13 Common Mistakes Customers Make When Shopping At Costco

In 2024, there were more than 136 million members of warehouse club Costco worldwide, per Business Dasher. Considering over two-thirds of the total 910 outlets are based in the United States, it's a good bet to assume Americans make up a hefty portion of those members. Despite that big number, it's easy to forget there are plenty of people across the U.S. who have never set foot inside a Costco.

At the time of writing, seven states, including Wyoming and Rhode Island, do not have a single store, while others had just a handful. There are, for example, 19 in New York, but its dense population means there are 1,000,000 people for every Costco store. That's a lot of folks who may have no idea why card carrying members get so excited about shopping there. But Costco isn't your average grocery store.

The pitfalls are plenty, and they can start before you even set foot inside, thanks to the 2024 requirement for membership cards to be scanned before entering. Even after overcoming that minor hurdle, new or inexperienced people can fail in several ways to get the most out of their experience. To ensure that doesn't happen, here are common mistakes customers make when shopping at Costco.

Although not every Costco layout is exactly the same, in most of them, the food court is located right next to the main entrance. Is it positioned there to entice shoppers to have a quick bite to eat before heading into the store? Yes it is. As one wry Redditor quipped, "The sooner you realize the food court is an unwritten agreement, the better." Some even go there first, chow down on an iconic hot dog combo — which still costs just $1.50 — before getting a cart, and starting their shop.

The menu has something for everyone, including pizza, chicken bakes, a Caesar salad made with the store's legendary rotisserie chicken, and a chicken and bacon sandwich. If you have a sweet tooth, there's a selection of ice creams and sundaes, a double chocolate chip cookie, and lots of drinks, including soda. You can eat everything right there, or you can make like a Costco veteran and have some fun with these food court hacks at home. Who knows, maybe you can come up with a combination to rival this one that amazed and horrified Redditors.

Most of the major supermarkets have their own, in-house brand which they use to build loyalty among consumers. Costco is no different, and the Kirkland Signature label can be seen on products throughout the store. Shoppers who are unfamiliar with Costco might be tempted to sidestep them for branded products that are household names — but that would be a mistake.

That's because there are some very well-known companies behind the Kirkland Signature brand. Want to stock up on batteries? Grab a multipack pack from Costco, safe in the knowledge they're not only made by Duracell, one of the biggest names in the business, they're around 40% cheaper than the brand's own batteries. It's a win-win.

While not all the sources behind Kirkland Signature products are clear cut, some very prominent names have been associated with the line in recent years, like Bumble Bee tuna, Starbucks coffee beans, and Einstein Bros' bagels. Although the brand name may not be on show, customers often get great quality products at highly tempting prices – Kirkland Signature gas being a great example.  Newcomers who give these branded products a wide berth because they don't trust the brand name stand to lose out.

At Costco stores, every price tag has a meaning. Understanding this secret code unlocks a world of races against time and potential bargains for card-carrying members. It goes like this: Anything that ends in a $0.99 is not going anywhere soon. You can buy it week in, week out without worrying.

Price tags ending in $0.97 turn the heat up a little. They're among the store manager's deals and can come and go on the boss's whim. Depending on the popularity of the product, these can fly out of the door, and seasoned shoppers know to grab 'em when they see 'em. Here's where things get more complex. Tags ending in $0.09 are very special offers. They're often on named brands and can add up to significant savings.

These prices can also be used to flag up seasonal products or boost interest in something that's not selling too well. Keep your eyes on them, because prices can be cut further if shoppers don't snap them up. Then there are items ending in $0.00. They're not free, but they are items that managers want to sell fast to free up shelf space. If it's something you like, buy it, because they don't stick around for long. Finally, if you see an asterisk on the top right above the price label, that means the product is being discontinued. Sometimes things make a comeback, but it's not always guaranteed.

T.V. dinners were convenient for decades, but they weren't always that good for us and, as the discontinued Freezer Queen brand proved, not just nutritionally. However, fast forward to the 21st century and it's a very different kettle of fish. Fresh ingredients, a wide range of textures, and punchy flavors are the order of the day, thanks to Costco's prepared meals.

The range covers everything from salads packed with ingredients like quinoa and chickpeas that are big enough to feed the whole family, and stuffed salmon and moreish St Louis-style ribs, to name but a few. One dish, based on an American classic, is so good you'll never make it at home again. Lots of Costco's prepared meals can be mixed and matched to create different dishes.

