There are all kinds of deals and discounts to be had on holiday goodies at Costco. There are also many people on the Costco marketing and merchandising teams who specialize in convincing you to buy them all.
It’s all too easy to make simple mistakes during your Costco holiday shopping that could eat into your savings. Here are some to watch out for — and avoid.
Look, I totally get it. Costco is busy at the best of times, and when you add on the pressure of holiday shopping…well, I can see why you might want to Instacart or Costco.com your way around that mess.
This is likely a mistake. For one thing, everything online has some type of markup and/or delivery fee. Even basics, like Kirkland Signature paper towels, will cost a couple bucks more when you buy online vs. in person at the store.
Some items are also store-only, which could include big-name brands with deep discounts. Plus, those end-of-season clearance and sale items will only be found at your local warehouse.
Pro tip: The best time to avoid the Costco crowds is during the middle of the week, particularly in the hour before closing.
2. Using the wrong payment method at checkout
If you’re going to drop a small fortune at Costco on gifts and holiday hosting essentials, you should really make sure you’re maximizing your credit card rewards so you don’t miss out on potentially hundreds in cash back.
Costco’s rule about using only Visa credit cards in store can make it harder to maximize your rewards, but there are still some excellent options. Click here to explore our top rewards cards for Costco purchases.
If you’re really going big this year, you should definitely consider opening a new rewards credit card that offers a welcome bonus you’re capable of earning. A good welcome bonus can be worth at least $200, if not more.
3. Skipping the gift card rack
Gift cards are my go-to gift for the picky folks on my list, especially those of the teenage (and, somehow worse, preteen) persuasion. And the place I’m most likely to get them is off the Costco gift card rack.
Costco has an excellent selection of gift cards, all at a discount, making it a gift for you and your recipient alike. Discount amounts vary, but I’ve seen restaurant gift cards for 30% off the face value.
Even if you’re not giving them as gifts this year, they can be worth picking up if you spot a retailer or restaurant you like to frequent yourself! (It can stay between you and Santa.)
4. Forgetting to comparison shop
It’s tempting to assume Costco has the best deal, because it’s so often true. But “often” isn’t “always,” and it’s never good to skip the important comparison shopping step before making a major purchase.
This is especially true at this time of year, when nearly every retailer has constantly evolving sales and deals. The price for a popular item could change day by day, or even by the hour in some places, so you never know when you’ll find a better deal elsewhere.
Also, remember that Costco doesn’t price match other retailers, but some retailers will price match Costco. While you could be giving up the Costco return policy by shopping elsewhere, a deep discount or great deal could be worthwhile.
5. Getting carried away (aka, not sticking to the list)
I know all too well the allure of the “deal.” When everything is the cheapest you can find it, it’s hard to leave anything behind.
But letting yourself get carried away at Costco today will mean big regrets when the credit card bills hit next month. Instead, create a holiday shopping budget and stick to it.
Make a list, check it twice, and don’t naughtily buy a bunch of stuff that’s not on the list just because it’s on sale.
Don’t have a budget — holiday or otherwise? Try one of our top budgeting apps for an easy way to get a handle on your finances.
