The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Costco: How to Save Money, Avoid Crowds, and Shop Like a Pro

The Smart Shopper’s Guide to Costco: How to Save Money, Avoid Crowds, and Shop Like a Pro

When most people think of Costco, the first images that come to mind are giant shopping carts, free food samples, and endless shelves of bulk items. But Costco is much more than just a warehouse—it’s a shopping experience. With over 123 million card-carrying members worldwide (Costco Corporate), this retail giant has become one of the most trusted places for families, small businesses, and bargain hunters to stock up on everyday essentials.

If you’ve ever walked out of Costco with more than you planned, you’re not alone. The store is designed to surprise you with deals, but it’s also a place where you can save serious money—if you shop wisely.

I live about two hours from Costco, which means I don’t get to visit every week. When I go, I make the most of it by stocking up on necessities while allowing myself a few fun splurges. Over time, I’ve learned how to maximize my trips so that they are both budget-friendly and stress-free.

In this guide, I’ll share some of the best Costco shopping tips—from insider advice on avoiding crowds to how to make the most of their famous coupon book. Whether you’re a seasoned Costco fan or a first-time visitor, these tips can help you shop smarter.

Why Costco Is Different from Other Stores

Before diving into tips, it’s worth understanding why Costco is unique. Unlike traditional grocery stores, Costco operates on a membership model. You pay an annual fee to shop there, but in return, you get access to exclusive deals, bulk prices, and high-quality products.

The company’s private label, Kirkland Signature , has become so popular that many items now compete directly with name-brand products in quality and taste. From coffee and wine to clothing and vitamins, Kirkland Signature is one of the main reasons people keep renewing their memberships year after year.

But the appeal goes beyond just products. Costco has become a cultural phenomenon—people swap stories about their favorite finds, share “Costco hauls” online, and even write blogs about their shopping strategies. It’s not just shopping; it’s an event.

Costco’s Best-Selling Items

When you think of Costco’s top sellers, a few iconic items always make the list. Two products stand out above the rest:

Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue

Believe it or not, toilet paper is one of Costco’s all-time best sellers. The Kirkland Signature bath tissue is popular because it combines quality and value. You get a bulk pack at a price per roll that’s hard to beat anywhere else. Since it’s something every household needs, stocking up just makes sense.

Costco Rotisserie Chicken

Another superstar is the famous $4.99 Rotisserie Chicken. This juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken has developed a cult following. Costco reportedly sells over 100 million of them every year. Families love it because it’s ready to eat, budget-friendly, and versatile—you can serve it for dinner, shred it for salads, or use it in soups.

When you make your shopping list, these two products are always worth adding. They’re consistent winners in both price and quality.

Stocking Up When You Live Far from Costco

For people like me who live hours away, a Costco trip is more of a planned excursion than a quick errand. I don’t have the luxury of swinging by every week, so I approach my visits strategically.

Here’s how I stock up smartly:

Necessities first: Household staples like toilet paper, paper towels, rice, pasta, and cleaning supplies are always on my list.

Freezer-friendly foods: I grab items like frozen vegetables, chicken breasts, and fish fillets. They last for months and save me future trips to the grocery store.

Pantry goods: Peanut butter, coffee, olive oil, and snacks are must-haves. Bulk sizes mean fewer restocks.

Fun extras: I allow myself one or two non-essentials—maybe a new kitchen gadget or a seasonal item.

This way, my cart is balanced between practical buys and little joys. The trick is not letting the fun items take over your budget.

The Costco Coupon Book: An Easy Way to Save

One of Costco’s best-kept secrets is the monthly coupon book. Packed with deals on groceries, household products, and electronics, it’s a goldmine for savvy shoppers.

The best part? You no longer need to bring the coupon with you. Discounts are automatically applied at checkout if the item is included in that month’s book. This makes it incredibly easy to save without carrying around paper coupons.

Before I head to Costco, I always browse the digital version of the coupon book online. It helps me decide if the trip is worth it and what special deals I should look out for.

Insider Advice: How to Avoid the Crowds

With millions of members, it’s no surprise Costco can get crowded—especially on weekends. Long checkout lines and packed aisles can make shopping stressful.

According to Costco employees, the best times to shop are:

Weekday mornings: As soon as the store opens, you’ll find shorter lines and less foot traffic.

Weekday evenings: An hour or two before closing is another quiet window.

Avoid weekends: Saturdays and Sundays are by far the busiest days.

If you have flexibility in your schedule, these tips can save you time and make your shopping trip more enjoyable.

Why You Should Always Shop with a List

Costco is designed to tempt you. From giant tubs of popcorn to limited-time electronics, it’s easy to overspend. That’s why a shopping list is your best defense.

Here’s why it matters:

Keeps you on budget: With clear goals, you’re less likely to buy things you don’t need.

Prevents waste: Buying in bulk only makes sense if you can use it before it expires.

Limits splurges: You can allow yourself one or two fun extras, but the list helps set boundaries.

Personally, I make my list based on what I know I’ll use in the next month or two. I also organize it by category—pantry, freezer, cleaning, household—so I don’t miss anything.

Extra Tips for Smarter Costco Shopping

To really get the most out of Costco, here are a few additional strategies:

1. Bring a cooler bag – If you live far away, this keeps frozen and refrigerated items safe until you get home.

2. Share with family or friends – Split bulk items to save money and reduce waste.

3. Use Costco return policy They have one of the best return policies in retail. If something doesn’t work for you, take it back.

4. Check seasonal deals – Costco rotates inventory frequently. Keep an eye on holiday and seasonal sections for unique finds.

5. Don’t skip the food court – From pizza to hot dogs, Costco’s food court is legendary for cheap and tasty meals.

Conclusion

Costco is more than just a place to buy in bulk—it’s a shopping experience that combines value, quality, and variety. Whether you’re grabbing Kirkland Signature bath tissue, enjoying a $4.99 rotisserie chicken, or hunting for coupon book deals, there’s always something worth the trip.

If you plan ahead, shop with a list, and time your visits right, you’ll save money and avoid the headaches of crowded aisles. For those of us who live a couple of hours away, a Costco run can be a full-day adventure—but one that pays off in stocked pantries and happy families.

So next time you head to Costco, go armed with these tips. Your wallet—and your sanity—will thank you.

FAQs

Q1: Do I need a coupon to get Costco deals?

No. Discounts from the coupon book are automatically applied at checkout.

Q2: What is Costco’s most popular product?

Kirkland Signature bath tissue and the $4.99 rotisserie chicken are among their top sellers.

Q3: When is the best time to shop at Costco?

Weekday mornings and evenings are the quietest. Weekends are busiest.

Q4: Is Costco worth it if I live far away?

Yes—just plan ahead. Stock up on essentials, bring a cooler bag, and make a list to maximize your trip.

Q5: What makes Kirkland Signature products so good?

They’re often manufactured by the same companies behind national brands, but priced lower under Costco’s private label.