With so many choices for deep discounted grocery stores and warehouses in the market, it can be difficult for consumers to decipher where to go for bargains – and whether or not they're getting a good deal.
Brand name can play a strong factor in a customer's decision-making process, and since many warehouses come with a membership fee, marketing can be vital.
Related: Costco members should know this about a popular (and convenient) item
Costco (COST ) -)is a proven success story; with over 850 locations globally and 128 million cardholders in the U.S., the massive warehouse is ubiquitous with deep-discounts and convenience.
But memberships can be costly for many families. At $60 annually or roughly $5 per month, a Gold Star membership is the retailer's cheapest option and offers access to every Costco for one household.
The Executive Membership clocks in at double the price – $120 per year – but offers more member perks including up to $1,000 rewards annually on Costco purchases and access to other discounted services like auto and pet insurance.
But at the equivalent of a streaming service or pack of eggs each month, it's fair that customers would want to ensure they're paying up for actual discounts and quality products.
How to spot deals at Costco
Eagle-eyed consumers have come up with a way to determine just that – and the approach is pretty simple.
All you have to do is take a look at the prices next time you're at a Costco. Specifically, you'll want to look at the second half of the price, where a few cents can actually make a big difference.
Here's what the following prices might mean:
- Prices ending in $0.99: standard Costco pricing, most items end in this format. Chances are, you're getting a standard deal -- not a special discount.
- Prices ending in $0.49, $0.59, and $0.69: might be manufacturer specials that indicate you're potentially getting a good deal. It might also mean something is in new packaging or is a seasonal (limited) item.
- Prices ending in $0.97: Are typically Costco-specific deals, sometimes created by a local manager. If an asterisk accompanies the price, it could mean once the item is gone, it's gone for good.
- Prices ending in $0.00 or $0.88: Might be store returns or floor models.
Of course, this method isn't always foolproof. Just because something ends in $.00 doesn't always mean it's been returned or about to be discontinued. These are always rough approximations based more on customer and fan experience patterns than hard and fast data.
Still, since Costco offers products in bulk, the price-per-item typically ends up being slightly to considerably cheaper than buying something in smaller quantities. You just pay a bit more up-front (and be prepared to box your own goods, at checkout, too).
