For savvy shoppers looking to stretch their dollars with bulk deals and exclusive member perks, Costco has long been a haven. Over the years, countless “Costco shopping hacks” have circulated online, promising secret savings and clever workarounds. But as the retail landscape evolves, so do store policies and technology. Many of the old tricks simply don’t work anymore, leaving some shoppers frustrated at the checkout. If you want to avoid wasted effort and focus on what really works, it’s time to update your playbook. Here are ten Costco shopping hacks that no longer deliver—and what you should do instead.
1. Price Adjustment on Clearance Items
It used to be a favorite Costco shopping hack: buy an item, then return for a price adjustment if it went on clearance. However, Costco has tightened its policy. Now, price adjustments are only honored for regular price drops within 30 days, not for clearance markdowns. If you spot a clearance tag (often ending in .97), don’t expect a refund for the difference after your purchase. Instead, keep an eye on prices before you buy, and act quickly if you see a deal.
2. Using Expired Coupons
Once upon a time, some shoppers could sneak through the checkout with expired Costco coupons, especially if the cashier was lenient. Today, Costco’s registers are programmed to reject expired offers automatically. There’s no wiggle room, and staff are required to follow the system. To maximize savings, always check coupon dates and plan your shopping trips accordingly.
3. Splitting Memberships with Friends
Sharing a Costco membership with a friend or neighbor was a classic hack. But Costco now requires photo IDs on membership cards, and staff check them at the door and register. Only the person named on the card can shop and pay. If you want to share the experience, consider gifting a Costco Shop Card, which non-members can use for purchases, but don’t expect to split a membership anymore.
4. Stacking Manufacturer Coupons
Costco’s coupon policy has changed significantly. The warehouse club no longer accepts manufacturer coupons, only its own in-house offers. This means you can’t stack deals for extra savings like you might at other grocery stores. Focus on Costco’s monthly coupon book and instant savings instead, which are automatically applied at checkout.
5. Price Matching with Other Retailers
Some shoppers used to bring in ads or show online prices from competitors, hoping Costco would match them. Costco has never had a formal price-matching policy, and staff are now trained to politely decline such requests. The company’s focus is on offering consistently low prices, not matching every deal elsewhere. For more on Costco’s pricing philosophy, see Consumer Reports.
6. Shopping Without a Membership
There was a time when you could walk into Costco with a friend’s card or use a gift card to bypass membership requirements. Now, non-members can only shop with a Costco Shop Card, and even then, staff may ask for ID. The days of sneaking in without a membership are over. If you want full access, you’ll need your own card.
7. Getting Free Samples as a Meal
Costco’s legendary free samples once made for a fun, budget-friendly lunch. But post-pandemic, sample stations are fewer, and portions are smaller. Staff are also more vigilant about repeat visits. While you can still enjoy a taste, don’t expect to fill up for free. For more on how Costco’s sampling has changed, check out The Kitchn.
8. Returning Anything, Anytime
Costco’s generous return policy was once a goldmine for shoppers who wanted to return almost anything, anytime. Now, there are stricter limits on electronics, major appliances, and certain other categories. Some items must be returned within 90 days, and abuse of the policy can result in membership revocation. Always check the return window before making a big purchase.
9. Using Old Price Tags to Predict Markdowns
Shoppers used to decode Costco’s price tags—looking for asterisks or certain numbers—to predict future markdowns. While some clues remain, Costco has become less predictable with its pricing. Markdowns can happen at any time, and items may disappear quickly. Don’t wait for a better deal if you really want something; it might be gone on your next visit.
10. Shopping at Closing Time for Extra Discounts
A popular myth was that shopping right before closing would net you extra markdowns or manager’s specials. In reality, Costco rarely discounts items at the end of the day. Most clearance pricing is set in advance, and staff are focused on restocking and cleaning up, not slashing prices. Shop when it’s convenient for you, but don’t expect last-minute deals.
Staying Ahead of the Curve at Costco
The world of Costco shopping hacks is always changing. What worked a few years ago may now be obsolete, thanks to updated technology, stricter policies, and a focus on fairness for all members. The best way to save at Costco is to stay informed, read the latest store policies, and take advantage of the deals that are actually available. By letting go of outdated tricks, you’ll shop smarter and avoid disappointment at the register.
What Costco shopping hacks have you tried that no longer work? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
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Costco Secrets: Ways the Store Gets You to Spend More on Groceries
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