Costco, the beloved wholesale retailer known for its bulk goods and member-exclusive benefits, has recently made two significant changes that have caught the attention of its loyal customer base. These changes include an increase in membership prices and a new policy requiring members to scan their membership cards upon entry. Here’s a detailed look at what these changes entail and how they might affect your shopping experience at Costco.

Membership Price Increase

Why the Increase?

Costco has announced a membership price increase, a move that is not unprecedented but always noteworthy.

The last time Costco raised its membership fees was in 2017, and the company typically adjusts prices every few years to keep up with inflation and operational costs.

The New Prices

Gold Star and Business Memberships: The annual fee for Gold Star (individual) and Business memberships will rise from $60 to $65.

Executive Memberships: The annual fee for Executive memberships, which offer additional benefits and a 2% reward on eligible purchases, will increase from $120 to $130.

DON’T WANT TO JOIN COSTCO?

Did you know that you shop on Costco.com WITHOUT being a member? True enough. The only caveat is that you’ll have to pay a 5% surcharge. But if you only need to buy stuff from Costco on rare occasions it’s a smart way to avoid the annual membership fee.

Impact on Members

For many loyal Costco shoppers, the slight increase in membership fees might not be a dealbreaker given the value and savings they receive from shopping at Costco.

However, it’s essential to consider whether the benefits you gain from your membership justify the increased cost.

The Executive membership, for instance, still provides significant value if your annual spending at Costco is substantial enough to offset the higher fee with the 2% reward.

See Also: 10 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Save Money at Costco

Justifying the Cost

Costco justifies the price hike by pointing to several factors:

Quality of Products: Costco is known for offering high-quality products, including its private-label brand, Kirkland Signature, which consistently receives praise for quality and value.

Cost Savings: Even with higher membership fees, the savings on bulk purchases, fuel, pharmacy, and other services can still outweigh the cost.

Member Services: Costco continues to invest in member services, including travel deals, auto programs, and home services, providing added value beyond just in-store shopping.

New Entry Policy: Membership Card Scanning

In addition to the membership fee increase, Costco is implementing a new policy that requires members to scan their membership cards upon entering the store.

This change aims to enhance security, streamline the shopping experience, and ensure that only paying members access the store’s benefits.

See Also: Ever Wonder Why Costco Checks Your Receipt When Exiting?

RATIONALIZING THE FEE INCREASE

As we continue to feel the pinch of inflation, keep in mind that Costco’s supplier’s costs continue to rise as well. To fight this, Costco will get more of your money one way or another. Either through an annual fee increase or raising prices. I’d rather pay a little more for my annual fee and have their prices not skyrocket…with that said, we will see how this plays out in the next year or two.

How It Works

Upon entering any Costco warehouse, members will now need to present their membership cards at a scanning station near the entrance.

A Costco employee or an automated system will scan the card to verify active membership status before allowing entry into the store.

Benefits of the Policy

Enhanced Security: By ensuring that only paying members can enter, Costco can better protect its membership-based business model and reduce unauthorized access.

Streamlined Experience: The scanning process can help expedite entry, reducing congestion and potential delays at the entrance.

Data Collection: This policy allows Costco to gather data on member visits, which can help the company understand shopping patterns and improve services.

See Also: How to Find Costco Liquidation Stores and Save Big

Potential Drawbacks

While the new policy has several advantages, it may also pose some inconveniences:

Entry Delays: During peak shopping times, the scanning process might lead to longer lines at the entrance.

Forgotten Cards: Members who forget their cards may face delays or need to verify their membership status at the customer service desk.

Privacy Concerns: Some members might be concerned about the increased data collection and its implications for privacy.

BUCKLING DOWN ON THE FOOD COURT

Costco is buckling down on non-members taking advantage of the food court. By installing membership scanners at the entrance, Costco is trying to eliminate non-members from buying the $1.50 hot dog meal deal and other food court favorites. Time will tell how effective it will be.

Member Reactions

Reactions to the new policy have been mixed.

Some members appreciate the added security and efficiency, while others worry about potential delays and privacy issues.

Overall, Costco aims to balance these concerns by ensuring a smooth implementation process and addressing any issues that arise promptly.

How to Make the Most of Your Membership

With the increased membership fees and the new entry policy, it’s more important than ever to maximize the value of your Costco membership.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your membership:

1. Shop Strategically

Bulk Purchases: Take advantage of Costco’s bulk offerings for non-perishable items, household goods, and products you use frequently.

Sales and Discounts: Keep an eye on Costco’s sales and coupon booklets to save even more on already discounted prices.

