Make the Most of Your Membership

This is a work in progress. Please feel free to share your ideas.

1. Go Executive. I cannot tell you how advantageous this has been for my family. If you shop like we do, you will make money every year. Yes, Costco will pay to to shop there. Sure you have to spend $5,000 a year to break even on the membership cost. We do – no question. Last year we bought one of my sons a new bed with the check they sent us. Still not convinced? How much does food cost these days? How about gas? Planning to make an electronics purchase this year? Christmas presents? Furniture? Have a yard to maintain? Keep going…
2. Park next to the cart corral when it’s available. At least you won’t get dinged by someone else’s door on one side, and taking your cart back after you load up is a snap.
3. Know your route and stick to it. Follow the same path each time you shop. Don’t meander. This will save a lot of time and ensure you don’t miss something you need from your list (see below). I’ve wasted plenty of time myself making it all the way back to pharmacy before I realize I forgot the paper towels. Argh! Well, it’s good exercise at least.
4. Shop with a list. Another time-saving tip. This is a no-brainer, of course if you have ever heard of these things called grocery stores. But in a store the size of Costco, it’s a must. I also recommend rewriting your list the day you go so that your items are in the order of your route. But …
5. Get it while you can. Yeah, it’s a balancing act. You don’t want to go overboard and live outside your means, but you also shouldn’t pass up obvious steals. I’ve missed getting that composting bin in early spring for the past several years because I keep telling myself, “I can buy it on the next visit.” Well, no I can’t. They sell out every time.
6. Shop on Monday afternoons and evenings. Hands-down, the best time to go. And I’ve even seen the Sample Ladies out then. No crowds. You cruise right up to the checkout lane. Beautiful.
7. Do not shop on Saturdays between lunch and mid-afternoon. Unless you enjoy lines that stretch past the candy aisle. Then knock yourself out.
8. Always say “thank you” to the Sample Ladies. Aren’t they nice to you? Well, ours are anyway. They’re giving you free food, for Pete’s sake, and it’s usually great stuff. So show your appreciation. Heck, you might even throw what they’re selling in the cart.
9. Use the photo processing service. No one is cheaper, faster, or better. No … one. I know a professional photographer who will back me up on this. I even have my headshots printed out there because they are so stellar in quality. The online photo service has been vastly improved lately.
10. Have your membership ID and coupons out when you arrive at checkout. It makes things faster for everyone. If you use the Costco AmEx card, you can use that as your ID and for payment. You can even have your photo printed on the back of your AmEx card at member services. Did you know that?
11. Don’t forget to grind your coffee before you leave. At my store they recently moved the grinders from the coffee aisle to the snack area by the front door. Not sure why. But it’s messed up my route a few times. I don’t like changing my routine! And by the way, Quantas never crashed. If you don’t get that, I’m sorry.