If you’re a card-carrying Costco member, chances are, you like a good bargain.
But it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the sheer number of deals the massive warehouse has on offer.
Thankfully, one finance pro has shared some cost-cutting hacks to keep in mind for your next visit.
Mark Tilbury, a ‘self-made millionaire’ and finance expert, shared tips with his 1.6 million Instagram followers in a video titled: ‘Five price hacks you can use in Costco to save money.’
In the video, Mark claims the Costco price tag can indicate how much money can be saved. He first urges his followers to look out for price tags that end in .99 — for example, when an item is sold at £20.99.
Mark says that this means the item has not been discounted and is being sold at its full, original price. So, he claims, ‘there’s no rush to buy it’.
However, for his next tip, Mark urges shoppers to look out for the price tags that end in .97. According to Mark, this means the product has been discounted from its original price and could be worth buying.
Thirdly, Mark adds: ‘If it ends in a 39, a 49 or a 79, it’s a “manufacturer’s special” so check their website and compare prices.’
In Costco terms, a manufacturer’s special offer applies to products that are undergoing a trial run, and are typically priced cheaper than their retail price.
For his fourth tip, Mark advises shoppers to look for symbols next to the price tag. As he loads a £149.99 Nespresso machine into his trolley, Mark explains: ‘If it has a star or a plus, it won’t be restocked, so feel free to load up.’
The asterisk – also known as the death star – sits in the right-hand corner of the price tag and indicates the item will be discontinued soon.
Sharing his fifth and final tip, Mark says: ‘If the price ends in a 00, you’ve stumbled upon a manager’s special.
In the Cotsco-sphere, a manager’s specials mean the items are heavily discounted – and will likely be the lowest prices you’ll find for the item.
He adds: ‘These hidden gems are so rare. I couldn’t even spot one today.’
There are 29 Costco warehouses around the UK, with discounts on everything from toiletries and groceries to petrol and big-ticket tech.
You can’t just walk in and start shopping though. Only certain professions can apply for in-store membership (priced from £33.60 per year).
Alongside business owners, qualifying roles include the likes of local government, banking, medicine, education, or the police.
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But even if you don’t fall into one of these categories, you may still be able to get in on the savings.
According to MSE, AA, RAC and National Trust Members are also eligible to join at certain locations – including Birmingham, Sheffield and Cardiff.
There is a catch, though. You can only shop at the location you joined. Once you get the go-ahead, however, all you have to do is show the relevant info at the membership counter and shop ‘til you drop.
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Those who don’t qualify for the warehouse membership can sign up for an online membership for £15 a year – with no qualifications necessary.
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