I really love shopping at Costco. It's well documented that nothing Costco sells is priced more than 14% above what Costco actually paid for the item. 14% is a maximum markup! That fact alone should make you feel confident in just about any purchase you make. This is why certain items like jewelry and furniture come across as exceptionally good deals. They are! Most jewelry and furniture stores have a minimum 100% markup.
Keep an eye out for savings. If the price tag has an asterisk on the price tag... one of these stars: * ..they are not going to restock that item when it runs out. If you like it, or think you will like it, stock up now! If the price also ends in 7 (e.g. $14.97) not only is it not going to be replenished, but it's been marked down to clearance pricing!
Not all Costco locations have the same price. I discovered this by accident. In my town, the Costco across the street from a Sam's Club carries printer ink that is about $3-$4 cheaper than another Costco only 10-15 minutes away. A Costco employee verified this fact, stating that Costco secret shops the competition and adjusts their prices accordingly to make sure they always have the cheapest price on "like-items."
Not all Costco locations have the same markdowns. Last summer I purchased a lunchbox which had a specially printed discount right on the price tag. When I found the same lunchbox at another Costco location in the same city just a couple days later, they were still charging the full price.
No membership required! Due to a federal law, no membership is required to purchase drugs from the Costco pharmacy. That's great news for you non-members, because the Costco pharmacy has some of the best bargains in the store! When walking into a Costco to get a prescription, simply say, "Pharmacy!" as you walk in the door and they won't even ask for your membership card. I do this even though I'm a member, just to avoid the hassle of taking out my wallet! In many states, you can also purchase alcohol and gas without a Costco membership.
deal·rat, n. Slang. A person in constant search of great deals.
Are YOU a deal rat?
