Costco employees share their 9 best hacks for getting an even better deal
Buy Kirkland
Kirkland brand products are the way to go, according to Costco employees. Kirkland Signature — named for the chain's former headquarters in Kirkland, Washington — is Costco's private label.
"Buy Kirkland — it's cheaper and the same product as the name brand," a Costco employee who's worked for the store for five years told Business Insider.
An employee who's been with the store for 25 years agreed.
Don't hesitate
See something you like at Costco? Buy it. Don't hesitate.
That's what a total of eight Costco employees told Business Insider. Seasonal items often disappear forever. If you decide to sit on your hands, you might end up regretting it.
"Too many people come back looking for something we phased out," an employee of 10 years told Business Insider. "Buy it when you see it."
You can always return it later if you decide you don't want it.
Spring for the executive membership
A standard membership at Costco is $60 a year. An executive membership will cost you $120 a year, and net you an annual 2% reward of up to $1,000 on your purchases.
Five Costco employees — who've worked at the store for six years, two years, four years, 12 years, and six years, respectively — told Business Insider that they advised that customers go for the executive membership.
"Come on," said one employee who's worked at the chain for six years. "You get 2% back on travel. Go to Hawaii — make money."
Avoid the store on the weekends
"Do not shop on the weekends," said an employee who's worked at the store for 10 years. "Come on Tuesday. It's a ghost town."
An employee who's worked at Costco for three years added that, if you're forced to come on a weekend, don't "expect a fast and easy trip."
Learn to navigate
Costco is infamous for its ever-changing, labyrinthine layout.
"I think people assume stuff isn't there when they cant find it right away," an employee with two years of experience told Business Insider. "Costco is a scavenger hunt. Just ask an employee for help. For the most part, we love helping if you're kind to us."
But Costco employees told Business Insider about a few hacks that can help you get around.
"Be alert," an employee who's been with Costco for 10 years told Business Insider. "Most of our regular items stay in the same spot. The things that move are seasonal — furniture, flowers, and holiday decor."
A four year Costco veteran told Business Insider that "the best deals" can usually be found at the end of the aisles.
When it comes to the clothing section, an employee with two years of experience said to check the signs to figure out what sizes are left, so you don't have to "tear through the piles."
Lastly, a Costco employee from Minnesota said that you should never assume that "every Costco carries the same items" — sometimes, the reason you can't find the product you're looking for is that it's just not there.
Don't shop on an empty stomach
Never shop hungry. And definitely never shop at Costco hungry. If you don't get sucked in by the food court, you'll probably end up blowing your budget on bulk-sized packages of goodies.
"Eat before you come," one employee with ten years of experience told Business Insider. "You will spend $300 just on snacks, because you're hungry."
Don't hurt yourself
An employee with 15 months of experience said to never attempt to lift a heavy object without help.
"Always look for someone in a red vest or find a manager who can call for help," they told Business Insider. "Employees are required to wear a name badge while on the clock, so you will be able to find someone just fine."
Don't leave money on the table
A Costco employee of two years said that people who fail to charge their Costco Visa card "are losing out on cash back rewards — especially for big purchases."
An employee who's worked at Costco for 10 years agreed, saying that Costco Citi Visa was "awesome."
A Costco employee with three and a half years of experience said to always take "advantage of the rebates through executive membership and Citi card."
They also said to not neglect the multi-vendor mailers — Costco's monthly book of coupons.
Look out for the clearance items
An employee who's worked at Costco for 12 years said that it's not a good idea to only buy items that are on sale, as "some sales are not a good value."
"Look for an asterisk or a .97 or 79 on the sales price, that indicates it is a clearance item," they said.
One employee of 10 years told Business Insider that an asterisk could also indicate that the store won't be restocking the item.
Are you a Costco employee with a story to share? Email acain@businessinsider.com.
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