Gas Savings: If your Costco has a gas station, fill up your tank there to benefit from lower fuel prices.

See Also: 8 Slick Things You Can Do at Costco WITHOUT a Membership

AVOID THE MEMBERSHIP FEE ALTOGTHER

Did you know that you can cancel your annual Costco membership on day 364 for a FULL refund? No questions asked. You might get a dirty look at the customer service desk. But if that doesn’t bother you, it’s definitely an option if you want to avoid the annual fee. You can always start a new membership once it’s cancelled and you get your refund. 

2. Use Member Services

Travel and Auto Programs: Explore Costco’s travel deals and auto services, which can offer substantial savings on vacations, car rentals, and auto purchases.

Pharmacy and Health Services: Costco’s pharmacy services often provide medications at lower prices, and their optical and hearing aid centers can also save you money.

3. Leverage the Executive Membership

2% Reward: If you have an Executive membership, make sure you’re taking full advantage of the 2% reward on eligible purchases. Track your spending to see if the reward offsets the higher membership fee.

Additional Discounts: Executive members often receive exclusive discounts and offers, so watch for these opportunities.

4. Stay Informed

Newsletters and Apps: Sign up for Costco’s newsletters and download their app to stay informed about upcoming sales, new products, and special events.

Customer Service: Don’t hesitate to reach out to Costco’s customer service with any questions or concerns about your membership or the new policies.

Ask the Reader: How do you feel about Costco raising membership fees? What about their new “scan your card” upon entry policy? Let me know in the comments.

By Kyle James

I’m proud to say I donned the Home Depot orange apron for a couple years back in the day. As an employee, I gained insider knowledge that can help you, your friends, and your family save even more. Along with my knowledge, I hit up close to a dozen current Home Depot employees and here are some expert tips on how to maximize your savings on your next visit.

1. Leverage Their Price Match Policy

According to one employee that I talked to, one of The Home Depot’s least used “secrets” is its price match policy.

If you find a lower price on an identical item from a competitor Home Depot will match the price.

They used to beat the price by 10% as well, but unfortunately that went away back in 2022.

This policy applies to both in-store and online purchases.

Here’s how to take advantage:

– Research Competitors: Before making a purchase, check prices on major competitors’ websites like Lowe’s, Walmart, and Amazon.

– Keep Proof: Take a screenshot or print out the competitor’s price. Ensure it includes the item number, price, and date.

– Speak Up: Present your proof at the customer service desk or to the cashier. They will verify the price and adjust accordingly.

See Also: Out-Of-The Box Ways to Save Money at The Home Depot

LEARN TO HAGGLE A LOWER PRICE

As a Home Depot employee, I was actually encouraged to give a lower price to shoppers that asked for one when the product or packaging had even the slightest dent, scratch, or imperfection. Do NOT be afraid to haggle a lower price on these items, start by asking for 20% off and be ready to settle for a 10% discount.

2. Utilize Special Buy of the Day

One employee told me about the little-known Home Depot “daily deals” on select items known as the “Special Buy of the Day”.

These deals are available for 24 hours and can offer significant discounts on a variety of products, from power tools to home decor.

– Daily Check: Make it a habit to check Home Depot’s website or app daily to catch these limited-time offers.

– Email Alerts: Sign up for Home Depot’s email alerts to receive notifications about these deals straight to your inbox.

3. Join the Garden Club

BJ in the garden department told me about the Home Depot’s Garden Club, a free program that offers exclusive savings and tips for gardening enthusiasts.

By joining, you receive:

– Monthly Coupons: Members receive coupons for discounts on plants, soil, gardening tools, and more.

– Expert Advice: Access to gardening tips and project ideas to make the most out of your purchases.

– Exclusive Offers: Special promotions and deals that are only available to Garden Club members.

1-YEAR PLANT WARRANTY

Perennials, trees, roses, and shrubs at The Home Depot come with a 1-year warranty and can be returned for store credit, just be sure to KEEP your receipt. For indoor plants, I like to put my receipt in a Ziploc bag and tape it to the bottom of the pot so I always have it if I need it.

4. Take Advantage of Rebates and Promotions

According to Tim, a Home Depot assistant manger, his favorite way to save is to take advantage of manufacturer rebates and in-store promotions.

These can provide substantial savings on big-ticket items including appliances, power tools, and building materials.

– Check for Rebates: Visit the Rebate Center on Home Depot’s website to find current rebate offers. Submit rebate forms promptly to ensure you receive your money back.

– In-Store Promotions: Look for promotional signage in-store. These can include buy-one-get-one-free offers, discounts on bulk purchases, and more.

