If you’ve never stepped foot inside a Costco before, you’re in for a sensory overload of bulk groceries, $4 rotisserie chickens, and impulse buys that seem to leap into your cart on their own (just ask the woman who went in “for coffee” and walked out with an infrared sauna). But longtime members know there’s an unofficial rulebook of hacks that can help you save money, avoid chaos, and make the most of what the warehouse giant offers.
A recent Reddit thread asked seasoned shoppers to share “one thing you know about Costco that no one else knows,” and the responses quickly turned into a treasure trove of tips for newcomers. From timing your visit to scoring hidden deals, here are 15 insider tricks every first-time Costco shopper should take advantage of to maximize their savings.
1. Don’t Be Tempted by Endcap Items, Unless They’re a One-Off Find
Seasoned Costco shoppers say there’s a trick to those beautifully displayed items on the endcaps or right by the entrance: If they’re not on sale yet, they probably will be when the next coupon book drops. In other words, hold off — that air fryer, knife set, or fancy blender might be 20%–30% cheaper in just a few weeks.
The exception? One-off seasonal products like stemless wine glasses, ceramic bowls, or decorative serving dishes. When these appear at a reasonable price, grab them because they may not return. “If you see something like stemless wineglasses that you like and they are reasonable, buy them,” advises one Redditor. “They are likely a one-off (bought some years ago for a bargain price!)”
That same user notes that essentials like “toothbrush heads, allergy meds, vitamins, lotion, detergent, dishwashing liquid, paper towels (if you want Bounty), and toilet paper” all go on sale regularly, so it’s smarter to wait and stock up then. “They go on sale consistently and you can time it so you only buy on sale.”
2. The Tire Center Has Free Air, Even if You’re Not Buying Tires
One of Costco’s best-kept secrets has nothing to do with food samples and rotisserie chickens. The Tire Center’s air station — the big industrial one with the automatic pressure gauge — is completely free and open to everyone. As one Redditor noted, “Nobody checks for a Costco membership. If the Tire Center is open, the air station is available.”
Even better, some warehouses keep it running around the clock. “My Costco leaves it on 24/7, even when the tire center is closed,” another user added. So the next time your tire (or TPMS system) light comes on, skip the gas station and swing by Costco instead. Plus, the air there is nitrogen-infused, which Redditors say is gentler on tires and keeps pressure stable for longer.
3. You Can Negotiate Pricing for Items on Display
Unbeknownst to most shoppers, items on display don’t always have fixed prices. In fact, Costco employees say you can politely negotiate them down — sometimes by hundreds of dollars. One worker shared that a customer snagged a “$2,000 display PC for just $1,200,” just because it was the last one left.
It doesn’t work for every product, and approval depends on the manager, but if you spot a display item with minimal wear, it’s absolutely worth asking.
4. Best Time to Go? Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., or as Early as You Can
According to a Costco insider, this is the magical hour when crowds thin out, the after-work rush has fizzled, and shelves are still fully stocked from the afternoon restock. Another Costco employee recommends “coming in as early as possible” to snag the best discounts. “That’s when you’ll see the lowest marked down clothing on the tables (typically from returns), and they can be as low as a couple of bucks for decent apparel,” adds the user.
If your schedule is flexible and you can slip in during the day, several users swear by weekday afternoons. “Best time to go is weekdays around 2 p.m.,” writes one user, adding, “All the moms have left to get their kids from school.”
5. That Refrigerated Walk-In Room? It Doubles as AC for Overheated Shoppers
One popular comment came from a woman who joked that the produce cooler is a “good place to chill out if you’re experiencing symptoms of perimenopause or menopause.” And it’s not just a sanctuary for overheated women; plenty of men chimed in, too. “Or if you’re a big sweaty dude in the summer,” wrote another Redditor. “If I was filthy rich, there’d be one room in my house always cooled to the same temperature as the Costco produce section.”
Other shoppers say the walk-in cooler is practically a medical necessity. “I have MS and heat intolerance. My house is always floating right around 69° no matter the season,” shared another user. “I would love to have one of those cooler rooms in the house!”
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6. Need to Leave Suddenly? Ask for a Manager
Whether your kid needs to be picked up, the Tire Center calls your name, or your credit card decides to betray you at the register, don’t panic. Shoppers say managers will roll your entire cart (perishables included) into the walk-in fridge so you can come back later and pick up where you left off. “I’ve had to use this a few times with a baby blowout/potty-training toddler,” wrote one user, while another added, “I realized halfway through shopping that I left my debit card at home. The manager put my cart in the cooler while I went back to get it.”
