While the items Sold by Costco are generally of guaranteed quality, and the prices of large packages are indeed affordable, not everything should be purchased at Costco or any wholesale club. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP)
Costco (Costco), an American warehouse-style hypermarket popular with consumers, has been offering high-volume purchase offers to generations. And savvy Costco fans know how to make reasonable purchases to earn back their annual membership fees.
While the items Sold by Costco are generally of guaranteed quality, and the prices of large packages are indeed affordable, not everything should be purchased at Costco or any wholesale club.
As a smart shopper, do you know what works well and what doesn't?
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="9" > 6 of the most affordable daily necessities for shopping at Costco</h1>
Buying stockable items like kitchenware, alcohol and diapers at Costco can save you a lot of time, and even some smaller items are cost-effective to buy at Costco.
Here are 6 daily necessities available for purchase at Costco.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="15" > diaper</h1>
Hip2Save.com website owner Collin Morgan recommended Costco's own brand of diapers to give consumers value for money.
She told Yahoo Finance: "Some Kirkland (Costco self-brand) products are made by larger brands. ”
This is a schematic diagram of a baby. (shutterstock)
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="21" >2</h1>
The battery is another Kirkland Signature brand product worth buying.
"Kirkland batteries are actually made by Duracell, but at a much lower price than a brand-name product." Morgan said.
Schematic of the battery. (ShutterStock)
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Rebecca Gramuglia, a retail expert at the TopCashback.com, told Yahoo Finance, "You'll always find great deals on baby/toddler clothing and sleeper suits on Costco. ”
Whether you're shopping online or heading to a store, Costco has children's clothing from brands like Carters, Nautica, Calvin Klein and more, she said.
Costco sells a wide range of branded sportswear, T-shirts, trousers, shirts, and children's clothing, as well as a variety of shoes, at affordable prices. (Scott Olson/Getty Images)
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="33" >4</h1>
Gramlia said: "Costco's flower offer makes people feel like Valentine's Day every month. ”
"Skip the $30 to $50 flower arrangement and go to Costco and buy a big bouquet of flowers for less than $15." She said.
Diagram. (Shutterstock)
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="39" >5</h1>
Howard Schaffer, the general manager of the Offers.com, suggested going to Costco Wholesale to buy a variety of kitchen supplies.
"You can buy tables, chairs and tablecloths in all sizes at Costco at great prices." He told Yahoo Finance. Costco even offers children's tables and buffet tables, he said.
"Costco sells disposable plates, napkins, cups — including wine glasses — and silverware in large quantities at cheap prices." "You can also buy other glassware or [service utensils,' he says." ”
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="47" >6</h1>
If you want to buy high-quality wrapping paper, please avoid the one-dollar store.
"Costco sells four packs of heavy-duty wrapping paper for $11.99 or about $3 per roll." Kendal Perez, a former savings expert at CouponSherpa, told Yahoo Finance.
Costco's paper roll is 45 square feet per roll, which is affordable even compared to similar products in the dollar store.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="54" > not suitable for shopping at Costco</h1>
While costco sells items known for being oversized, of good quality, and so much money, not all items are affordable to shop at Costco. In some cases, consumers may find better deals elsewhere. In other cases, bulk purchases may not be practical.
Here are 6 items that are not suitable for buying at Costco:
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="59" >1</h1>
Grumlia told Yahoo Finance: "Before you consider buying a year-old supply of laundry detergent from Costco, be aware that it usually loses some potency after six months. ”
Small packages of laundry detergent from other stores are more suitable for a small family.
Diagram. (Fotolia)
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="64" >2. DVDs and Blu-Ray Discs</h1>
Costco Wholesale often places DVDs and Blu-ray discs near the cash register in an attempt to entice customers to buy on impulse when they are queuing up to pay. But these items are usually not very cost-effective.
Consumers can find lower prices for such products online, and local second-hand stores also sell cheap CDs.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="69" >3</h1>
To buy books, Amazon is a better choice than Costco, which sells a much richer variety of books.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="72" >4</h1>
Considering that sunscreen loses its efficacy over time, it is not a good idea to buy sunscreen in bulk. If you can't use it up before the shelf life, buying sunscreen at Costco can do more harm than good.
Diagram. (PHILIPPE DESMAZES/AFP via Getty Images)
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="76" >5</h1>
Bargain rates can also be found at such products at chains, grocery stores and Target. Especially when combined with coupons, consumers will find it more affordable than buying at Costco.
<h1 class="pgc-h-arrow-right" data-track="80" >6</h1>
Beauty products have a shorter shelf life than you might think. According to Good Housekeeping, the efficacy of liquid facial cosmetics can only last for six months, mascara for three months, and skin care products for up to six months to a year. Buying large containers or multi-pack beauty products may mean that you won't be able to use them all before they expire.