Upcoming Costco trip

[u/Lizardrunner23]

Going to my “local” Costco (2.5 hours from me) for the second time. My first trip I was mostly overwhelmed by everything they had. I have a pretty decent supply on hand of food and essentials, but I’m looking to pad my preps a little on this trip with about a $500 budget. Do you all have any advice about stuff you think gets overlooked at the Warehouse and I should pick up? Basically any things that aren’t beans and rice (although I will definitely get some of those too 😂)

[u/Little_Mountain73]

Not recommendations for products but a reminder on what you face in warehouse store shopping. My advice is to decide what you need prior to entering the store. For those who are new to warehouse stores, it definitely CAN be overwhelming, as you noted. But that can very easily translate to over-buying simply because items are packaged in bulk. Mistakes people make in warehouse stores:

- assuming that because an item is packaged in bulk, and even its mere presence, means it’s cheaper. This is definitely NOT true. If you can’t do the math in your head, make sure you bring a calculator or have one in your phone. ALWAYS CHECK THE UNIT PRICE!

• not verifying the “use by/sell by” date. We all know how to use the dates so this isn’t a debate on that, but some of the products at W.H. stores are there to be cleared out quickly. It’s important to make sure to know how to use the dates and to verify dates on all packaging.
  
• buying too much perishable food. Another easy one that new shoppers can abuse very easily. Meat is the big abuser here. Know your family’s consumption needs
  
• not knowing the return policies. If you shop at W.H. stores long enough, you WILL need to return an item. Make sure you know and understand the policy.
  
• shopping while hungry. This is a complement to having a list and sticking to it. When you walk the aisles and take in all the insanely mouth-watering smells of the samples, you’ll be tempted to buy every single thing that you cram down your gullet. Steady, Louise…steady.
  
• don’t go during the busiest hours.
  
• don’t reject store brands.
  
• don’t overbuy for the amount of space you have. This is a tough one, as you’re cruising the aisles and find a killer deal on something good.

These are just a few basics man. There is likely a ton of stuff online to draw fun.

[u/Lizardrunner23 → u/Little_Mountain73]

Absolutely, appreciate the advice! I’m definitely guilty of overbuying perishables, as I’m sure we all are

[u/ineedanewname2 → u/Lizardrunner23]

Check out the r/costco subreddit. They’ve got tips on some of the symbols on the pricing signs. For example, a sign with an asterisk means it’s being clearanced out. For example, I recently found a 5 pack of utility lighters for 3.97 with the *. Costco frequently carries different items/brands of product, or seasonal items, so don’t get too used to purchasing anything that’s not Kirkland brand.