How to Get the Most from Your Costco Membership

If you are a new member to Costco, after having paid that membership fee, you are probably wondering how to get the most for your money, and take full advantage of that membership.

1. Look for Kirkland brand products
Kirkland is Costco's house brand label. These products are consistently of good quality, but are inexpensive, because Costco can leverage their volume purchasing power and lack of advertising costs. While many items are Costco are comparable to other store's sale prices, and may or may not be something you should choose to stock up on, it is always a safe bet to buy Kirkland products. For example, I find that Kirkland brand powder laundry detergent works as well as Tide, and I have been a very loyal Tide customer, but for a fraction of the cost.

2. Check out special Costco Member "Services"
Costco offers some special discount deals such as insurance, phone service, and even DHL shipping discounts. I love the flat rate DHL letter size mailers for $11 each prepaid. While you do have to prepay for 10 at a time, they are a fraction of the cost of shipping with an account through either DHL or FedEx. Look for pamphlets near the door, or look under "services" at http://www.costco.com

3. Sign up for their coupons
Costco sends out specific coupons both through snail mail and through email. Check the dates carefully, because they will not all be good for the same period of time, like a grocery store. Usually one coupon item will be available one week, and one the next, and so on. They like to keep you coming back! However, they are always very generous coupons, so scan through them when you receive them and note the dates for any items you want. Plan your monthly Costco trip for that date.

4. Did you know they sell gas there too?
Head out on your Costco trip with your tank nearly empty, so you can fill up with their significantly less expensive gas while you are there.

Lastly, make the most of your money by avoiding impulse spending! There is always some impulse spending at the store, but when that store sells large quantities, the impulse spending can really add up. Do not buy more than your family can reasonably consume before it goes bad, for standard items. Do not buy large quantities of goodies or snacks, or your family will simply increase the amount they eat of, say, Doritos or ice cream. If you must buy a large quantity, repackage it at home to reasonable serving sizes, so that they are not tricked by their own minds into over-eating, just because "it is there".