Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your Costco Canada membership? Our team of online shopping experts at Dealhack loves providing you with the best shopping hacks, discount codes, and money-saving tips.
Here are 15 genius tips that will transform your shopping experience at Costco Canada.
In this post, you’ll learn:
- Why you should upgrade to an Executive Membership for extra savings.
- Why you should shop during off-peak hours to avoid crowds.
- How to identify Costco’s unique price codes and markdown pricing patterns to save money.
- How to take advantage of Costco services like pharmacy and optical.
- How to maximize Costco’s generous return policy and warranty extensions.
1. Upgrade to Executive Membership
Executive Membership Benefits: For an annual fee of $120, the Executive Membership offers a 2% cashback on eligible purchases up to $1,000 annually. This can easily offset the membership cost if you shop frequently. Additionally, Executive Members receive extra discounts on services like Costco Travel, which can significantly enhance your savings on vacations and travel expenses
Share Your Membership: One membership card allows two people in the same household. Share the card to maximize your savings. If your household member also shops often, consider getting an additional card. This can be especially useful for large families or roommates who share household expenses.
Membership Referral Program: Take advantage of Costco’s referral program. By referring friends or family members to join Costco, you can earn rewards, such as Costco Shop Cards, for future purchases.
2. Timing Your Visits
Shop During Off-Peak Hours: Avoid the weekend rush by shopping early in the morning or late in the evening on weekdays. These times are typically less crowded, ensuring a smoother shopping experience. Additionally, shopping during these hours means you’ll have better access to freshly stocked shelves and less competition for popular items.
Weekly Sales and Markdowns: Costco often marks down items on Mondays. Visit early in the week to take advantage of these fresh markdowns and get the best deals. To stay updated on weekly sales, subscribe to Costco’s email newsletter or follow their social media accounts.
Seasonal Timing: Plan your visits around seasonal changes. For example, shop for winter clothing and holiday decorations at the end of the season, when prices are reduced. Conversely, buy summer essentials and outdoor furniture in late summer or early fall.
3. Understanding Costco’s Price Tags
- Asterisk Alert: If you see an asterisk in the upper right corner of the barcode tag, the item is about to be discontinued. Grab it while you can!
- Markdowns Matter: Pay attention to prices ending in .97, usually clearance items. For prices ending in .98, the warehouse is trying to get rid of the product, which might be your best price.
- Read the Fine Print: Always check the fine print for any additional fees or taxes that might apply.
4. Utilize Costco Services
Costco Pharmacy: Even non-members can use Costco’s pharmacy services. They offer lower prices on prescriptions, often beating traditional pharmacies. Costco also offers competitive prices on immunizations, health screenings, and consultations with pharmacists.
Costco Optical: Get your eyes checked and purchase glasses at competitive prices. Executive members can enjoy an extra $25 off on contact lens orders. Costco Optical also offers a wide selection of frames and lenses, often at lower prices than other optical retailers.
Gas Savings: Costco gas stations offer some of the lowest prices around the world. To save more, plan to fill up your tank during your shopping trips. Use the Costco app to check gas prices at your local warehouse and plan your visit accordingly.
Costco Tire Center: The Costco Tire Center offers great deals on tires and tire services. They often have promotions on tire brands and offer services like tire rotation, balancing, and nitrogen inflation at competitive prices.
5. Smart Shopping Strategies
Bulk Buying: Costco is renowned for its bulk items. Stock up on non-perishables and household essentials to save in the long run. For perishable items, consider sharing the bulk purchases with friends or family to avoid waste and split the costs.
Try Before You Buy: Samples offered throughout the store allow you to try new products before bulk purchasing. This can save you money and prevent unnecessary purchases. Additionally, take advantage of Costco’s generous return policy if a product doesn’t meet your expectations.
Shop Online: Costco.ca often has exclusive deals and a wider range of products. Shopping online can save you time and help you avoid in-store crowds. Look for online-only promotions and clearance items that may not be available in the warehouse.
Use Cash-Back Credit Cards: Pay for your Costco purchases with a cash-back credit card to earn additional rewards. Some credit cards offer higher cash-back rates for warehouse club purchases, which can further enhance your savings.
6. Return Policy and Warranty
Generous Return Policy: Costco’s return policy is one of the best in retail. Most items can be returned without a time limit, but electronics have a 90-day return window. To facilitate the return process, make sure to keep your receipts and original packaging.