See Also: We Breakdown The Home Depot Return Policy

5. Use the Home Depot Credit Card

Home Depot offers a consumer credit card that comes with several benefits designed to save you money:

– Special Financing: Enjoy special financing on purchases over a certain amount. This can be particularly useful for larger home improvement projects.

– Exclusive Offers: Cardholders receive access to exclusive promotions and discounts throughout the year.

– Extended Returns: Benefit from an extended return policy, giving you more time to return items if needed.

6. Buy in Bulk

I had another employee give me a great tip for frequent DIYers or contractors.

They highly recommend buying in bulk which can lead to significant savings.

Home Depot offers bulk pricing on many items, including:

– Building Materials: Lumber, drywall, and insulation often come with discounts when purchased in larger quantities.

– Hardware and Fasteners: Screws, nails, and bolts are cheaper per unit when bought in bulk packs.

– Cleaning Supplies: Stock up on cleaning products like bleach, paper towels, and disinfectants to take advantage of bulk pricing.

BUYING IN BULK “RETURN” TIP

When buying items in bulk at Home Depot, you can play the “I lost my receipt” card when making a return and return items individually for the non-bulk price. But keep in mind that you’ll have to settle for store credit.

7. Attend Free Workshops

Home Depot offers free workshops for DIY enthusiasts of all skill levels.

These workshops not only provide valuable skills but can also introduce you to products and tools that may be on sale.

– DIY Workshops: Learn how to tackle various home improvement projects, from installing tile to building furniture.

– Kids Workshops: Fun and educational workshops designed for children, which often include free project kits.

– Schedule: Check Home Depot’s website for a schedule of upcoming workshops and register in advance.

8. Shop the Clearance Section

Another employee reminded me of the often neglected clearance section where you can find deeply discounted items.

These can range from slightly damaged goods to discontinued items.

– Regular Visits: Clearance items change frequently, so make it a habit to check the clearance section regularly.

– Open Box Items: Look for open box items, especially in the tools and appliances sections, which can offer substantial discounts.

9. Follow Seasonal Sales

Home Depot has seasonal sales events that offer significant savings on various items.

Key times to look out for include:

– Spring Black Friday: Occurs in April and offers discounts on gardening supplies, outdoor furniture, and more.

– Memorial Day: Big savings on appliances, rebate on Behr paint, grills, and patio furniture.

– July 4th: Discounts on tools, building materials, and home improvement essentials.

– Labor Day: End-of-summer deals on outdoor and indoor products, rebate on Behr paint.

– Black Friday and Cyber Monday: Major discounts across all departments, perfect for holiday shopping.

“CHEAP PAINT” PRO TIP

Having worked in the paint department, I can tell you that we were often messing up paint matches or our mixing machines were not mixing paint colors correctly. Because of this, we would add new gallons of paint daily to our  “Oops Shelf” for a quick sale at a highly discounted price. Think $5-$10 for a $30-40 gallon of Behr paint. And the colors were often very neutral. So if you don’t really care about color, and care more about value, make it a habit to check out the “Oops Shelf” right next to the paint mixing desk.

10. Apply for Pro Xtra Membership

If you’re a professional contractor or a serious DIY enthusiast, consider joining Home Depot’s Pro Xtra program.

This loyalty program offers numerous benefits:

– Volume Pricing: Get discounts based on the volume of your purchases.

– Exclusive Offers: Access to special promotions and sales.

– Job-Site Delivery: Free delivery options for bulk orders.

– Purchase Tracking: Keep track of your purchases and receipts for easy reference.

See Also: How to Negotiate a Lower Price at Home Depot

11. Score a $5 Off $50+ Coupon

This one is pretty simple, score a free $5 coupon for your next in-store purchase.

I had a cashier tell me about this easy 5 bucks when I asked her how to go about finding Home Depot coupons.

The only “coupon caveat” is that it’s only good for in-store purchases.

12. Rent Tools Instead of Buying

For one-time projects, renting tools can be a cost-effective alternative to purchasing them.

Home Depot’s tool rental program offers a wide range of tools and equipment for rent, including:

– Power Tools: Drills, saws, and sanders.

– Lawn Equipment: Lawn mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers.

– Heavy Equipment: Concrete mixers, trenchers, and trailers.

13. Negotiate Bulk Discounts

If you’re making a large purchase, don’t hesitate to ask for a bulk discount.

Store managers have the authority to offer additional discounts for significant purchases, especially if you’re a loyal customer or a Pro Xtra member.

14. Use Military Discounts

Home Depot honors military personnel with a 10% discount on in-store purchases.

