Entering a Costco store is like entering a whole new world. No matter what you want, Costco will most likely have it for a decent price, no matter how odd the product is. Their array of products includes items such as baby formula and fancy coffins. Among the mist of greatness, some things may not be worth the extra money or just plain don’t make sense to purchase in bulk. Here, you can find what you probably shouldn’t buy from Costco.
Perishable Items in Large Quantities
Buying perishable items in large quantities, such as bulk, may be bad for things such as bread, dairy products, and fresh produce. Again, unless you have a lot of mouths to feed or will use a large amount of that product in a short time, it may end up being wasted and spoiled.
Non-perishable Items With Very Unperiable Dates
Canned goods, snacks, and condiments are staple items you can purchase in bulk. However, check the expiration dates before you think about overstocking non-perishable items. Sometimes, they’re on shorter leashes than you believe, and buying in bulk would only put you at risk for expiration before consumption.
Specialty or Gourmet Foods
Specialty or gourmet foods are another type of food you rarely use. Of course, they have tons of specialty or gourmet foods such as imported cheeses galore, chocolate that is more expensive than a filet mignon for the person with a dollar store budget, and anything else you can’t usually get at a regular grocer. Unless you throw wine and cheese parties or cook gourmet meals every evening, it’s probably not a good purchase because you’ll be throwing it away two years later when it expires and you’re moving.
Electronics and Appliances Purchased Without Comparison Shopping
The prices for electronics and home appliances at Costco are reasonable. However, you must compare before you buy electronics or home appliances. You may find better deals or newer models at retailers having sales events or promotions.
Big Furniture Pieces Without Measurement and Planning
Costco’s furniture department offers a great variety of sofas, tables, mattresses, and other oversized items for great prices. Specifically, sofas in the department are known for being an excellent deal. Make sure to measure the spaces you want to put your furniture and print templates for specific items you’re considering. Often, Costco only displays a few couches at a time, and their bulky sizes can be highly deceptive. Returning a couch to Costco can be a significant pain, so avoiding impulsive furniture buying is crucial.
Single-Use or Disposable Items
Although Costco sells value-sized packages of paper plates, plastic plates and utensils, and disposable razors, what sense does it make to carelessly waste as going to every birthday party and outing at the park? Think about other things you buy in large amounts with the same destructive tendencies. Consider investing in reusable versions or buying smaller quantities of each product to minimize how much you are contributing to waste.
Medications Without Medical Assistance
The pharmacy at Costco carries an assortment of OTC medications, vitamins, and supplements at competitive prices. Nevertheless, it is crucial to discuss your medications or supplementation with a healthcare provider before purchasing these, particularly if you have medical problems or are taking prescription medications that may react.
Without Price Comparison Books and Dvds
You may see the same book in Costco for a lot less, but before buying it, look for the same product at Wal-Mart or another retailer. Costco only sometimes has the best prices on DVDs. Check around at Wal-Mart, then go back to Costco. Costco may have better prices on competitive products, but you may find a better deal on that particular “Star Wars” edition at Best Buy.
Generic Brands Without Quality Comparison
While Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand offers bulk packages of quality products for less money, they can be disappointing. For some things, like “industrial” sized bottles of dish-washing detergent, paper towels, and toilet paper, the Kirkland product is excellent and still much better than the generic. For others, like canned goods or certain things in the deli department, not so much.
Bulk Quantities of Frozen Foods Without Freezer Space
In addition to a wide selection of frozen foods, Costco’s freezer includes frozen meats and seafood. However, one consideration before you purchase these products is whether you will have the storage capacity in your freezer to keep them until you use them reasonably. Freezer burn will lessen the quality and usable amount of these bulk items.
Large Appliances Without Including Installation and Warranty
Costco offers a variety of large appliances ranging from small ones like refrigerators, washers, dryers, etc, and all of these can be guaranteed installed or delivered. You must note the cost of delivery, installation, and disposal of your old appliances isn’t necessarily included in that sale price. Costco may very well have a great everyday price on the appliances you know will look terrific in your kitchen remodel, but they may not be the best deal when all’s said and done. Don’t forget to factor in the cost of delivery, installation, and an extended warranty if you choose to purchase one.
Clothing Without Trying It On
The clothing and accessories offered in Costco’s clothing department are limited to sizes small through extra large, which is a problem when looking for jeans, shirts, or even a dress that only comes in a large majority. The reason for limiting the number of sizes was that it is much easier to buy clothing without trying them on.
Seasonal or Specialty Items in Bulk
Now and then, Costco will change its products to seasonal or specialty items. This can include anything like outdoor furniture and gardening supplies during the spring or decorations and food during the winter holiday season. Typically, these can be some of the most tempting products, but it is also essential to distinguish between the product and our plans for it.
Cleaning Supplies Without the Storage Space
Costco offers large quantities of cleaning supplies such as laundry detergent, dish soap, and assorted household cleaners. Sure, Costco sells its products in huge quantities, so why wouldn’t you buy them at such a great price? One issue is that after buying said laundry detergent, where can you put it in your home? Costco may sell said products for a lower price, but you may have a cluttered living space.
Prepared Foods and Deli Items
Costco has a deli department that sells a variety of meats and cheeses. You can also get fully prepared meals cooked and ready to eat. They have many items you can buy by the pound, making it very easy to overeat. Anytime you start eating food that is already cooked, you’re bound to eat more because you don’t have to cook it. Some examples of items in the deli department at Costco are fully-cooked ribs, rotisserie chickens, party platters, and ready-made meals. These items can be very convenient and of great value, but if you can’t eat them all before they spoil, you may waste a good bit of it.
