Unlock stock picks and a broker-level newsfeed that powers Wall Street.
The 37 Mistakes We Make When Shopping at Costco, Amazon, Target and Walmart

In This Article:

ZikG / Shutterstock.com
ZikG / Shutterstock.com

Costco, Amazon, Target and Walmart are all retailers where you can pretty much buy anything you want, and usually at fair prices. However, there are extra steps you should take to ensure you're actually getting a good deal when you shop and aren't missing out on any special perks that these big-box stores offer. Before your next shopping trip, make sure you aren't making any of these costly mistakes.

Discover: How Much Do Shipt Shoppers Make?

shaunl / Getty Images
shaunl / Getty Images

Mistakes To Avoid When Shopping at Costco

Costco is a bulk-buyer's paradise -- but not everything there is a good deal. Don't make these mistakes when you shop at the warehouse store.

Photo Spirit / Shutterstock.com
Photo Spirit / Shutterstock.com

Not Making a List Ahead of Time

You're sure to overspend when you go to Costco without a plan for what to buy.

"Whether you're going into Costco for the first time or your 100th time, the vast warehouse of products can seem exciting and possibly, a little overwhelming. But like any shopping trip, making a list ahead of time is crucial, especially since Costco is mapped out to entice shoppers to buy more -- things they likely don't need -- by placing and rotating items in different spots," said Rebecca Gramuglia, retail expert at TopCashback.com. "Avoid impulse buys and plan ahead, and your wallet will thank you."

David Tonelson / Shutterstock.com
David Tonelson / Shutterstock.com

Buying Everything in Bulk

You might equate bulk buying with getting a good deal, but this isn't necessarily the case.

"Buying in bulk can be a great deal if you will use or consume the items purchased, but it can also make a dent in your wallet and/or trash can if you don't use them," Gramuglia said. "Before you buy, it's important to analyze the cost per unit to see if it is worth buying the larger option."

David Tonelson / Shutterstock.com
David Tonelson / Shutterstock.com

Buying Something You Don't Know You Like

"If you see an item that you want to try but it's in bulk, hold off on purchasing it," Gramuglia said. "You're better off buying a single unit at your regular grocery store to see if you actually like the product before overspending on a larger quantity of something you may end up tossing in the garbage."

Tips: 20 Ways To Pay Less at Costco

dennizn / Shutterstock.com
dennizn / Shutterstock.com

Paying Full Price for Membership

You can save on your membership by purchasing it through a cash-back site.

"Knock a few extra dollars off of your choice of membership by shopping through TopCashback.com," Gramuglia said. "You can score $3 cash back on a Gold Star Membership purchase and $6 cash back on the Executive Membership purchase."

ARTYOORAN / Shutterstock.com
ARTYOORAN / Shutterstock.com

Not Upgrading Your Membership

Gold Star Executive membership costs $120 a year while Gold Star membership costs $60 a year, but you might be able to recoup the cost -- and then some -- with the executive membership's 2% cash back annual reward. If you spend more than $250 a month at Costco, your rewards check for the year will be more than $60, so you'll make up the price difference and then some.