Costco shoppers reveal must-follow tips for first-time customers including must-buys and label detail

COSTCO shoppers have shared their top tips for first-time customers including checking that prices include VAT, never arriving with an empty stomach and leaving the kids at home.

The American membership-based retailer sells a huge range of discounted products including food, furniture, electrical items, toys, homeware and more.

COSTCO

Now Costco’s legions of fans have given their top tips for making sure you get the best deals and don’t head home with a car full of unwanted items.

Many stressed the importance of checking that a bargain is all it seems and shared their advice on avoiding impulsive purchases.

Their tips included double checking you’re looking at the right price, and that it includes VAT.

One shopper said: “Look at the top price not the bottom one.”

Another added: “Remember most prices exclude VAT.”

Costco advertises prices with and without VAT on products, to provide information for both trade and non-trade members.

If you’re not a trade member you will need to pay VAT on purchases.

The current rate of VAT is 20%, so looking at the wrong price could mean a nasty shock at the checkout.

Other shoppers shared their tips for not getting carried away.

One said: “Make sure you know what prices are elsewhere – they are not always the cheapest.”

Another added: “Be prepared. You’ll go in there for a chicken and some muffins, then two hours later you’ll have bought a kayak.”

Other tips for not leaving with a car full of items you hadn’t planned on buying included leaving the kids at home and making a first loop around the warehouse without a trolley.

It always pays to compare prices so you know you’re getting the best deal.

You can compare prices on platforms like Google Shopping.

Remember that Costco sells many items in bulk or catering packs so factor in sizing when comparing prices.

Shoppers were also keen to share their advice on what’s not to be missed during a visit to the wholesaler.

One said: “Don’t leave without buying a rotisserie chicken.”

Another added that a trip to the café is an essential part of every visit.

Others recommended buying items including bottled water, Ferrero Rocher ice cream, pesto and frozen chicken goujons.

A Filippo Berio pesto variety pack includes six 190g jars and is priced at £10.49 at Costco.

At Tesco a single 190g jar of Scala pesto will cost you £3.60, while the same jar at Sainsbury’s will set you back £3.35.

Several Costco members said that if your branch has a fuel station you should ensure you fill up.

One explained: “Fuel is usually a really good price.”

Costco sells fuel at 20 of its UK sites. Those offering the chance to fill up are:

• Birmingham
• Bristol
• Chester
• Coventry
• Derby
• Edinburgh
• Gateshead
• Glasgow
• Haydock
• Leeds
• Leicester
• Liverpool
• Manchester
• Oldham
• Reading
• Sheffield
• Southampton
• Stevenage
• Thurrock
• Watford

Costco is currently offering the cheapest fuel in Liverpool.

Unleaded is currently offered at the wholesaler’s garage for 131.9p a litre, compared to 137.9p at Tesco and 138.7p at Asda, according to comparison site petrolprices.com.

Shoppers also had recommendations for the best times to visit with one saying “don’t go on a Saturday” and another adding “get there early”.

Others had more practical tips for ensuring your visit is a success.

One said: “Don’t try putting a 75 inch TV in the back of a Vauxhall Corsa.”

Another added: “Never go on an empty stomach.”

A third said: “Make sure [you have] plenty [of] space in car.”

Another added: “Must have a full wallet.”

Costco has 29 sites in the UK in cities including Milton Keynes, Thurrock, Hayes.

Last year it announced plans to open 14 new warehouses across the UK in the next two years.

What is Costco and how does it work?

Costco is a chain retail store that sells items in bulk. It also sells items under its own brand, Kirkland.

But not just anyone can shop at Costco – you need to be a member.

To be eligible for membership, you need to have – or be retired from – a certain type of job.

This includes public sector workers such as NHS staff, police officers, teachers, and local government workers, as well as those working in banking and finance.

A full list of accepted jobs and qualifications can be found on the Costco website.

Costco membership starts from £15 a year for online shopping only, rising to £33.60 a year for individual members who want access to the warehouses.

There are also trade memberships for businesses starting at £26.40 a year.

Each membership includes a free membership card for spouses and partners who live together.

The retailer offers a range of other services for members, from discounted fuel and tyre installation to mortgage services and pet insurance.

We’ve analysed how much you could save by shopping at the discount retailer.

But, it’s important to be savvy and remember that a bargain is only a bargain if you were going to buy the item anyway.

This summer shoppers have rushed to pick up cut price items including swimming pools and barbecues.

Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.

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