The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Not Overspending at Costco
Many people go to Costco to save money. But thanks to the retailer’s wide variety of offerings, it’s also easy to overspend when visiting the wholesaler.
Costco offers everything from cleaning supplies, clothing and food to electronics, home goods and furniture. While that’s convenient, it can also lead you into the trap of buying what you don’t need. This guide will help you shop with intention so you can stick to your budget.
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1. Never shop hungry
A hungry stomach makes it harder to resist throwing snacks into your cart that aren’t on your shopping list. Eat a meal before shopping at Costco to resist impulse buying items that you don’t need.
2. Check unit prices
Knowing your local grocery store’s prices for key food items can help you assess whether Costco is truly offering you a good deal. Many Costco shoppers buy in bulk to save money on nonperishable items, but it’s important to make sure that the discount is actually worth the hefty purchase.
Still, buying items like peanut butter, maple syrup and toilet paper from the wholesaler can result in significant savings.
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3. Go shopping with a plan
Because Costco offers so many goods, perusing the aisles can result in walking out with more than you planned to buy and a much bigger bill. Big-box stores are also known for organizing their layouts in a way that encourages you to buy more than you may need.
Create a shopping list before you head to the store and stick with only purchasing items on your list. If part of the appeal of Costco is finding new, discounted items, set yourself a budget for extra items you can throw into your cart.
4. Conduct a storage and spoil audit
Bulk purchases can be a great way to save money, but they can also result in you having more items than you can store. One solution is to conduct a brief storage audit before buying a bulk item. Make sure you have the space for the item before you go shopping.
Another solution is to split bulk buys with a friend or neighbor. That way you both save money and you don’t have to store more than you need.
Keep in mind that buying perishable bulk items can feel like you’re getting a discount, but doing so can backfire if you let the food expire. That’s why you should only buy perishable bulk items if you have a plan to freeze, share or consume them quickly.
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