Extended Warranty: Costco extends the manufacturer’s warranty on many electronics and appliances. This added benefit can significantly enhance the value of your purchases. Additionally, consider purchasing Costco’s Concierge Services, which offers technical support for electronics and warranty assistance.
Easy Returns: Costco makes the return process easy and hassle-free. Returns can be made at any Costco warehouse or by mail for online purchases. The Costco app also allows you to initiate returns and track the status of your return requests.
7. Seasonal and Special Promotions
Holiday Sales: Significant savings are available during holiday sales events like Black Friday, Boxing Day, and back-to-school promotions. Plan your shopping around these times for maximum discounts. Costco often extends these sales to in-store and online purchases, providing flexibility and convenience.
Seasonal Clearance: End-of-season sales offer discounts on patio furniture and holiday decorations. These clearance events are perfect for stocking up at lower prices. Check for markdowns on seasonal items as the seasons change.
Member-Only Events: Costco occasionally holds member-only events that feature special promotions and exclusive product launches. Watch for these events to take advantage of unique savings opportunities.
8. Leverage Costco’s App and Website
Download the Costco App: The Costco app is a powerful member tool. It provides access to exclusive offers, allows you to check current gas prices, view the latest coupons, create a shopping list, and renew your membership. The app also makes managing your account convenient.
Use Costco.ca: Costco.ca often features online exclusive deals you won’t find in-store. Plus, you can access the full range of products without battling the crowds. The website also offers a convenient delivery option for heavy or bulky items.
Digital Coupons: Use the app to access digital coupons and promotions. This can help you save even more on your purchases. The app also allows you to track your purchases and manage your membership details.
9. Use the Price Matching Policy
Price Adjustments: Costco has a generous price adjustment policy. If the price of an item you purchased drops within 30 days, you can get a refund for the difference. This ensures you never miss out on a better deal.
Keep an Eye on Sales: Regularly check Costco flyers and the website for ongoing promotions. You can plan your purchases around upcoming sales to maximize your savings by staying informed. You can also sign up for email alerts to receive notifications about special offers and discounts.
Compare Competitors: Before purchasing, compare Costco’s prices with other retailers’. If you find a better deal elsewhere, consider waiting for a sale or asking if Costco will match the price. This can help you make informed purchasing decisions and ensure you get the best value.
10. Buy Gift Cards for Extra Savings
Discounted Gift Cards: Costco often sells gift cards and services at a discount for popular restaurants. For example, you might find a $100 gift card pack for only $69.99. This is an easy way to save money on dining and entertainment.
Costco Shop Cards: Costco Shop Cards can be purchased and used like cash within Costco warehouses, gas stations, and online. They are a great gift option and can also help you stick to a budget.
Gift Card Promotions: Watch for promotions that offer bonus gift cards with certain purchases. For example, buying a certain amount in gift cards might earn you an additional bonus card, increasing your overall savings.
11. Take Advantage of Costco Travel
Exclusive Travel Deals: Costco Travel offers exclusive deals on vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and more. Members often find that these packages provide significant savings compared to booking independently.
Extra Benefits: Travel packages often have added perks like room upgrades, resort credits, and complimentary breakfasts. These extras can enhance your travel experience without increasing your costs.
12. Check the Kirkland Signature Products
High-Quality at Low Prices: Costco’s private-label brand, Kirkland Signature, offers high-quality products at lower prices than name brands. From groceries to household goods, Kirkland Signature items often match or exceed the quality of their branded counterparts.
Money-Back Guarantee: Costco stands behind the quality of Kirkland Signature products with a money-back guarantee. If you are unsatisfied, you can return the item for a full refund.
13. Use Costco Services to Save More
Costco Auto Program: The Costco Auto Program provides members with prearranged pricing on new and used vehicles. You can also receive additional savings on parts, services, and accessories.
Costco Insurance: Costco offers competitive home, auto, and life insurance rates. Bundling these services through Costco can potentially save hundreds of dollars annually.
14. Optimize Your Shopping List
Plan Ahead: Create a detailed shopping list before your visit to avoid impulse buys. Stick to your list to ensure you’re only purchasing what you need.
Compare Prices: Use price comparison apps to check how Costco’s prices compare with other retailers. This can help you confirm that you’re getting the best deals.
15. Don’t Miss Out on Membership Renewal Discounts
Renewal Promotions: Costco occasionally offers discounts or incentives to renew your membership. These promotions can include gift cards or additional discounts on purchases.
