Think you’re squeezing every last dollar out of your Costco card?
You might assume you are if you’ve learned to cut grocery costs by purchasing essentialsin bulk— even grabbing a bottle of wine at a discount. Maybe you’re also trimming health-care expenses through the Costco Prescription Program.
But there could still be bargains you haven’t discovered.
Below are 10 surprising purchases yourCostco membershipcan score you for less — in some cases without stepping foot inside the warehouse. (Although that$1.50 hot dog combois reason enough to visit.)
- A casket
- A piano
- An engagement ring
- Your next vacation
- A new car
- Emergency food supplies
- Flowers for your wedding
- A DIY shed
- Insurance
- Home sauna
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10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know Costco Sells
1. A Casket
The warehouse rarely stocks most of these items in-store, but Costco operates a funeral resource.
On the site, Costco lists caskets, urns and memorial items — and yes, you’ll get a member discount.
For instance, Costco offers thisPrime Rose casketfor $1,349.99 with free shipping. The identical model retails for $1,549.99 atAmazonorWalmart.
Be aware some states have rules about casket purchases, so verify regulations before planning with Costco.
2. A Piano
Costco carries a variety of instruments, including pianos. This digital piano is priced at $699.99 for members, while a comparable model on Amazon lists a similar one for $1,199.99.
3. An Engagement Ring
You may hesitate to reveal where the ring was purchased, but a quality stone is a quality stone, say industry pros.
In fact, Tiffany & Co. once sued Costco for selling rings with a “Tiffany-like” look. The lawsuit was eventually dropped, and if you can secure a similar style for thousands less, many shoppers take it.
When “Good Morning America” compared a Costco “Tiffany” ring with the real Tiffany piece, the findings were illuminating.
Master gemologist Martin Fuller valued a $16,600 Tiffany diamond at $10,500 if it lacked the brand name — attributing Tiffany’s markup to added services and brand cachet.
The Costco diamond with nearly identical specs retails for $6,600, and Fuller estimated that stone’s worth at $8,000.
So you can pay for brand prestige … or accept potential stigma and save thousands by choosing a Costco diamond.
Up to you.
4. Your Next Vacation
Your Costco membership includes perks many members don’t realize.
That includes exclusive Costco travel offers and vacation packages that can cut significant costs. Even when rates match other sources, Costco Travel packages often come with extras like gift cards or resort credits.
A four-night stay for two at aluxury Kauai resortbooked through Costco Travel can include a rental car and shave several hundred dollars off the resort’s own price.
5. A Car
Yes, Costco can help you get a better deal on a vehicle. Participating dealerships provide special reduced prices for members.
TheCostco Auto Programcovers new and used cars, trucks and SUVs.
Members also receive a 15% discount on parts, services and accessories at participating service centers for cars in your household.
6. Emergency Food Supplies
For roughly $3,000, you could stockpile supplies to weather a long-term emergency.
TheReadywise Variety Emergency Food Palletoffers 5,400 total servings with a 25-year shelf life — grains, fruits and vegetables, protein, and even dessert for those post-disaster cravings. The pallet also includes 864 servings of a whey milk substitute and an “orange drink.”
The upfront price may feel steep … but having food for your family in a crisis is hard to argue with.
7. Wedding Flowers
When you picture ordering fresh floral arrangements for a wedding, a local florist probably comes to mind. We picture that too, but if your budget won’t stretch to$2,800for blooms, Costco can be an affordable alternative.
Costco’s 4- to 20-piecewedding bouquet setsrange from about $239 to $624, giving you plenty of beautiful petals for the big day without blowing the budget.
8. A DIY Shed
Want a workspace or extra storage for tools? You can pick up thispremium outdoor shedfor $1,049.99 and assemble it yourself. The same model is listed on Amazon for$1,319.
Time to unleash your inner DIY enthusiast and start building.
9. Insurance
As a Costco member, you can tap into a range of insurance options — from pet plans to term life coverage.
Health insurance choices include vision, and the Costco Marketplace is designed for easy navigation.
Members can also save on auto and homeowners insurance. Those who switched to Costco-endorsed insurance reported saving an average of $596 in the first year — enough to cover a good portion of your wedding flowers.
10. A Home Sauna
Looking to upgrade your home gym? Consider adding a personal sauna and pocket a few hundred dollars in savings. This two-person sauna from Costco is priced at $1,799.99, while an equivalent unit on Amazon is about $2,379.99.
