers. You'll still be getting a great deal without those coupons. Costco does offer its own coupons to members from time to time, which you might get via mail or email. If you do get a hold of a Costco coupon, be sure it's current before making the trip. Expired Costco coupons will just cause frustration at the register. According to an employee tell-all in Reader's Digest, "We know you'd love to get an even better deal on the items in your cart, but we don't accept manufacturers' coupons, and we won't negotiate for a lower price. If you want to save extra money, check our warehouse savings books."
Ignoring the pricing details:
Aside from merely telling you the price you'll pay for an item, Costco's price signs have a hidden meaning, too. You'll need to pay attention to get the best deals, and most importantly, to know if your favorite item is about to disappear forever. If the price ends in .99 or .98: This indicates a regular retail price, and probably doesn't translate to any huge savings compared to other retailers. If the price ends in .89, .79, .69, .59, .49, .39, .29, .19, or .09, this indicates Costco got a manufacturer's deal, meaning they can offer these items at a steeper discount than others. If the price ends in .97: This indicates your biggest savings. These are items that need to go, and are priced at a discount. If there happens to be an asterisk in the upper right corner of the sign, act fast and stock up, because this means that the product is likely going away for good. You just have to keep track of your numbers if you really want to succeed.
Don't bring too many guests:
Have some friends who want to take full advantage of Costco's deals? Or maybe just want to see what all the hype is about? Luckily, this wholesale retailer generously allows members to bring non-members along on their shopping trip. But there's a limit to how many people a member can bring inside… "Starting tomorrow Costco is only going to allow two guests per membership." ...and there's only so much those guests can do once they're inside. According to Costco's Membership Privileges and Conditions, "Members are welcome to bring their children and up to two guests into the warehouse; however members are responsible for their children and guests. Children should not be left unattended. Only Costco members may purchase items." So feel free to bring two friends to help you carry and load larger items or just to accompany your shopping trip. Just know that if they find some items they'd like to buy, you'll have to foot the bill. Here's hoping your friends pay you back.
Not price-checking online:
You might assume that the prices of items inside the Costco warehouses are the same as the prices on Costco.com. But you would be wrong. That's why it pays to sign into the cyber-verse and check the online price before you buy. "Password, enter." Every so often, in addition to the monthly coupon book, members will receive another booklet of sale items, but this one is for online purchases only. If you don't get the mailer, you can check the current offering at the Exclusive Online-Only page of Costco's website. While some of these items are truly only offered online, like bathtubs or sinks, you'll find that others are actually available in the store, but the catch is, even if you can buy the item in the store, the sale price won't apply. You never know what you might save on: maybe it's $20 off a set of sheets or $100 off a piece of jewelry. The bottom line is: If you can afford to wait a few days to get the item, shopping online can save you some serious money.
Don't ask what's in "the back":
Costco is a warehouse, so what you see is truly what you get. The entire store is what many grocery or other retail stores would consider "the back." That means that the sale item you were looking for is probably sold out. Don't ask employees to check the back for more stock - there really is nothing hidden away or stockpiled elsewhere. Also, if you happen to see an item you want on the upper shelves closer to the ceiling, employees recommend returning another day when those items have been pulled down during stocking. They can't just get the item down for you that moment. As Reader's Digest explains, "Every now and then, the items will be out of reach on the high pallets, but most stores won't bring the forklift out for just one item. Come back tomorrow; it will probably be restocked." The fact is, it's a safety issue to grab the forklift during busy hours.
Non-members aren't taking advantage of benefits:
Here's the greatest Costco hack of them all: Don't pay the membership fee, but take advantage of the member benefits, at least some of them. As a non-member, you probably don't realize all the perks you're missing out on. Have a prescription to be filled? That slip of paper will get you in the door to get to the pharmacy, no membership card required. While you're there, you can also get free health and wellness screenings, and even flu shots. Just want to buy some booze? In 16 states you can do so without a membership, just tell the employee at the door that's why you're there. Same thing goes for the food court, but if it's located outside, you don't even need to worry about getting in. Even a regular ol' shopping trip is a possibility, as long as you have a Costco Cash Card. You can use it to gain entry to the store and even pay for your items. Costco, officially hacked.
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