5 Costco Shopping Tips To Save Time and Money

As a 20-year Costco member, I've spent a lot of time and money in Costco warehouses. As a grocery writer, I've also interviewed a fair share of Costco employees and shopping experts over the past several years. I can tell you about the best time and not-so-good time to go to Costco. I can help you decode its price tags and give you tips for making your trips to Costco genuinely enjoyable. Here are my top five:

1. How To Avoid Costco-Sized Crowds

Costco is a perpetually busy store, so if your priorities include self-imposed social distancing, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from opening until noon are the sweet spot you should aim for. At this time, there rarely are crowds, the lines tend to be shorter, the products are just-stocked, and you'll find plenty of fresh finds, including rotisserie chicken to anchor at least two weeknight meals.

If you can't make it to Costco midday, come in on weeknights an hour before closing. This is when others, like you, rush to grab something for dinner with no time to linger in the aisles. Also, parents are home with their kids, and business owners stocking up on Costco products are done for the day.

Unless you're fond of crowds and practicing patience, you're better off avoiding weekends at Costco.

2. Snack While You Shop

Samples typically start around 11 a.m. every day of the week, with the most sample stations open between noon and 5 p.m..

The sample stations entertain my kids so I can get down to business stocking up on groceries. But the snacks are more than just a delicious perk. Use them to test-drive new dinner solutions before committing to Costco-sized quantities.

Watch for samples of prepared meals, marinades, and other delicious dinner shortcuts. I've discovered some of our family's favorite weeknight meals by sampling products, like the Bibigo mini wontons, La Terra Fina quiches, marinated salmon fillets, and several Amylu chicken products.

3. Check the Price Tags

Consider this a cheat sheet to save money on mealtime essentials:

• If you see a price that ends with .99, this is the standard price at which Costco sells the products—no discounts were applied.
• If it ends with .97, the product is on sale, and it is safe to assume the price you see is the lowest you’ll ever see for the product. When I spot these discounts on shelf-stable pantry staples, like organic broth and marinara sauce, I stock up. I recently scored premium olive oil at 40% off retail.
• If you see a price tag end with .88 or .00, it indicates a manager's special. These discounts help sell older inventory and/or returned or superficially damaged products fit for sale.
• Lastly, watch for asterisks in the upper right corner of price tags. Known as "the death star" to Costco insiders, the asterisk means "get it while you can!" The product likely isn't getting restocked anytime soon or possibly never.

4. A Good Deal on Repeat

Costco reveals new sales via a coupon book at the end of every month, lasting for three to four weeks. Depending on the product, I've seen them go on sale every three to four months for pantry staples or up to once a year for less frequently purchased items, like small appliances.

You also don't need to clip coupons, as the discounts are applied automatically at checkout. And don't forget about the 30-day price adjustment policy: If something you buy goes on sale within a month of your purchase, you can get the difference refunded.

5. Seasonal Items on Sale

The center aisles and displays at Costco are seasonal treasure troves. These sections feature high-quality gifts, seasonal and holiday must-haves, specialty ingredients, and professional-quality cookware and kitchen tools (that's where I found my Vitamix for a great price).

The key is to act fast. Seasonal items disappear quickly and often don't return until the following year, if at all. If you end up regretting the purchase, Costco's return policy is famously generous.