I think every family should shop in bulk (and avoid ukrops, but that's just me). I also think CostCo has the best prices on things, with few exceptions, with WalMart running a close second. I think many people are put off by wholesale clubs because they come out spending $150 and only got 10 things. Just remember the likelihood you'll be getting those same 10 things during your next trip is very low. And while CostCo is pretty bare bones, boxes only if you ask, remember that you pay for all the perks you get at nicer grocery stores in the form of higher prices. Here are some of my ideas to save even more at CostCo.
A few years ago I tallied up in my head about how much I was spending there per month and realized that I would make back the cost of the membership upgrade ($50). Besides, if you are unhappy, they refund the cost, so it costs me nothing to try, I figured. The upgraded membership gives you extra hours in the morning, which I don't need, and 2% back on all purchases in the form of an annual rebate check. So the minimum I'd have to spend to make the cost of the upgrade is $2500/year or about $100 per paycheck. And CostCo keeps track of what you buy and how much, so all you have to do is ask someone at Member Services. Anyway...
I found that I was motivated to do more shopping there because it was like getting 1/2 VA sales tax back with each purchase, just like a good rewards credit card (CostCo also offers an AmEx with a rebate but I'm not an advocate for it). I buy as much as I can at CostCo! In addition to almost all of my consumables, I purchase birthday gifts, furniture, tires (these are from SAMS, actually), fresh flowers, magazines (save 30%!!), pajamas, and batteries, just to name a few.
Here's a sample of my grocery shopping - every single week I buy skim milk, organic milk, half and half, organic eggs, bananas, 1 fresh vegetable, 1 fresh fruit, 1 - 2 meats, US Weekly & People. I then buy what is on my list (could be anything - at present it is rawhide, can mushrooms and Cascade). Unless it is the deal of the century, don't get anything that isn't on your list - if you still have to have it, put it on your list for the next shopping trip so it is in your budget (budgets are a good thing).
Finally, flip through the coupons that CostCo sends in the mail. Rip out the ones you use and give the rest to a friend (or toss them) - you won't be tempted to impulse-buy then and really, no one is too good for coupons. As a matter of fact, I just bought oatmeal (60 packs) for Lily for only $7 with my latest installment of coupons - 11 cents for her breakfast?? Am I for real?
In the end, to become a CostCoholic like me, or really, just to maximize your savings at a CostCo, consider the following:
- purchase the upgraded membership - this should be prorated if you're already a member
- make a list of exactly what you are planning to purchase (making a freezer list and a menu afterwards helps, too - again, another blog for another day)
- use your CostCo coupons for items you use regularly and stock up
- plan ahead for purchases at Christmas or special occasions for gifts or flowers
- don't get sucked in buying things NOT on your list (I bet it will be there next week)
And those tips work for ALL stores, not just CostCo.
PS - what really makes CostCo fun for me is that annual rebate check. I remember in 2006 I bought 4 Disney costumes for my girls right before our Disney trip, something I wouldn't have put in my budget. This last year I only used $50 of it, paid for my groceries with the rebate check and they gave me the balance in CA$H! Which I used to buy a new Vera bag :)
If any of this helps you, let me know what treat you get with YOUR rebate check!!
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