16 Shopping Blunders Washingtonians Make at Costco

The first time you go to Costco, you think you’re just picking up a few things. Then three hours pass, your cart weighs 76 pounds, and your trunk barely closes.

Welcome to the club.

These are the most common rookie mistakes Washingtonians make their first (and sometimes tenth) time at Costco, so that you can avoid them on your next visit.

Not Analyzing the Membership Options

When you’re excited to get inside Costco, it’s tempting to just sign up and go. But Costco has more than one membership tier, and not understanding the difference can cost you money and perks in the months to come.

Some first-timers pay for the higher-tier membership expecting huge rewards, only to realize they don’t shop enough to make it worth it.

Others pick the basic level and miss out on benefits they would’ve actually used.

A quick review of what each membership includes can save you lost money on either end of the spectrum.

Not Understanding the Price Tag Codes

Costco’s price tags have tiny clues that can help you shop smarter, but new customers usually have no idea they’re even there.

A price ending in .97? That’s a markdown. An asterisk in the corner? That means it’s being discontinued soon.

Knowing these codes helps experienced shoppers spot clearance items and seasonal deals before they disappear.

First-timers who ignore the signs may miss out on the best buys in the store.

Buying Perishables in Bulk Without a Plan

Costco has great prices on fresh produce, dairy, and meat… but those savings only matter if you can actually consume it all before it goes bad.

New shoppers often get swept up in the deals and forget to do the math.

That giant bag of spinach might be a bargain. But if it wilts before you touch half of it, it’s just a waste.

First-timers to Costco quickly learn that just because something is cheaper by the pound doesn’t mean it’s the best buy.

Showing Up Without a List or a Budget

Walking into Costco without a plan is like walking into a candy store with an empty stomach. Everything looks appealing, the prices seem good, and before you know it, your cart is overflowing with things you didn’t mean to buy.

First-timers often underestimate how easy it is to overspend. A list helps keep you focused, and a budget helps you know when to stop.

Otherwise, it’s way too easy to spend hundreds on impulse buys that sounded good at the time.

Going on the Weekend Without Expecting Crowds

Saturdays and Sundays are Costco’s busiest days. That means packed aisles, long checkout lines, and a parking lot that feels like a puzzle. First-timers who show up without knowing this often end up overwhelmed or frustrated.

If your first visit is during a weekend rush, it’s harder to take your time, compare prices, and enjoy the free samples. The crowds can turn a fun shopping trip into a stressful experience.

Weekday mornings are usually a better bet if you want to explore without the chaos.

Getting Distracted by the Samples

The samples at Costco are legendary. Little paper cups of pasta, warm bites of sausage, and tiny cookies make it easy to treat them like a bonus lunch.

But new shoppers often lose track of what they came for in the first place.

Instead of sticking to the basics, they wander from table to table, tossing random items into the cart. Suddenly, you’ve got two boxes of frozen dumplings because of the sample you tried, but no toilet paper or dog food.

Samples are great, but they can turn your list upside down if you’re not careful.

Not Checking the Price Per Unit

Costco sells in bulk, but that doesn’t always mean it’s the best deal.

First-timers sometimes see the total price and assume they’re saving money, when in reality, the unit price might be higher than at a regular grocery store.

The price tags usually list the cost per ounce, pound, or item. It just takes a second to check.

Doing a little math helps you spot the real deals and avoid overpaying for oversized packages.

Forgetting to Bring Your Own Bags or Boxes

Costco doesn’t provide bags. Some locations have empty boxes available, but they go fast, especially during busy times.

First-time shoppers often reach the checkout and realize they have no way to carry everything out.

If you’re planning a big haul, bring reusable bags or bins. A couple of strong totes in the car can make loading up and unloading way easier.

Otherwise, you’ll be juggling oversized 20 loose items in the parking lot.

Overlooking the Return Policy

Costco has one of the most generous return policies around. But many first-timers don’t take advantage of it because they’re not aware of how flexible it is.

If something didn’t work out, you usually don’t need a receipt or a long explanation. You just bring it back.

Knowing this ahead of time can make you more confident in trying new things because if it doesn’t work for you, it’s not a lost cause.

Assuming Every Item Is Cheaper Than Anywhere Else

Costco is known for deals, but not every price is a steal. 

First-timers often grab items thinking they’re automatically getting a bargain, when some things, like name-brand cereal or certain snacks, can actually be cheaper elsewhere.

The trick is to know your regular prices before you go. Without that frame of reference, it’s easy to overspend on things that just look like a deal because they’re in bulk.

Skipping the Food Court… or Only Getting Pizza

Costco’s food court is a legend on its own. The hot dogs, churros, and giant slices of pizza are all part of the experience. But new shoppers either skip it entirely or only go for what they’ve heard about.

Costco’s food court menu is short, but there are hidden favorites like chicken bakes and smoothies that are worth trying. 

First-timers who rush out miss one of the most budget-friendly meals in town, and that’s a downright shame.

Not Knowing About the In-Store Services

Costco is more than groceries and TVs. New shoppers often don’t realize it also has pharmacy services, tire installations, hearing tests, eye exams, and even vacation booking.

These services are usually tucked in the side aisles or near the walls, easy to miss on your first visit.

Not checking out these extras means missing out on serious savings and convenience. They’re worth a look, especially if you’re already paying for the membership.

Forgetting to Check the Back of the Store First

Veteran shoppers know that the biggest markdowns and best seasonal items are usually found in the back of Costco.

First-timers who only stick to the front aisles often miss out on the surprise treasures hidden in the far corners.

Whether it’s clearance patio sets, discounted electronics, or hidden clothing deals, the back of the store is where some of the real gems are hiding.

Take the time to walk it before loading up your cart.

Filling the Cart Too Early

New shoppers often grab everything that catches their eye in the first few aisles of Costco. Before they even hit the back of the store, the cart is full and the budget is busted.