15 Precautions Floridians Should Take When Shopping at Costco

Shopping at Costco might feel like a free-sample-filled wonderland. But looks can be deceiving.

Yes, Costco is filled with many great deals and even better samples. Nevertheless, it can also be chaotic and full of sneaky spending traps.

The smartest Florida shoppers know how to navigate Costco like pros. These are the precautions they swear by.

Watch Out for Shrinkflation

Sadly, even Costco isn’t immune to shrinkflation.

Some customers have noticed longtime favorites—like snack bags, muffins, and trail mixes—shrinking in quantity without a drop in price.

That’s why it pays to stay alert. If something seems lighter, smaller, or thinner than you remember, take a second to compare it to other options.

Don’t assume that “same packaging” means “same value.”

Manufacturers are getting sneakier, and even bulk stores often play the shrinkflation game.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Asterisk Tags

Costco fans know the magic of the asterisk.

When you see an asterisk (*) in the upper right corner of a price tag, that means the item won’t be restocked once it sells out.

It’s your signal to either grab it now or say goodbye forever.

This often applies to seasonal products or limited-time imports like European cookies, patio furniture, or unique gift sets.

You can also find secret markdowns this way. Managers mark down discontinued items to make space, and the asterisk is your inside scoop.

The bottom line? If you’ve fallen in love with something and see that dreaded asterisk, don’t wait.

Bring a Cooler Bag for Frozen and Refrigerated Items

Costco’s cold and frozen sections are packed with tempting items, from five-pound bags of frozen fruit to salmon filets the size of your arm.

But unless you live close by, you’re going to need something to keep your items from thawing on the ride home. Bring an insulated cooler bag or two, especially in the summer.

This is particularly smart when you’re buying dairy, meat, seafood, or Costco’s famous chocolate-covered ice cream bars that melt faster than you can load your car.

A cooler bag in your trunk makes life easier when you don’t arrive home with a wet trunk.

You can also stop for gas or run another errand without panicking about your perishables.

Pay With the Right Card for Maximum Rewards

Costco only accepts Visa credit cards in-store. And if you’re not using one with strong cashback rewards, you’re leaving money on the table.

The Costco Anywhere Visa gives you 2% back on Costco purchases. But other Visa credit cards with grocery or warehouse perks can also stack nicely.

If you’re paying with debit or cash, that’s totally fine, especially if you already have debt that you can’t afford to pay off each month.

And always skip the third-party gift card kiosks unless you’re sure you’ll use them. Some aren’t as discounted as they look.

Be Careful With Free Samples—They’re a Distraction Tactic

We all love a good Costco sample station. But let’s be honest—they’re not always about generosity.

Samples are meant to get you to buy things you didn’t come in for. And it works.

One minute you’re tasting a microwavable bulgogi beef wrap, the next you’re loading three boxes into your cart.

Unless it’s something you truly want or regularly eat, resist the urge to let samples steer your cart.

Some folks even use samples as a form of lunch, which is fine. Just don’t let that free snack distract you from your budget or your list.

Always Check the Price Per Unit (Not Just the Tag)

That jumbo box of granola bars might seem like a steal—until you do the math and realize it’s not any cheaper than buying the same brand elsewhere.

Costco posts the price per unit (ounce, count, or pound) on the shelf label in small print. This is where smart shoppers focus their attention.

Sometimes you’ll find that the warehouse deal truly is unbeatable.

Other times, especially on name-brand snacks or personal care items, the cost savings aren’t as significant as they look.

Take a moment to compare. You may find that generic brands or regular grocery store sales beat Costco’s bulk price.

Know the Return Policy—but Don’t Abuse It

Costco’s return policy is generous.

You can return almost anything at almost any time (except electronics, which have a 90-day limit). This makes trying new things—like a giant bag of trail mix or protein powder—less risky.

That said, don’t treat Costco like a trial subscription.

Returning items half-eaten, clearly used, or months later just because you “changed your mind” puts strain on the system.

Returns happen. But the policy is there to build trust, not to be gamed.

Scope Out the Parking Lot Before Committing

Costco parking lots contain a level of chaos you’ll swear you’ll never put yourself through again… until you crave another rotisserie chicken for dinner.

