10 Costco Tips you may or may not know

Found on http://thekrazycouponlady.com/2009/05/05/10-costco-tips-you-may-or-may-not-know/ on 8-10-11

1. You don’t have to be a member to use the services of the pharmacy.
2. Any item ending in a price of 7 means it’s marked down by corporate. Almost all of Costco’s prices end in 9. If you see a price reduction that’s a deal for you, stock up!

3. Anything ordered from Costco.com can be returned at any Costco store.

4. If the white price/shelf tag has “*”in the corner it means the item is being discontinued.Buy all you need because it will be gone soon. Never assume Costco will carry it again next season or next year.

5. Costco will take back anything that doesn’t make you 100% satisfied! Return any item you aren’t happy with including food you have already eaten or trees you planted last year! (Electronics have a limited 90 day warranty but just about everything else is unlimited.)

6. Don’t assume because it’s sold in bulk it’s got to be a deal! Costco has to make money somewhere! There are always items sold at a loss to lure you into the store. (Example: 2-pack 2% milk only $3.49). And some items are the opposite; they are simply not worth buying. (Example: boneless chicken $2.98 a pound – yikes!)

7. Think outside the (Costco) box! The clear plastic container that holds a 12 pack of apples makes a perfect storage pack for holiday ornaments. 

8. The best time to shop and find everything on your list is normally Tuesday or Wednesday. Trucks arrive almost daily but on weekends certain items often are sold out. Also, the Monday that starts off a new coupon booklet sale is normally one of the most crowded times of all.

9. Calculate the cost of a regular membership vs. business memberships. Did you know the business membership gives you much better rewards? Add on American Express card and the deal gets even sweeter with a percentage of each monthly charge going towards the year end rebate. Gas purchases provide something like 3% rebate; restaurants 2%.

10. Don’t spend time cutting out individual coupons from a Costco coupon booklet. Simply hand the cashier your entire coupon book. Once he/she scans one coupon all the others automatically deduct off your receipt as well. (This works in Boise Costco store. Am not sure about other locations!) And remember, Costco doesn’t take manufacturer’s coupons.