Find out the best Costco hours to shop to whether or not you really need Costco coupons, these hacks will make your shopping experience even better

If you have a Costco membership, then you already know all about the joys of shopping for steals while sampling the goods. What you might not be aware of, however, are the secret tips to navigating your favorite shopping destination, and the extra “hidden” ways you can use that membership to earn even more. Here are some of the best Costco hacks and tips to save you money.

You Can Get Curbside Pick Up

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Due to COVID, Costco is now offering curbside pickup on selected items for members. Most of it is electronics and jewelry, but it's still a nice perk. 

Get Immunizations

CDC via Unsplash

Cross two errands off your list when you make an appointment at the Costco pharmacy for annual immunizations. You can get a flu vaccine for the whole family and other important milestone immunizations. The pharmacy accepts all major insurances. 

Know Your Price Codes

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Did you know there are all sorts of little tips and tricks when it comes to figuring out those price codes? Yup, there's a system. Think asterisk = seasonal and 97 cents means a markdown, etc. There are more, according to Wallet Hacks

Related: Costco May Keep Its Hot Dog & Soda Combo Price $1.50 ‘Forever’

Shop without a Membership

a Cool costco hack is that Instacart delivers
Instacart

Want the perks of shopping at Costco without the cost of a membership? There's an easy way to make it happen. If you don't mind using Instacart, simply fire up the app and place your Costco order, no membership is needed. Of course, with a $5.99 delivery fee, it still isn't completely free, but you're also gaining the convenience of shopping from home—although you won't get to nibble on all those samples.

Save on Gift Cards

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It’s nearly impossible to get gift cards on sale since you are essentially just trading in cash for a card of the same value. At Costco, however, you can purchase a pack of gift cards to various retailers at a discounted rate.

Ditch the Coupon Book

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Forgot your coupon book? No worries. Nowadays, according to Wallet Hacks, there are no barcodes and the savings are automatically applied to your bill. The book is just your monthly list of deals and savings.

Skip the Food Court Line

skipping the food court line is a great costco hack
Pixabay

After navigating your way through Costco and the enormous checkout line with kids in tow, the last thing you want to do is wait in another line to grab lunch, especially if your tots are hangry. Luckily there's a ridiculously simple way to skip the food court line. While you're checking out, place your order and pay, then all you have to do is show your receipt and grab your food at the pick-up area.

Related: Here’s the Real Reason Costco Checks Your Receipts Before You Leave

Spend Less on Prescriptions

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With this Costco hack, Costco’s prescription program, members are offered deep discounts on their prescription medications without insurance coverage.

See a Double Feature

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A trip to the movies for a family can get pretty pricey, but at Costco, you can purchase a 10-pack of movie tickets for a discounted price and they never expire. With the money you’ll save, that overpriced popcorn and drinks won’t be quite so bad.

The Best Time to Shop

costco hacks
The Krazy Coupon Lady via YouTube

Love Costco's prices, but not the crowds? Beat the lines and packed aisles by shopping on the best day and time. According to Business Insider, try to bypass the weekends and shop on weekdays if possible. It's also best to avoid evenings, so load up your tots and hit Costco early or mid-morning.

You'll Never Overspend

costco hacks save you money
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While we can't guarantee you won't buy one too many bottles of Kirkland wine, you definitely won't get charged for more than what you take home thanks to the one thing Costco employees always do before you leave the store. As it turns out checking that receipt and drawing that smiley face has nothing to do with making sure you're not stealing. Instead, Costco does this to ensure that you haven't been double charged for any items.

Another way Costco makes sure you won't overspend is with its 30-day price adjustment policy. According to Eat This, Not That!, if an item goes on sale within 30 days of when you purchased it, Costco will pay you the difference, no receipt needed.

Related: 11 Ridiculous Things You Can Buy on Your Next Costco Run

Save Money on Your Next Car

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No one likes car shopping, but when you use your Costco membership, you might actually have some fun. The Costco Auto Program works with thousands of pre-owned car dealerships to negotiate low prices for you, so you don’t have to sweat the haggling.

