Costco is the land of free samples and one of the places to get the best deals on groceries. The store offers great prices on bulk items that can make it hard to leave the store without an overflowing grocery cart.
But did you know that Costco deals and online shopping can be even better than in person? And the best part is you don’t need a Costco membership or pay for any annual fees!
Costco Online Shopping: Is It Possible?
Unlike shopping through their physical stores, the Costco website is to open to everyone.
As long as you have a debit or credit card and a PayPal account, you’re all set!
However, Costco online shopping has a few special rules you need to know when shopping for online items.
If you’re a paying member, online shopping is easy. You just need to log into your account tied to your membership card.
If you don’t have a membership, keep the following in mind!
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Some Deals Are For Members Only
There are certain promotions and heavily discounted items that are only available for members.
For example, you can buy this Cuisinart Brew Central 14-Cup Programmable Coffeemaker for only $44.99 (down from $59.99), only if you are a member.
If you really want to buy the item without paying for the membership fee, the best way is to ask a family member or a friend to make the purchase for you.
The Prices Are Not The Same
Other than enjoying the members-only exclusives, non members will not pay the same prices online: Online shoppers need to pay an additional five percent upcharge for every item purchased.
Enjoy Costco’s Price Match
If you have an online order and it’s cheaper within 30 days, you can request a price match online.
Costco’s price match also applies to previous orders!
However, this price match guarantee only applies if you purchase the item from Costco, not from other stores.
The Return Policy Applies Online
Known for their generous return policy, the good news is that Costco’s return policy is applicable online.
If you made a purchase thru costco.com and you need to return if, you can request a full refund via snail mail at no extra charge.
You can also take the item to your local Costco store to make the return, even if you’re not a member.
Not All Items Are Available Online
If you see an item in store and prefer to purchase it online, there is a possibility that the item isn’t available online. There may be products that are only available in store not through the app or shopping online.
The online inventory differs from the Costco warehouse — you may find the same toilet paper or laundry soap, but some seasonal items might only be available for purchase in-store.
Prices Can Be Higher
It might be surprising but buying items online may have a higher price.
There are extra handling costs and delivery fees associated with the online price, that’s why in-store items are often cheaper.
More Products Available
There are 10,000 items at their online store compared to the 4,000 items at the warehouse.
Bloomberg
Since the space in store may be limited, you might find more that you’re looking for (and may not be looking for) when you shop via web.
Costco Grocery Is Only Available Online
Costco also offers home-delivery service for grocery items. You don’t need to go to your local grocery store with your shopping list.
There are two available delivery options for this service once you buy your Costco groceries
- Same-Day Delivery with a minimum order of $35 and is available in most metropolitan areas. This is perfect for food items, perishable goods, and fresh produce
- Costco’s 2-day delivery is for non-perishable goods and household items.
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Buying items online from Costco is definitely more convenient. Even if you’re not a member and paying for the annual membership fee, you can still have the convenience of online shopping with lower price, better product prices, latest warehouse savings, and great deals with this retail giant.
What are your favorite Costco purchases?
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