The consensus? Compared to other grocery stores, Costco consistently goes above and beyond when it comes to customer service. “Yeah, their customer service is top notch,” wrote another user. “The reps generally like being there, they get paid a LOT, and are much more likely to get in trouble for NOT going above and beyond, unlike in most companies.”
7. The Optical Department Is Worth Checking Out
Though Costco’s optical section is usually covered by insurance, the independent optometrist in the little office next door might not be. Before booking an appointment, double-check who’s in-network so you don’t end up with a surprise bill, advises one user.
But even with that caveat, shoppers say Costco’s optical department is worth visiting thanks to its prices and service quality. “I see an MD eye doctor because I have a complicated situation, then I take my prescription to Costco and get good quality, affordable glasses,” wrote one user. “It was my eye doctor who recommended Costco because of their state-of-the-art labs.”
“It’s such a wonderful place to get an eye exam, even if you’re not buying from Costco,” another Redditor adds, “The optometrist just works eye exams. Nothing else. No pushing you into expensive frames or contact subscriptions. In, out.”
8. Get Savvy With the Bulk Buys
One savvy shopper swears by Costco’s bulk groceries to cut down on costs. “The 10 pound bag of oatmeal and 80 ounce jar of Addams peanut butter is a staggering amount of food value for about $20,” writes the user. Indeed, if you’re feeding kids, meal-prepping, or just trying to save money in general, these bulk buys can reduce your grocery bill by a lot.
Other Redditors echoed the point. “This cannot be overstated,” one wrote. “I remind people complaining about food prices, and especially restaurant prices, how much frozen chicken, fish, vegetables, and rice I can get at Costco, all while staying within my budget.”
Another user included specifics: “I don’t buy just breasts, but for cheap cuts like whole chicken, thighs, and drums my Costco is often the best (in Texas). I was literally able to buy like 10 pounds of chicken for 15 bucks two weeks ago.”
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9. Price Tags Contain Secret Codes
If you’re hunting for deals, start by decoding the price tags. According to longtime shoppers and employees, the numbers tell you far more than you’d expect:
- A price ending in .97 or. 00 = Markdown (“An asterisk alone does NOT indicate a markdown,” writes one user. “But pricing ending in .97 or .00 does.”)
- An asterisk on the sign = This item won’t be restocked (“An asterisk, aka the “Death Star,” signifies that the item is pending deletion and will not be restocked in the near future at that warehouse; other warehouses may vary,” adds the user).
10. Want a Less Crowded Alternative? Try the Costco Business Center
If the regular warehouse feels too chaotic, Redditors say the the Costco Business Center is a worthwhile hack. With fewer shoppers roaming the aisles, you can get in and out fast without being sidetracked by giant displays of TVs, clothes, or impulse buys you didn’t come for. Though the limited hours can be a drawback, one Redditor notes a welcome upgrade: “Now open on Sundays! When all I want are snacks, frozen goods, and specific fruits/veggies, I go there.” Another user adds, “If you have Business Center in your vicinity, check it out! No clothing or bakery/rotisserie chickens, but it’s less crowded and they have a lot of different stuff.”
Just remember: Costco Business Centers don’t sell everything. “Did run into some disappointed customers since no alcohol,” the user joked, adding that some workers call it “the no fun Costco.” Despite that, for many shoppers, it’s the most convenient, least-crowded Costco option in town.
11. You Can Return Almost Anything
Costco’s return policy is the stuff of legend, and longtime shoppers and workers say it’s every bit as generous as people claim. Under the company’s “risk-free 100% satisfaction guarantee,” Costco will generally accept most returns within 90 days. “Because the refund policy is a big reason to purchase the membership, we legit take anything back and eat the cost to keep the member happy and spending money,” writes a Costco employee. “If you plan on buying something, and Costco has it, just get it from there,” writes another. “Not a lot of people know how generous the return policy is; just don’t abuse it!”
But then, of course, there are the shoppers who absolutely do abuse it. As one employee recalled: “I saw someone return milk because they didn’t have time to drink it all before the expiration date.” Another added, “Someone returned two pumpkins the day after Halloween because they ‘didn’t need them anymore’.”
