One of my husband’s favorite stores is Costco. He absolutely loves going there and could easily spend more time shopping here than most men would in any store. He concentrates his time by the display of televisions and other electronics and on his way out, he usually stops to grab a huge slice of pizza for only $2. He walks their aisles looking for things to buy asking me over and over, “Is this a good deal?” My usual response is “Nope!”
Stores like Costco are popping up everywhere. Sam’s club and BJ’s have joined the ranks. While we all have our preference of the major bulk-selling stores, my advice to all consumers who shop their stores often is beware. I used to shop at Costco for almost everything before I became a bargain specialist. Body wash, movies, electronics, snacks, etc…. But one day, I decided to scrutinize what I thought were awesome bulk deals and, I quickly realized that just because you’re buying 5 sticks of toothpaste at a time instead of 1 doesn’t automatically make it a good deal. Do your math! If CVS has a sale on Crest toothpaste making them $2 each and you go to Costco and buy the 5-pack for $12.99, you are not saving. You are actually spending $3 more than if you had just bought 5 at CVS.
Another example. Costco sells a 45-count pack of Austin brand cookies and crackers for $9.99. At first glance, it seems like a great deal and to some it is, especially those who make a habit of spending $0.85 on one pack in the break room vending machine. But, my neighborhood supermarket had a sale for the 6-pack at buy one, get one free. One pack was $2.59 originally. So, with the in-store deal and a coupon for a dollar off each pack, I got 2 6-packs for .59 cents!
I enjoy Costco and do shop there for certain things (gas, tires, produce, dvd’s, electronics, etc….) that I have yet to find elsewhere at a cheaper price. We have maintained our membership for several years now. But, I certainly no longer leave the store with a cartful of merchandise. These days, it’s more like 3 or 4 things at a time.
For some, it’s just easier to go there once every three months and buy everything under the sun. I agree that it takes time that some don’t have to look for better deals elsewhere. But, bottom line – do your math and your research before you pile up your cart. It could mean major savings differences at the end of the day.
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