People dart across lanes with their carts stacked high, while others block traffic, totally willing to wait ten minutes for a front-row space.

So, upon arriving at Costco, it’s smart to drive through once to assess the best area to park. It sounds counterintuitive, but the furthest rows often get you in faster.

Our favorite trick is to park near the shopping cart return station if you can’t get a spot by the door.

Backing into a space also gives you a better view of oncoming carts and kids.

Don’t Shop Without a Plan (or You’ll Overspend Fast)

You might enter Costco for “just a rotisserie chicken” and leave with $400 worth of snacks, candles, and beach chairs.

It happens to the best of us.

That’s why it’s crucial to make a list ahead of time and stick to it. Walking the aisles without a plan is like grocery shopping on an empty stomach—everything looks like a good idea.

Keep a running list in your phone of items you need so you don’t forget staples. And when you see tempting impulse buys, wait until the end of the trip to decide.

Most times, you’ll pass on them.

We totally understand that it’s easy to get caught up at Costco; the warehouse thrives on limited-time deals and rotating inventory.

But don’t let FOMO wreck your budget.

Avoid Peak Shopping Hours

If you’ve ever tried shopping at Costco on a Saturday around noon, you already know the horror.

Weekend afternoons are packed with entire families, long checkout lines, and sample stations mobbed like a Black Friday sale.

If you can swing it, aim to shop during the morning hours of Tuesday through Thursday.

Evenings after work are a little better than weekends, but still hectic. From our experience, the peace and quiet of a weekday morning trip is worth the extra planning.

You can check out the “busiest hours” on Google Maps for your local Costco. So, check before you go.

Use the Costco App to Check for Discounts First

Before you head out your door, open the Costco app or website and scan through their current warehouse savings.

These digital flyers change weekly and often include deep discounts on seasonal items, electronics, snacks, and more.

Even if it’s not something on your list, you’ll have a better idea of what’s worth stocking up on.

Bonus tip: Clip the deals digitally in the app. Cashiers don’t require paper coupons, but being aware of what’s on sale can help you spot a good buy faster.

You can also search the app while you’re shopping if you’re unsure about a price or want to see if an item is in stock at another location.

Keep an Eye on Expiration Dates in Bulk Packs

Buying in bulk can be a great way to save… as long as you use the product before it expires.

This is especially true for snacks, bread, salad kits, and dairy. It’s tempting to buy the big size because it feels like a deal. But if half of it goes to waste, it’s money down the drain.

Check those expiration dates before tossing items into your cart. Some Costco items have surprisingly short shelf lives.

And be honest about how much of a product your household really uses.

A two-person household probably doesn’t need 120 string cheese sticks unless you’re throwing a birthday party.

Don’t Forget to Check Out the Non-Grocery Sections

While many shoppers head straight for the food, some of the best Costco deals are hiding elsewhere.

You’ll often find unbeatable prices on prescription glasses, furniture, clothing basics like socks and jackets, pet supplies, and even seasonal plants.

Costco also rotates in big-ticket surprises like kayaks, massage chairs, and smart home gadgets.

The catch?

These things move fast and aren’t always restocked.

It’s worth doing a quick loop through those side aisles each time. You never know what you’ll stumble upon. And sometimes, that’s where the real savings are.

Beware of “Costco-Sized” Impulse Buys at the Register

Just like grocery stores place candy at kid-eye-level, Costco loads its checkout aisles with tempting impulse buys.

You’ll find jerky packs the size of throw pillows, phone chargers, giant tins of cookies, and beauty gift sets.

They look like fun add-ons, but they’re often marked up or not really necessary. After a long trip through the store, your guard might be down.

But we beg you: Don’t let your budget get wrecked at the last second.

Stay focused and resist the oversized temptation.

Split Large Packs With Friends or Family

One of the smartest precautions you can take at Costco is not going it alone.

If you’re shopping solo or in a small household, consider splitting big-ticket or perishable items with a friend or family member. This way, you get the bulk savings without the bulk waste.

You can even plan trips together and split items as you shop, divvying them up in the parking lot.

12 Items You’re Better Off Buying at Dollar Tree Than Walmart