11 things every Costco shopper should know! 

But what’s so great about Costco? It’s only the world’s biggest and best loved discount shopping warehouse!

The international chain offers quality, brand name merchandise for sale at substantially reduced prices. You need to become a member by paying an annual $60 subscription and $55 for business membership. It gives you access to groceries, appliances, TVs, electricals, toys, jewellery, homewares and more – all at warehouse prices.

1. The produce is restaurant quality

Because of the high-quality produce and the ability to buy in bulk, lots of restaurants and cafes visit to get their ingredients from Costco.

There are in-store butchers, bakers and fresh food experts and you can pick up everything from pantry staples, frozen food and alcohol to gourmet hams, fresh seafood and artisan cheeses.

2. You can have a plus one!

You’re allowed a second card as long as it is in the same address as primary member.

3. Or shop with a mate

Each cardholder can bring two guests over the age of 18 with them. Only the member can make purchases, but you can easily split the deals – halving your shopping and the bill in the car park.

4. Coupons!

Get $$$ off the already discounted prices with the regular coupon sheets. They’re often themed – think Halloween, Melbourne Cup, Christmas – so the items the coupons work on will be ones you’re likely to have your eye on already.

5. Extra services

Every Costco has an opticians and a hearing aid centre. You can organise eye and hearing tests and get the best prices on glasses and hearing aids.

6. Make a meal of it

The food court has to be seen to be believed. Family-size pizza, delicious sandwiches, indulgent ice cream sundaes – just what you need to fuel your shopping trip (after the samples of course!). Their famous jumbo hot dogs cost just $1.99 and that includes a free drink refill.

7. Kirkland Signature

Costco’s own brand is legendary! It frequently outperforms major brand names in consumer tests and beats them on price. From juices to cookies, coffee, tyres and appliances – look out for the Kirkland Signature branding when you’re in store.

8. Sample heaven!

Costco samples give you the change to try out new products and there’s always a wide variety on offer. One Costco member confided that for variety of samples, Saturday and Sunday are the best days to visit. However, these are prime shopping days so will be busier. For less of a crowd, try the hour before closing at the weekend, or make Mondays and Tuesdays your go-to days for sampling.

9. Sports gear

Need a new kayak or snowboard? Or perhaps the kids need soccer balls or a tennis racquet? There’s plenty of sports equipment on sale at a discount and it’s brand name too!

10. Bargain bling

You can buy diamonds as well as Dairy Milk. Yes really! Costco’s jewellers sell everything from sparky rings to beautiful bracelets and each item must meet strict Costco quality standards #treatyourself

11. Best time to shop

Beat the crowds by heading to Costco on weekday mornings or early afternoon. As most stores are open until 8.30 in the evening, heading in later is good too – but expect that some of the fresh foods, like the roast chickens, will already have been snapped up.

Sounds AMAZING! Where’s my nearest Costco?

There are currently 11 Costco warehouses in Australia. In Melbourne, there’s four: Epping, Docklands, Ringwood, and Moorabin. Check out their website Costco for more info on your local store.

What more discount shopping? Hussh is Australia’s largest source of insider information for warehouse sales and exclusive shopping discounts. Sign-up HERE for FREE and receive access to private sales events nationwide.