Make Sure You're Scoring a Deal

one costco hack is to look for discounts
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Want to make sure you're getting the best deal possible? According to Eat This, Not That! you'll know a Costco item has been discounted if the price ends in $0.97. If the price tag also has an asterisk, then it won't be restocked. 

Family Vacation on a Budget

Disney facts and Disney trivia for kids
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Want to see the world? This Costco hack can help you do it for less. With Costco Travel your membership can get you deals on theme park tickets, airplane tickets, car rentals, hotels, and cruises. We're talking up to 30% off hotels both in the U.S. and abroad as well as package deals on family-friendly vacations like Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace Package with Walt Disney World tickets. 

Get Checks for Less

affordable checks are a costco hack
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Even in the age of digital payments, there are still those few moments when a check is required, and Costco will print you a pack of checks for less than your bank charges.

Related: The Best Times to Shop at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Costco & More Grocery Stores

Get Tech Help for Free

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There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to figure out why your WiFi is out or Netflix isn’t loading. Costco offers free technical support for any televisions, computers, tablets, appliances, and more purchased in-store and online. No warranties or extra fees are required.

Shop Costco Next

Two women shopping online
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Costco Next is an online way to shop from Costco's most trusted suppliers and you'll get to choose from a wide range of exclusive items that are often low in stock. Costco Next allows you to purchase directly from the suppliers' site while still enjoying your Costco membership values.

Additional reporting by Taylor Clifton

 

 

I see you doing it all.

I see you down on the floor helping your child get through a meltdown.

I see you exhausted in the night, as you wake up hourly to settle your child but then get up with them at 4 a.m. to start your day.

I see you longing for the diaper-free days as you continue to change your 7-year-old.

I see you feeding your child whatever they will willingly eat and be worried sick about their growth.

I see you at the pharmacy buying the stool softeners and probiotics because you’re desperate for your child to get relief.

I see you checking the emails late at night and trying to construct a response to the teacher about your child’s behaviors from the day.

I see you on the phone advocating and fighting for the supports and services that your child needs.

I see you covering the scratches on your arm because people will judge your child instead of offering to understand.

I see you worrying about your other children. I see you feeling guilty as you try to meet all the needs of every member of your family.

I see you desperate for a word, a sound….anything that will keep perpetuating hope.

I see you skipping meals because you’re so busy with appointments, cleaning and daily care that you forget to eat.

I see you trying to keep up with the dishes and laundry, homework and suppers.

I see you tired deep in your soul but still pushing forward, still showing up every single day.

I see you sitting through the therapies and appointments always doing what needs to be done for your child.

I see you praying hard for peace, comfort, progress and sleep.

I see you constantly completing paperwork for insurance wondering if it will ever end.

I see you dealing with family and friends who just don’t understand.

I see you crying silently in the shower because you’re stretched so thin trying to do it all.

I see you as the beautiful Mama that you are.

I see you showing up every day for your family.

I see your worries and fears for the future.

But most importantly:

I see your strength.

I see your dedication.

I see that you’re amazing.

I see that you’re doing a great job.

No one else can fill your shoes.

I see how much you love and how loved you are.

I see the difference that you’re making for your family.

You are everything.

You are enough.

I will always see you.

This post originally appeared on Stalen’s Way Blog.
Feature image via iStock.

I am a proud wife, ASD Mom, Step-Mom. At 21 months, my son was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. He is 5 years old and non-verbal. I have become a full-time stay-at-home mom. I am 1000% focused on raising autism awareness and helping my son live a full and fun life. 

Be sure to check your hand sanitizer! Shane Erickson, Inc. is voluntarily recalling various lots of its wash-free hand sanitizer due to the potential presence of methanol. Exposure to methanol risks includes nausea, vomiting, headache, blurred vision, permanent blindness, seizures, coma, permanent damage to the nervous system or death. 

