I’ve been a proud Costco warehouse member for more than a decade, and it’s my favorite place to stock up on household items at a fraction of the cost, especially when it comes to essentials like toilet paper, olive oil, and meat.

For me, shopping at Costco requires a plan of action before entering the warehouse, because it’s easy to overspend when you’re walking around looking at all the items that are unique to their warehouses. I’m looking at you, in-house bakery section.

With that in mind, while chatting with friends and family, I've observed a number of common membership errors that people tend to make—specifically, not fully utilizing the benefits that come with being a member. 

13 Costco Blunders to Steer Clear of on Your Next Visit

If you intend to maximize your experience at Costco this year, be sure to avoid these common pitfalls.

1. Choosing not to enhance your membership.

For regular Costco shoppers, it may be beneficial to think about upgrading from a Gold Star membership to an Executive one. The basic Gold Star membership provides access to the warehouse for only $65, but if you find yourself visiting Costco several times a month, the 2% cash back reward associated with the Executive membership ($130) can be quite advantageous. This means that those at the Executive level can potentially earn as much as $1,250 annually.

2. Neglecting to refuel your vehicle.

Once you've completed your shopping, don't forget to refuel your vehicle. Many Costco warehouses feature gas stations that provide highly competitive rates, with some reports indicating savings of up to 20 cents per gallon. Utilize the Costco app to locate nearby warehouses that have gas pumps, check the current gas prices, and find out their operating hours.

3. Ignoring Kirkland brand items.

Costco features its own private label, Kirkland Signature, which provides high-quality products at significantly lower prices than national brands. Take, for instance, Kirkland’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which is frequently recognized as a top seller and beloved by customers for its excellent quality and affordability. A 2-liter bottle is priced around $0.47 per ounce, in stark contrast to premium olive oils that can reach prices of up to $2 per ounce.

4. Avoiding online shopping.

Every membership level at Costco—Executive, Business, and Gold Star—grants members access to Costco.com, a treasure trove of fantastic bargains, including some that are only available online. 

5. Searching for the discounts.

Coupons? Alongside existing bulk discounts? Absolutely! Every month, Costco publishes “Members Only Savings” booklets that highlight various sales and promotions available in the warehouse. This is the perfect opportunity to stock up on essentials you regularly use, like laundry detergent and soap.

6. Being mindful of the cost.

While browsing at Costco, the price tags can tell you a lot more than just the cost of an item. Regular prices typically end in nine (like $19.99), whereas discounted items will end in either zero or seven (such as $19.00 or $19.97). If you see a price tag with an asterisk, it's a sign to buy it quickly, as that product is likely being discontinued soon.

7. Failing to take advantage of Costco's return policy.

Costco provides its members with a flexible return policy aimed at ensuring complete customer satisfaction. This means that if you're not completely happy with a purchase, you can return it to the warehouse. However, it's essential to use this policy responsibly, as excessive returns could lead to your account being monitored.

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8. Purchasing beyond your actual needs.

Costco provides fantastic savings, but these deals are only beneficial if you intend to use the items. For instance, purchasing meat in large quantities might appear to be a bargain for your family, but if you don’t consume it or properly freeze it, leading to spoilage of part of the package, you’ll end up wasting your money. This principle also applies to fresh produce and baked goods such as bagels and muffins. It's important to make informed decisions about what you'll realistically use and whether you have the space to store it in the freezer.

9. Failing to utilize gift cards effectively.

Costco provides a wide selection of gift cards for various well-known restaurants, retail stores, and even certain travel companies. If you often visit a particular establishment or want to prepare for future gifts, purchasing these gift cards at discounted rates is a savvy investment.

10. Overlooking the importance of price matching.

Exactly—besides offering low prices, Costco also has a price matching policy for up to 30 days. This means if an item you bought goes on sale for a significantly lower price within that timeframe, you can head back to any warehouse with your receipt to receive a refund.

11. Failing to compare prices at your neighborhood grocery store beforehand.

While Costco is known for its impressive discounts on common products, it isn't necessarily the most economical choice. Local grocery stores frequently have buy-one-get-one promotions that can provide better value than Costco, and shopping there might result in spending more than intended while aiming to save money.

12. Having a view of the apparel department.

Costco warehouses are primarily recognized for their affordable bulk items, but there's a hidden gem within the store that many shoppers overlook: the clothing section. This area features everything from essential t-shirts and leggings to stylish coats and swimwear, showcasing popular brands such as Patagonia, Banana Republic, and 32 Degrees. You’ll find yourself proudly saying, “Thanks, I picked it up at Costco!” 

13. Ignoring the pharmacy.

Not only do Costco pharmacies offer hundreds of generic drug brands priced at $10 or less, they also offer immunization services and a full Hearing Aid Center. Not a Costco member yet? You do not need a membership to use Costco Pharmacy.