This discount is available to:

– Active Duty: All active-duty military members.

– Veterans: All veterans with a valid military ID.

– Dependents: Immediate family members of active-duty and veteran personnel.

MILITARY DISCOUNT TIP

Unfortunately, getting the Home Depot military discount is not as easy as just showing your driver’s license at checkout.  You now have to download the Home Depot app and verify your military service within the app. You’ll then pull up a scannable code within the app when checking out and the cashier will scan it and you’ll collect your 10% off. This has been met with much resistance as many vets are not tech savvy or don’t have a smartphone. If you need help getting setup with their military discount please contact me directly and I’ll help you out in any way I can.

See Also: All The Hardware Stores That Price-Match Home Depot

15. Explore the Online Savings Center

I had an online chat rep recommend the Home Depot online Savings Center where you can find various discounts and promotions on a wide range of products.

This section is updated regularly and includes the following:

– Deal of the Day: Daily discounts on select items.

– Special Buys: Limited-time offers on various products.

– Overstock Savings: Discounts on overstocked items.

Ask the Reader: How do you save money when shopping at The Home Depot? Let me know if I missed any savings hacks or tricks.

By Kyle James

Temu has quickly become a favorite for savvy shoppers looking for great deals on a variety of products. Think of them as Amazon products directly from China, no middleman needed, sorry Mr. Bezos. Whether you’re looking for electronics, fashion, home goods, or anything in between, Temu offers numerous ways to save money. Here are some insider tips on how to maximize your savings EVEN MORE on your next shopping spree.

1. Take Advantage of Flash Sales

Temu frequently hosts flash sales, which offer significant discounts on select items for a limited time.

These sales are a fantastic way to snag high-demand products at lower prices.

– Set Alerts: Enable notifications on the Temu app or website to be alerted when flash sales begin.

– Stay Updated: Follow Temu on social media platforms for real-time updates on flash sales and special promotions.

– Be Quick: Flash sales are time-sensitive, so act fast to ensure you get the best deals before they run out.

See Also: Temu Return Policy: It’s WAY Different…But We Figure It Out

PRO TIP ON BULKY ITEMS

Be aware that buying larger, bulky items, at Temu is often NOT going to land you the best deal. This is because of the shipping costs that Temu is going to indirectly pass along to the shopper since everything is coming directly from China. So when buying things like large electronics, furniture, comforter sets, and some sporting goods, be sure to price compare U.S. retailers as their pricing could very well beat Temu’s.

2. Utilize Discount Codes and Coupons

One of the simplest ways to save money on Temu is by using discount codes and coupons.

These codes can provide percentage discounts, free shipping, or other savings.

– Sign Up for Emails: Subscribe to Temu’s newsletter to receive exclusive discount codes and promotional offers directly in your inbox.

– Check Coupon Websites: Websites like RetailMeNot and Coupons.com often have the latest Temu discount codes.

– Follow Influencers: Many social media influencers share exclusive discount codes for Temu products, so follow those relevant to your interests.

BEWARE OF TEMU PHOTOS

The product photos on Temu can be VERY deceiving, especially with their clothing. A photo may look like a specific fabric but turn out to be completely different when you receive it. TIP: Always read the reviews and look at the photos in the reviews as they are much more accurate.

3. Join the Temu Rewards Program

Temu offers a rewards program that allows you to earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts on future orders.

When you create a Temu account you’re automatically enrolled in their rewards program.

– Earn Points: Accumulate points for every dollar spent, writing product reviews, and referring friends to Temu.

– Redeem Points: Use your points at checkout to reduce the total cost of your order.

– Exclusive Offers: Enjoy access to members-only promotions and early access to sales events.

4. Shop During Major Sales Events

Temu participates in major sales events throughout the year, offering substantial discounts across all categories.

– Black Friday and Cyber Monday: These sales events offer some of the biggest discounts of the year.

– Seasonal Sales: Look out for end-of-season sales where items are heavily discounted to make room for new inventory.

– Holiday Promotions: Temu often has special promotions around holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Independence Day.

PRO TIP ON SIZES

Be aware that according to a couple friends that shop regularly on Temu for women’s clothing that Temu sizes run very small. They told me that a good rule of thumb on women’s clothing is to consider Temu clothing to be two sizes smaller than U.S. sizes. So if you’re typically a size 4 you’ll want to order a size 6 on Temu. They also said the quality is comparable to Old Navy on most items.

5. Use Price Comparison Tools

To ensure you’re getting the best deal, use price comparison tools and apps to compare prices of the same product across different retailers.