12. Costco Travel Deals Pack More Value Than You’d Expect
Several members swear by Costco Travel, especially if you stack it with an Executive Membership and the Costco Visa card. One Redditor broke down just how surprisingly valuable the combo can be: “Many of their vacation packages (especially cruises) are about the same as the lowest prices I can find elsewhere, but usually come with perks: Costco cash (gift) cards, upgrades, exclusive extras, onboard credit for cruises, waived resort fees, etc.”
The user shared that they use the annual rewards check (often around $1,000) to “help fund a vacation,” then earn even more back in the process. “For a $5,000 vacation, I get 4% back on my Visa, 2% back on my Executive membership, plus $500 in Costco gift cards for the next trip.” The Redditor says they even saved three years’ worth of rewards and gift cards to knock $6,000 off a major vacation. Another user added, “I toured several European cities buying city passes through Costco for admission to the attractions. It was excellent value.”
Costco Travel might not always be the cheapest upfront, but when you factor in the perks and cashback, many shoppers say it delivers in overall value.
13. Maximize Your Credit Card Rewards for Big-Ticket Items
If you’re planning to buy a TV or any other big-ticket item, Costco insiders say you should always use the Costco Citi Visa, as the built-in perks are hard to beat. “When purchasing a TV using your Costco Citi Visa Credit Card, you will automatically receive a free Citi warranty on the TV,” one former Costco employee shared. “Also the TV warranties you can pay extra for are very good.”
Redditors also recommend taking a close look at display models. Sometimes the only clue is a single powered-on TV with no boxes underneath it, but if it’s the last one left, you may be able to score a steep discount on it. “They will be hard to spot… sometimes you’ll be able to nab that display for a very reduced price,” the employee added. Staff say the Executive Membership is also worth considering if you shop regularly at the warehouse. The 2% annual reward can quickly cover the membership fee — and then some. “The savings/rewards you get are very worth it,” adds the user.
14. You Can Rent a Moving Truck for Cheap
Many shoppers don’t know that Costco offers discounted moving trucks, and Redditors say the savings can be huge. “Need a moving truck? I got a 16’ Budget truck for a Texas-to-Illinois move last year that was 40% less than the regular site,” one user shared. “Saved me a ton!”
The trick is knowing where to find the option. On Costco.com, head to “Services,” click on “Business,” and you’ll spot the Budget Truck Rental link. From there, you can compare prices directly, and they’re frequently lower than what you’d get booking elsewhere, users say.
Pro Tip: Clear your browser cache if you’re checking prices multiple times,” advises one user. “The more you search, they jack up the price.” For big moves or even local hauls, Costco’s Budget discounts are one of the warehouse’s most underrated perks.
15. Take Advantage of Costco Delivery for Flower Deliveries
If you’ve ever panic-ordered flowers for Mother’s Day or a last-minute birthday bouquet, you know how fast the costs add up (florists might as well be robbing us at gunpoint). That’s why seasoned Costco shoppers use Costco Delivery for floral and gift orders, especially during holidays like Valentine’s Day. One Redditor said the value surprised them: “There’s usually a great sale for way cheaper than a florist, plus you can add on candy, cake, or other treats for really cheap.”
The user shared how they sent their mother-in-law a bouquet and a dozen chocolate-covered strawberries for just $32.98 plus tax. “It was so cheap I tipped the delivery person enough to get the total to $50,” they noted. For her birthday, they sent another bouquet plus a tuxedo cake — all in for around $50 with tip.
The only catch? The delivery address needs to be near a Costco warehouse. “I wish more family members had a Costco nearby,” said the Redditor, “I’d do this way more often.”
The Bottom Line
As frugal shoppers across Reddit reveal, Costco rewards those who know how to work the system. By understanding pricing quirks and timing your visits wisely, you’ll be able stretch your budget further than you ever expected. For first-timers and longtime members alike, these insights turn routine runs into tangible savings.
More Costco Tips on Cheapism
- Weeknight Dinner Solutions at Costco That Busy Families Rely On — Discover 17 dinner solutions that regulars rely on when time is tight and hunger is real.
- Is Costco’s Vaccine Program Worth the Price? — There are a lot of things that you can get at Costco for cheaper than the outside world, but are vaccines one of them?
- Costco Mistakes That Could Cost You — Despite its legendary reputation for great prices, many common Costco shopping mistakes could cost you money.
