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Are you really getting the most out of your Costco membership?
You may think you are if you’ve figured out how to save money on groceries by buying everything you need in bulk — even wine. You might even be saving money on health care by using the Costco Prescription Program.
But you might still be missing out.
Here are 10 little-known items your Costco membership can help you get for less — sometimes without even entering the store. (Though the $1.50 hot dog deal is worth the trip.)
- A casket
- Above ground pools
- An engagement ring
- Your next vacation
- A new car
- Emergency food supplies
- Flowers for your wedding
- A DIY garage
- Insurance
- Some weirdly expensive stuff
10 Things You Didn’t Know You Could Buy at Costco
1. A Casket
The company doesn’t keep most of these items in stock at your local club, but Costco does have a funeral department.
On its website, the warehouse club sells caskets, urns and memorial keepsakes. And of course, you’ll get a discount.
For example, Costco sells this Prime Rose casket for $1,149.99 with free shipping. The same one would cost you $1,349.99 from Amazon or Walmart.
Some state restrictions apply, so double-check the details before including Costco in your funeral plans.
2. Above Ground Pools
Your summer just got cooler — and cheaper — with Costco’s reduced price above ground pool sets.
With options ranging from 1,500- to 2,200-gallon capacity, your backyard parties are sure to be wet and wild.
The Bestway Power Steel Above Ground Pool Set is only $800 with a Costco membership. The same pool (with slightly smaller dimensions) sells for $1,296 on Overstock.
The larger Bestway Platinum Series Above Ground Pool Set sells for $1,400 at Costco while Home Depot sells the same pool for $1,674.
We’ll let you do the math, but whether oval shaped or rectangular, the prices can’t be beat. They will, however, help you beat the heat.
3. An Engagement Ring
You might not be excited to tell people where the ring came from, but a diamond is a diamond, according to the experts.
In fact, Costco was sued by Tiffany and Co. for selling “Tiffany” style engagement rings. The suit was dropped, but if we can get our hands on that coveted style for thousands of dollars less, we’re in.
When “Good Morning America” put a Costco “Tiffany” engagement ring to the test against the real thing, the results were surprising.
Master gemologist and appraiser Martin Fuller appraised a $16,600 diamond engagement ring from Tiffany & Co. at $10,500 if it came from a no-name store. He suggested added services and the weight of the brand justified the higher cost from the famous jewelry store.
The Costco diamond ring with almost the same specs costs $6,600, and Fuller appraised the stone at $8,000.
So you can pay more to enjoy the glamor of the Tiffany brand … or you can accept the stigma that might accompany a Costco diamond and save thousands.
Your call.
4. Your Next Vacation
Like many others, your Costco membership comes with perks you might not even know about.
These include exclusive travel discounts and vacation packages that could save you a ton of money.
Book a four-night Disney Dream cruise for $692 per person — 79% less than the $1,611 minimum rate you’d get booking through Disney!
5. A New Car
Yes, Costco will help you save money on your next car. Participating dealers offer exclusive lower prices for Costco members.
The Costco Auto Program includes pre-owned vehicles and even RVs.
As a member, you’ll also save 15% on parts, services and accessories from participating service centers for vehicles in your household.
6. Emergency Food Supplies
For a mere $3,000, you and your family could be ready for the end of times.
The Readywise Variety Emergency Food Pallet comes with 3,816 total servings with a 25-year shelf life. You’ll get grains, fruits and veggies, protein — even dessert, for your post-apocalyptic sweet tooth. The pallet even includes 1,548 servings of a whey milk alternative and an “orange drink.”
Sure, the upfront cost sounds pretty huge … but you can’t argue with feeding your family in an emergency for about 78 cents per serving! #frugalprepper
7. Flowers for Your Wedding
When you think of purchasing fresh flowers for a wedding, you probably picture a small, local florist. So do we, but if your budget doesn’t include an average cost of $2,300 for those beautiful blooms, Costco could be the answer.
With 10- to 20-piece wedding bouquet collections ranging from just $290 to $550, you’ll have all the pretty petals you heart desires on the big day, without going over budget.
8. A DIY Garage
Need a one-car garage or workshop? You can get the parts at Costco for just $5,000 and build it yourself. The same garage sells elsewhere for $8,000, so you’d be saving a whopping 60%.
That $3,000 difference is worth the price of a Costco membership. Now, channel your inner Bob Vila and get building.
9. Your Insurance
As a Costco member, you have access to everything from pet insurance to term life insurance.
Health insurance plans include vision and the Costco Marketplace promises a simple navigation process.
You could save on auto and home insurance, too. When switching to insurance provided through Costco, members said they saved an average of $587 in the first year. With those savings, you could take that Disney cruise.
10. Some Weirdly Expensive Stuff
These might not be frugal choices, but they’re so strange we can’t help but mention them.
Perhaps, like us, you need extra love and hugs these days. Costco has you covered with this cuddly, nearly 8-foot tall plush bear for only $370.
Or what about this $2,000 bottle of Johnny Walker Blue, spotted by Costco Couple in a Redwood City Costco? You might not first turn to the warehouse store when you’re looking for limited edition liquor, but if you happen upon it …
And if you’ve received a windfall recently, you might also consider Costco’s $550 caviar, $200 lobster tails or $166-per-pound Japanese wagyu beef.
Contributor Veronica Leone Matthews is a North Carolina-based freelance writer with 11 years of experience writing for non-profits and higher education. She covers lifestyle topics for The Penny Hoarder. Dana Miranda contributed.
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