– Compare Prices: Websites like PriceGrabber and Shopzilla allow you to compare prices on Temu with other online stores.

– Browser Extensions: Install browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten, which automatically apply the best coupons and compare prices for you.

6. Follow Temu on Social Media

Following Temu on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

They provide you with exclusive deals, flash sales announcements, and giveaways.

– Exclusive Deals: Social media followers often get access to exclusive discounts and promotions.

– Real-Time Updates: Stay updated with the latest sales events, new product launches, and special offers.

– Giveaways: Participate in social media contests and giveaways for a chance to win free products or gift cards.

7. Check the Clearance Section

Temu has a clearance section where you can find products at significantly reduced prices.

These items are usually overstocked or end-of-season merchandise.

– Regular Check-Ins: Clearance items change frequently, so check the clearance section regularly.

– Filter Options: Use filters to sort clearance items by category, price, and discount percentage to find the best deals.

PRO TIP ON SHOES

My resident Temu shopping experts also told me that sizing is ALL OVER THE PLACE when ordering shoes. They recommend looking at the size charts (especially the foot length section) before you buy shoes and to know your European size as they often do NOT list the U.S. shoe size.

8. Leverage Free Shipping Offers

Shipping costs can add up, but Temu frequently offers free shipping promotions.

– Minimum Purchase Amount: Sometimes, free shipping is available for orders over a certain amount. Plan your purchases to meet this threshold.

– Promo Codes: Look for promo codes that offer free shipping on your order.

– Subscription Services: Consider subscribing to Temu’s membership services, which often include free shipping as a benefit.

9. Use Cashback Websites

Cashback websites give you a percentage of your purchase back in cash when you shop through their links.

– Sign Up for Cashback Sites: Join sites like Rakuten (flat 2% cashback), Swagbucks (up to 30% cashback), or TopCashback (up to 35% cashback) to earn money back on your Temu purchases.

– Browser Extensions: Install the cashback site’s browser extension to ensure you never miss an opportunity to earn cashback.

10. Take Advantage of Bundle Deals

Temu often offers bundle deals where you can save money by purchasing multiple items together.

– Buy in Sets: Look for product bundles or sets that offer a lower price per item compared to buying them individually.

– Discounted Combos: Some product combinations come with discounts, such as buying a phone with a case or screen protector.

SCORE FREE STUFF FROM TEMU

When trying to return something to Temu that you paid less than $8 for, you stand a good chance of them telling you TO KEEP IT.  Surprisingly (or not) they’ll do this when the cost of return shipping to China outweighs the cost of the product. Amazon has become notorious for doing this as well recently.

11. Refer Friends and Earn Rewards

Temu’s referral program allows you to earn rewards by referring friends and family to the platform.

– Share Your Link: Send your referral link to friends and family. When they make a purchase, you earn rewards points.

– Earn Discounts: Use the rewards points you earn to get discounts on your future purchases.

12. Use the Temu App

The Temu app often features app-exclusive deals and offers that aren’t available on the website.

– App-Only Discounts: Install the app to access special discounts and promotions only available to app users.

– Push Notifications: Enable push notifications to receive instant alerts about sales and exclusive offers.

13. Monitor Product Reviews and Ratings

Reading product reviews and checking ratings can help you make informed purchasing decisions, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

– Customer Feedback: Look at what other customers have said about the product to gauge its quality and performance.

– Top-Rated Products: Consider purchasing top-rated items to ensure you’re getting a product with proven satisfaction.

SPIN THE COUPON WHEEL IS A SCAM

When shopping on the Temu app, you’ll often be greeted by a Spin The Wheel game that promises you amazing coupon savings up to $200. If you win, this does NOT mean you’ll get a $200 coupon good for a future purchase. It instead means you’ll gain access to $200 worth of various coupons, many of which are only good for products you have ZERO interest in buying.

14. Wait for Restocks

If a popular item is out of stock, waiting for a restock can sometimes lead to additional discounts.

– Stock Alerts: Sign up for restock alerts on the Temu app or website to be notified when the item is available again.

– Discounts on Restock: Sometimes, restocked items come with additional promotions to encourage purchases.

15. Take Advantage of Student Discounts

Temu offers discounts for students, making it easier for those on a tight budget to save money.

– Verify Student Status: Use student discount websites like UNiDAYS or Student Beans to verify your student status and receive exclusive discounts.

– Student Deals: Keep an eye out for student-specific promotions and offers.

Ask the Reader: How do you save even more money when shopping at Temu? Let me know in the comments, thanks.

By Kyle James