Rip up a breast from one of the store's rotisserie chickens and use it to boost a pre-made chicken salad, or combine a stuffed pepper with a hefty spoonful of mac 'n' cheese for a warming, filling dinner. The possibilities are endless. On social media, shoppers liked that a single pre-made meal from Costco was big enough for multiple servings while some thought they were more expensive compared to other stores, others insisted the quality made them worth it.

It takes a strong-willed shopper to ignore the lure of Costco's bakery section, not least because of the mouthwatering smells emanating from it at all hours of the day. Although not every item is prepared on-site, the baked goods section is an essential stop-off for anyone who wants to stock up on their carbs.

As well as being home to a classic dessert that is a must-have, there's also a wide range of breads, pies, cakes, and other goodies. Focusing on bread for a moment, instead of a mass-produced, pre-bagged sliced loaf, you'll find a variety of rolls in the bakery section, and chunky, rustic breads that are baked fresh every day. And that's just the start.

Sweet-toothed members were delighted when the store's iconic cinnamon rolls returned in 2024. One Redditor said, "I audibly yelped when I saw them," while newcomer to Costco's bakery, YouTube reviewer emmymade, appreciated their spice. She also loved the buttery pound cake, and the deeply chocolatey tuxedo cake. If the scale of Costco's baked goods puts you off, don't worry. Many items, like croissants, muffins, and the plain cheesecake, are all perfect for freezing.

There are lots of running jokes on social media about people heading to Costco who only want a loaf of bread and a rotisserie chicken, but come out with $400 worth of patio furniture and all the frozen peas they'll ever need. While there's a lot you can do with the chicken, it's a mistake to think you can go into a Costco store without a list or a budget.

Unless you're a very disciplined shopper, you will need both to ensure your visit doesn't cost a fortune — and that long receipt will have to be checked before you leave. The best way to avoid any nasty surprises is to plan in advance. Write out a list of the items you need to shop for and, if necessary, how much they will cost. If you're open to on-the-spot bargains once at your local Costco, maybe add a little wriggle room to your budget.

If it's your first trip to the warehouse chain, or you haven't been in a long time, be aware that you will be surrounded by lots of tempting goods while walking around. Some veteran Costco shoppers stick to the same items every time to prevent going over budget, while others use apps to track how much they are spending.

"It was a madhouse. Everyone seemed to be in a rush. Other than that, I like it," wrote a Redditor weeks after joining Costco in 2025. Non-members may be wondering why the place was a "madhouse," but card holders will understand when we say: The poster visited Costco on a Saturday morning. Of all the mistakes new or rare customers can make, it's one of the biggest.

Luckily, there are plenty of other times you can swing by Costco that are much calmer and quieter. Midweek shopping during the daytime is easy in some locations, because the majority of customers are at work. First thing in the morning can be surprisingly popular, but the numbers of people up with the lark are nowhere near as bad as a Saturday. Likewise running in just before closing time can be a good way to avoid the crowds.

Rainy days can be slower too, but watch out for lunchtimes. Depending on where your Costco is located, it may be busier than you anticipate. One Redditor recommended hitting the store on a Friday night after 7 p.m., dubbing it the "golden hour," while another commented that 9:40 a.m. was best to "avoid the sharp-elbowed soccer moms out for blood," who arrived at 9 a.m. on the dot.

Ask a scientist or a psychologist if it's a mistake to go shopping when we're hungry and they'll most likely say yes. Being hungry makes for bad decision making, as the feeling overwhelms our brain and all we can think about is getting our teeth into something instantly gratifying. Go to Costco on an empty stomach, especially if you're winging it sans list and budget, and it's almost like asking for trouble.

In the worst cases, people overspend on a cart full of food they can eat the moment they get home (hello instant gratification), but nothing nutritious to really show for it. There are easy ways to avoid falling foul of this issue. The most obvious is to have something to eat before you shop — bearing in mind you may linger longer in the store than you imagined.

Another way to stave off any hunger pangs is to keep an eye out for the sample stations. Picking up free, unlimited morsels as you make your way around the store not only keeps your rumbling tummy happy, it can also introduce you to new products. If you take the little ones, be aware Costco tightened its policy in 2025 and unaccompanied children will no longer be given any samples.

