Shopping at Costco can be a great way to save money on groceries, household items, and other essentials. However, the store’s membership fee can be a barrier for some shoppers. Fortunately, there are ways to shop at Costco without paying the membership fee. In this article, we will provide six tips for non-members to shop at Costco and save money.
One of the most popular ways to shop at Costco without a membership is to go with a friend or family member who is a member. Members are allowed to bring up to two guests with them per visit, and non-members can pay for their purchases with cash or a gift card. This can be a great option for occasional Costco shoppers who don’t want to pay for a full membership.
Another option for non-members is to use Costco’s online store. While some items are only available to members, many products can be purchased by anyone with a valid shipping address. This can be a convenient way to access Costco’s products without having to pay for a membership or visit a physical store.
Leveraging Costco’s Shopping Options
When it comes to shopping at Costco without paying the membership fee, there are several ways to take advantage of the store’s offerings. By leveraging Costco’s shopping options, customers can save money and still access the products they need. Here are a few tips to help make the most of Costco without a membership.
Shop Online Without a Membership
One of the easiest ways to shop at Costco without a membership is to shop online at Costco.com. While some items may require a membership to purchase, many products are available to non-members at a slightly higher price. By shopping online, customers can browse a wide selection of products and have them delivered straight to their door.
Utilize the Costco Cash Card Strategy
Another way to shop at Costco without a membership is to use a Costco Cash Card. These cards can be purchased by members and non-members alike and can be used to make purchases at any Costco location. By purchasing a Costco Cash Card, customers can take advantage of the store’s offerings without committing to a membership.
Take Advantage of Costco Pharmacy
For customers who need to fill prescriptions, Costco Pharmacy is a great option. While a membership is required to purchase most items at Costco, prescriptions can be filled by non-members. By using Costco Pharmacy, customers can save money on their prescriptions and still access the high-quality products and services that Costco is known for.
By leveraging these shopping options, customers can save money and still access the products and services they need from Costco. Whether shopping online, using a Costco Cash Card, or taking advantage of Costco Pharmacy, there are plenty of ways to make the most of Costco without paying the membership fee.
Alternative Access to Costco Deals
If you don’t have a Costco membership, don’t worry! There are still ways to access Costco deals without paying the membership fee. Here are a few tips to help you save money:
Shop with a Costco Member
If you have a friend or family member who has a Costco membership, ask them to take you shopping with them. Costco allows members to bring up to two guests per visit, so you can take advantage of their membership and enjoy the savings.
Explore Third-Party Retailers
Some third-party retailers, such as Instacart, offer Costco products for delivery without requiring a membership. You can also find Costco products at other retailers such as Walmart or Amazon, although the selection may be limited.
Consider Costco Services
Costco offers a range of services that are available to non-members, including their optical services. You can get an eye exam and purchase glasses or contacts without a membership. Additionally, Costco’s alcohol selection is available to non-members in states where alcohol sales are not restricted.
By utilizing these alternative access methods, you can still enjoy the benefits of shopping at Costco without paying the membership fee. Just keep in mind that you may not have access to all of the products and services that members do.
Costco One Day Membership
For those who are not regular Costco shoppers, but still want to take advantage of the savings, a one-day membership may be the way to go. The cost of a one-day membership varies by location, but it is typically around $15 to $20.
To purchase a one-day membership, simply go to the membership desk at any Costco location and ask for one. It’s important to note that one-day memberships are only available to non-members and cannot be used to renew an expired membership.
With a one-day membership, shoppers can take advantage of all the same benefits as regular members, including access to Costco’s gas stations. However, they will not be able to purchase certain items that are only available to members, such as prescription drugs and alcohol.
It’s important to plan ahead when using a one-day membership, as the time limit is strict. Shoppers will need to make sure they have enough time to browse the store and make their purchases before the membership expires.
Overall, a one-day membership can be a great option for those who want to shop at Costco without committing to a full membership. Just be sure to weigh the cost of the one-day membership against the potential savings to make sure it’s worth it.