Auto-Renewal: Enroll in auto-renewal to ensure your membership never lapses. This also qualifies you for potential discounts and ensures you always have access to Costco’s benefits.
Comparison Table of Savings Options
| Savings Option | Approximate Cost | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| Executive Membership | $120/year | Earn 2% cashback on eligible purchases and get extra discounts on services. |
| Bulk Buying | Varies | Purchase large quantities of non-perishables and household essentials to save money. |
| Costco Pharmacy | Prescription costs vary | Lower prices on prescriptions, immunizations, and health screenings, even for non-members. |
| Off-Peak Shopping | Free | Avoid crowds by shopping early mornings or late evenings on weekdays. |
| Markdowns | Varies | Look for price tags ending in .97 for clearance items and .98 for special markdowns. |
| Online Shopping at Costco.ca | Varies | Access exclusive online deals and a wider range of products from the comfort of your home. |
| Costco App | Free | Use the app for digital coupons, checking gas prices, and managing your membership. |
| Food Court Deals | $1.50 – $10 | Affordable meals like the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo, pizza, and more. |
| Gas Savings at Costco Stations | Varies | Save on gas with member-exclusive prices at Costco gas stations. |
| Costco Tire Center | Varies | Great deals on tires, including promotions and services like rotation and balancing. |
| Member-Only Events | Free/Varies | Access special promotions, exclusive product launches, and unique savings opportunities. |
| Discounted Gift Cards | Varies | Buy gift cards for restaurants and services at a discount, often $100 for $79.99. |
| Costco Shop Cards | Varies | Use like cash within Costco warehouses, gas stations, and online for budgeting and gifts. |
| Costco Travel | Varies | Save on vacation packages, cruises, rental cars, and more with exclusive deals. |
| Kirkland Signature Products | Varies | Use cash within Costco warehouses, gas stations, and online for budgeting and gifts. |
| Extended Warranty and Concierge Services | Varies | Extended warranty on electronics and appliances, with technical support. |
Conclusion
Shopping at Costco Canada can be an enriching experience when you know how to make the most of your membership. By following these 15 genius hacks, you’ll save money, time, and effort. From upgrading to an Executive Membership for extra perks to mastering the art of decoding price tags, these tips will help you shop smarter and maximize your savings.
So, armed with these insights, you’ll shop like a pro next time you head to Costco. Enjoy the savings, convenience, and unbeatable value Costco offers. Happy shopping from the Dealhack team!
FAQ
Costco Canada offers two main types of memberships: Gold Star Membership, Ideal for individuals and families, with an annual fee of $60. Executive Membership: Includes an annual 2% reward on eligible Costco and Costco Travel purchases, up to a maximum of $1,000, with a yearly fee of $120.
Look out for promotions or discounts on memberships. Sometimes, Costco offers discounted membership fees through partners or special events. You can also consider sharing a membership with a household member to split the cost.
To avoid crowds, shop during weekday mornings or late evenings. Avoid weekends and the first few days of the month when it’s typically busier.
Buy in bulk: Purchase non-perishable items in bulk to save money.
Use coupons: Check Costco’s monthly coupon book for deals.
Executive Membership: Upgrade to an Executive Membership to earn a 2% annual reward.
Yes, Costco often carries exclusive products and brands you won’t find elsewhere, making it a great place for unique finds.
Yes, Costco Canada offers a variety of gift cards, often at a discount. These can be a great way to save on dining, entertainment, and other services.
Costco has a generous return policy. Most items can be returned anytime, with or without a receipt. However, electronics have a 90-day return window.
If the price of an item you purchased drops within 30 days, you can get a refund for the difference. Keep your receipts and check for price changes to get the best deal.
Costco members can enjoy discounts on various services, including Costco Travel, insurance, and the Costco Auto Program. Executive Members often receive additional discounts on these services.
Yes, non-members can use Costco’s pharmacy services. They offer lower prices on prescriptions, immunizations, health screenings, and pharmacist consultations.
Dealhack Canada
Dealhack, led by a group of seasoned e-commerce experts, operates an advanced deal search engine and browser extension. With over a decade of experience, our team specializes in meticulously sourcing and authenticating promo codes, sales, and valuable shopping advice from thousands of popular retailers, dedicated to optimizing your online shopping experience. If you know of a great promo code, sale, or shopping tip we can share, please email [email protected], where it will be evaluated and potentially shared with our network of savvy shoppers.
