While Costco undoubtedly offers jaw-dropping deals, not every bargain guarantees quality. Some purchases may disappoint by not living up to Costco's high standards. Join us as we delve into the 17 items you should steer clear of during your next wholesale spree.
While buying books and DVDs from Costco can be tempting, especially with the bulk purchasing and reasonable prices, it's better to get these items elsewhere. Public libraries offer an array of books and DVDs for free. Services like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime offer even more in the way of movies and television shows that can be streamed instantly. No need to worry about late return fees or scratched DVDs. Not to mention, buying physical copies can fill up your shelf space pretty fast.
Unless you are hosting a giant barbecue bash every weekend (which in that case, you have other problems on your hands), buying condiments in bulk from Costco may not be a wise decision. Due to their usual large size, condiments such as ketchup, mayo, mustard might go bad before you've had the chance to use them up. Most condiments have a relatively short shelf life once they're opened and kept in the refrigerator, so buying in bulk might lose you some money along with compromising freshness.
When it comes to buying produce in bulk, it's important to keep your family size and consumption rate in consideration. While Costco offers substantial price cuts on many fruits and vegetables, they are often in large quantities that smaller family units might not be able to finish before it goes bad. Unless you have a large family or planning on hosting a party, stay clear of the bulk produce section.
Wait a minute, shouldn't diapers be a good thing to buy in bulk? Well, not unless you've calculated the costs properly. While the Kirkland brand delivers on quality, this bulk-buy bargain might not prove as cost-effective when you do the math. Surprisingly, online retailers like Amazon’s “Subscribe and Save” program tends to offer a better deal. Moreover, purchasing diapers in massive quantities isn't always practical as infants quickly outgrow their current size.
While I'm not here to pass judgement on anyone's soda consumption habits, purely from a money saving aspect, its usually cheaper to buy your fizzy drinks at the grocery store, especially during sales. Even without sales, common sodas are often cheaper at the local supermarket than they are in Costco's bulk quantities. So, keep a lookout for the next sale before thinking about adding those canned drinks on your next Costco run.
It's a fantastic day at Costco when you locate that super-sized bag of your favorite coffee blend. However, coffee connoisseurs know that freshly ground beans make for better coffee. Large containers of ground coffee can lose their flavor over time once the seal's been broken. Unless you plan to go through an enormous volume quickly, it's wiser to buy smaller quantities of coffee, ensuring optimum freshness and flavor each time you brew.
While buying spices in bulk gives you big savings, there is a heavy price to pay in terms of flavor and essence. The aromatic compounds in spices break down gradually over time, resulting in lost taste and potency. Even if you do heavy-duty cooking, staying away from giant-sized spice containers would keep your dishes flavorful and fresh.
Sunscreen is a must-have, whether you are hitting the beach or just running errands in broad daylight. However, buying sunscreen in large quantities isn't a good idea as it tends to lose its effectiveness after a year of being open. So, going for smaller quantities would save your skin and money.
Who doesn't love cost-effective cleaning supplies? But wait, they come with an expiry too. Their efficiency, particularly for those with disinfectants, degrades over time. Unless you have a large area to tidy up, buying large quantities might just leave you with ineffective cleaning supplies.
Costco offers a wide selection of baked goods, which can be an easy solution for your upcoming party. However, remember the old saying, "fresh is best." While these items are convenient, they don't match up to the taste and quality of fresh bakery items. So, quaint little bakery downtown still wins!
Seeing a fantastic deal on a gigantic TV or the latest gadget in Costco can be tempting. However, make sure you do your homework fully on the price and features of the electronic items. Sometimes, you can find better deals on Amazon or even at the product's official store, especially during the holiday and off-season sales period.
As much as we all love a high-end brand bargain, be wary of the "deals" on designer labels at Costco. Often times, these are "manufactured for outlet" types of clothes, which means they are of lower quality than those at department stores. I always say, if the price is too good to be true, you’re probably right.
While spontaneous shopping can be fun, it's better not to do it while buying furniture. These purchases require thoughtful consideration, often not possible in a bustling Costco aisle. Unless you're absolutely sure about what you're getting, it's better to buy furniture from specialized stores where you can scrutinize each detail and even get some personalized advice.
We love Costco for their bulk products, but while purchasing toiletries in large quantities could be cost-effective, they expire too. Cosmetics, soaps and certain bathroom items carry expiry dates and can degrade over time. So, while buying in bulk, be wary of how much you really need.
Getting a set of brand spanning new tires at Costco may seem like a steal, especially with their stellar services. However, it would be worthy to check other tire stores for deals and bundles that include services such as tire rotations and balancing. This way, you could potentially save more in the long run.
Unless you have a large family or running a restaurant, buying meats in bulk might not be the best idea. Meats have a limited freezer shelf life, and items like chicken and ground turkey can get freezer burn if stored for too long. Fresh is always tastier and healthier!
Spotting a high-end beauty product at Costco can be quite the surprise, and its typically lower price can be incredibly tempting. However, be aware that these products might be at Costco for a reason - perhaps nearing their expiration date or discontinued. While you might be saving cash, you may not be getting the quality you'd expect from a high-end cosmetic line.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional consultation or advice related to your health or finances. No reference to an identifiable individual or company is intended as an endorsement thereof. Some or all of this article may have been generated using artificial intelligence, and it may contain certain inaccuracies or unreliable information. Readers should not rely on this article for information and should consult with professionals for personal advice.