16 Reasons You Should Stop Shopping at Costco (#13 Is a Dealbreaker) (2024)

FAQs

What are the cons of Costco? ›

While a Costco membership can save you money on bulk purchases, you risk food waste. Costco gas is competitively priced, but driving a distance to the store could negate that savings. The store's return policy is generous, but its wide range of inventory could open the door to impulse buys.

Too crowded

There are times when Costco is just too popular. Shopping at Costco on the weekends can be frustrating. Lines may be long, the store may sell out of items, and it can be difficult to get even one little sample. It's better to try to shop during less busy times to get everything you need.

“The store boasts a wide range of premium-quality products at prices that are hard to beat, with their Kirkland Signature brand being a customer favorite,” said Susan Anderson, founder of The Worthy Goods, a guide for consumers looking to make conscious purchasing decisions.

All things considered, you don't have to buy in bulk to save money at Costco.

When inventory of an item or category of items becomes too small to mass out in typical Costco displays, warehouses may liquidate this unsold merchandise. Usually this merchandise will be categorized as Grade A/B.

According to the New York Times, starting in January 2025, Costco will no longer stock books regularly, and instead will only sell them during the holiday season, from September to December.

The Costco terms and conditions for membership state, “Costco reserves the right to inspect any container, backpack, briefcase, or other bag, upon entering or leaving the warehouse and to refuse entry to anyone at our discretion.”

Millionaires are often some of the most frugal people around, because they know just how hard they have to work to make and maintain their level of income. Costco, the wholesale retailer of everything from food to furniture, is a favorite choice even for millionaires, because of its affordability and convenience.

Why are people so crazy about Costco? ›

Bottom line. Shopping at Costco is preferable to traditional grocery stores for many people. This is because of its low prices, unique and large selection of products, free samples, and cheap food, all which will help you keep more money in your bank account.

So the core ingredient in Costco's addictive drug is its value proposition that stands for high-value products at the lowest prices. How does Costco manage to offer such down-and-dirty prices? For starters, it has enormous economies of scale.

If you have a standing grocery list that you shop from every week, Costco may be a good place for you to stock up. But if your meal plans vary widely or if you tend to eat out often, Costco might not be a good fit for your family.

So in reality, it's probably more fair to put the cost at $0.20 per egg or less. Meanwhile, at my local supermarket, right now, a dozen eggs is $3.29, or more than $0.27 an egg. So clearly, there's savings to be reaped buying eggs at Costco.

When you visit a Costco warehouse, you'll discover all the valuable savings we have to offer. As a nonmember, you may still purchase prescriptions from a Costco pharmacy with cash, debit, Costco Shop Cards or a Visa® card. However, you must be a paid member to enter the warehouse and purchase any other items.

Limited product selection: Costco's focus on offering a limited selection of products can be a weakness for some customers who prefer a more comprehensive range of choices. While Costco offers many products in bulk, some customers may prefer smaller packages or a wider range of brands.

But if your meal plans vary widely or if you tend to eat out often, Costco might not be a good fit for your family. If your budget is such that you are limited to a set spending amount every week, then shopping for the future by buying in bulk might not make sense for you.

I've been a Costco member for 25+ years and, for the past five, have been shopping for just myself. Costco has great food deals and I save by buying my electronics and tires there. I'm regularly saving 25 to 30 cents a gallon on gas by going to Costco.

Is it cheaper than shopping at my local supermarket? Not always. CHOICE staffer Kate says: "Don't assume everything is cheaper at Costco – some things are and some things aren't – that's how they get you. Consider if you'll use bulk-sized items before the expiration date.