For someone who has never been to Costco, rarely visits or hasn't been in some time, it can be an overwhelming experience, and it's easy to want to skip over some sections to get the job done. It's a big mistake to skim through the frozen food sections, as this is one area of food where Costco really shines.

For a start, the range is vast. Meat, fish, vegetables, ready meals, desserts: There's something to please everyone — even a dietician. If you want to introduce more plant-based foods to your weekly menu, Costco's frozen food section will provide. Don't have time to whip up breakfast veggie frittatas? You're covered. Fancy making a batch of blueberry muffins? Find bags of organic fruit in the frozen aisle.

Shoppers on social media have their go-to products, with Kirkland Signature lightly breaded chicken breast chunks a particular favorite, while others give an honorable mention to packs of sirloin burgers and the Normandy vegetable mix. Keep an eye on how much you pop in your cart, or you may be picking up a new chest freezer from Costco as you go around, too.

Members of Costco can choose from around 4,000 products at their local store (a fraction of the tens of thousands found in their competitors) but even seasoned card holders make a mistake when it comes to Costco gift cards. Hundreds of people a day walk past these displays, which do seem to hide in plain sight.

They offer all kinds of goodies at affordable prices, and for foodies in particular, they can be a ticket to happiness. Can't get enough Duck Donuts? Pick up two $25 gift cards for a shade under $40, or get four $15 vouchers for Coldstone Creamery and pay just $48. But Costco doesn't just carry gift cards for national chains, it offers them for lots of regional restaurants, too.

As well as helping Costco customers explore new places to eat, the gift cards also give local businesses a boost. It's always worth browsing through them, especially for customers who may not shop regularly at Costco, as the selection can vary, depending on the season and where the outlet is located.

Nothing beats the in-store Costco experience: The smell of the bakery, the bustle of the food court, the gasp as you realise a much-loved item is being discontinued or you spot a stone-cold bargain. But time and technology waits for no buyer, which is why lots of Costco members also shop online. If you think there's nothing to see, as it's all in the store anyway — you'd be wrong.

First things first, you will pay a little more for buying from the Costco website than in store, but don't be tempted to turn off your computer and grab the car keys. Costco's website has plenty of online-only deals for those prepared to dig a little deeper. The app can also be useful, though it's been hit-and-miss with members, who hope the ability to search the warehouse inventory will improve their experience.

If you're worried that you'll miss out on any manager's specials, Costco's website has got you covered. Type in "whilesupplieslast" in the page's search bar and voila: All the clearance items, priced with a $0.97 tag will appear before your eyes. You can even look for bargains in the Costco Coupon Book – just navigate to the Warehouse Savings page for the latest deals. For some products, the more you buy, the more you save, too.

So, you've made it round the entire Costco store, snacked merrily on the samples and not gone completely overboard with all the bargains. You're ready to pay, and it brings us to a mistake that even seasoned shoppers make: Having too many items at the self-checkout (SCO). According to Costco, customers average 16 items per visit, and based on that math, it hasn't deployed express checkouts — yet.

But that doesn't mean there aren't a lot of (mostly) unwritten rules about the self checkout, including being an actual Costco member. In 2025, there was no limit on the number of items customers could take through the SCO, but the scale on the checkout remains limited. Exceed it, and you have to stop and take everything off before starting up again. Customers are also not allowed to scan their own shopping, something that has caused much frustration online. 

Using the SCO can be a bit of a minefield, but it's worth it if you use your judgment. If you only have a few items, it can be a breeze. If you have a lot, skip it and go to a regular cashier. However, if you want to buy tobacco, alcohol or gift cards, you can't go through the SCO at all.

Being a card-carrying member of Costco doesn't just get you in the store, there are lots of other perks to be enjoyed too. Gold Star membership costs $65 per year and two people, aged 18 and over, who share an address can use the same card. Executive membership costs $135 and, alongside lots of non-food advantages, it also offers a 2% reward on your annual grocery bill.

In June 2025, Costco gave its Executive members an added bonus: They could take advantage of earlier shopping hours at selected warehouses. One Redditor said, "New executive member hours are great. I'm [in] and out in 20 minutes," while a commenter who claimed to be an employee said it allowed them to "ease into my 'the part of my shift with people around us.'"

Membership perks don't just extend to discounts and skipping queues. Home cooks buying in new appliances for their kitchens also benefit from a free technical support center, as part of Costco's long-standing concierge service. If a fridge or oven breaks down while it's under warranty, the store will offer guidance to get it repaired.