FDA

Recalled products include the following: lot 2020/05/11 and MFG: 2020/05/10 L/N: 20200510-3 of imc Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer 50 ml, 100 ml, 300 ml and Wash Free Hand Sanitizer 300 ml lot 2020/05/11 and Thrifty White Pharmacy Wash-Free Hand Sanitizer 300 ml lot 2020/05/11. Check this link to see more information including UPC codes and product labels. 

No adverse effects in regards to this recall have been reported yet. Consumers with questions can contact Shane Erickson, Inc. by phone at 952.252.1254 or email sales@imcsuccess.com Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Central Time Zone.

—Gabby Cullen

 

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Eight months into a global pandemic, everyone is finding themselves with new habits. A new survey from CVS Pharmacy and The Harris Poll has dug deep and found a not-so-surprising fact: Americans are snacking more at home!

The online survey conducted in July 2020 has found that 66 percent of American adults report an increase in at-home snacking, with 50 percent choosing “better-for-you snacks” more often than they did before the pandemic. So what else did the survey find?

photo: Sheila Pedraza Burk via Burst

Fifty-three percent of Americans choose pre-made meal solutions to make things easier, 56 percent of those buying healthy snacks lean towards nuts and trail mixes and almost the same percent pick up snack bars.

Other findings include an ranking affordability, variety of flavors and nutritional benefits as being of top importance.

––Karly Wood

 

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You’ve been “boo’ed!” CVS Pharmacy, the retail division of CVS Health today announced that is working with the Hershey Company to offer Boo-Bags, a family friendly and socially distanced solution to making Halloween as safe and fun as possible in the time of COVID-19. Boo-Bags are a fill-your-own kit to surprise friends and neighbors with Halloween treats as an alternative to traditional trick-or-treating during the pandemic. Boo-Bags are free with a CVS Pharmacy purchase while supplies last. 

Boo Bags

To “boo” a neighbor, fill the Boo-Bag with their favorite Halloween candy and décor, including twists on Hershey favorites including Reese’s Frankencups, Hershey’s Cookies & Cream Fangs, KIT KAT Witches Brew, Hershey’s Vampire Kisses and more. Spooky facemasks, hand sanitizer and wipes are available for purchase alongside a selection of Halloween-themed Hallmark cards to help family and friends stay connected while being apart.

Once your bag is full, you can deliver a holiday surprise by anonymously dropping the bag on a neighbor’s doorstep. 

Recipients will receive directions on how to pass it forward, along with a sign to place in their window to let any passerby know that they’ve been “boo’ed.” For friends and family outside the neighborhood, customers can send Boo-Bags through one of 5,600 UPS Access Point locations within CVS nationwide, picking up all the necessary shipping supplies for one-stop shopping.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: CVS

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Hershey’s Is Releasing New Cookies ‘N‘ Creme Fangs For Halloween

Many people are relying on Instacart to get groceries and household essentials. For many people, shopping goes beyond produce, meat and pantry staples, it also includes getting much needed medications. Costco prescription delivery via Instacart is now available nationally from more than 500 Costco pharmacies across 42 states including Washington, D.C., with nearly 100% coverage in each state.

The new offering allows Costco members and customers to complete their entire shopping trip online — from groceries and household goods to alcohol* and essential prescription medications — and have it all delivered to their door.

costco prescription delivery

Costco members and customers should arrange for their prescription to be filled at their local, participating Costco location either over the phone, online or in-person. Once the prescription is ready, the customer will receive a text message from their Costco pharmacy. In the text, they will see a link with the option to schedule their prescription for delivery. Once the customer clicks the link, they will be redirected to Costco’s site where the customer can confirm their prescription, sign into their Costco or Instacart account and continue to add groceries and household goods to their order if they choose. When the customer is ready to check out, they can select a delivery time and receive their order as fast as same-day. 

Costco Prescription Delivery

Instacart is offering contactless prescription delivery in participating states for most medications, allowing shoppers to simply scan a customer’s ID for verification without a signature. Customers ordering prescription medications from Costco via Instacart must be over the age of 18, and are required to enter their date of birth at checkout and present a valid government ID at the time of delivery. In the coming weeks, the service will roll out an additional opt-in customer identity verification feature. It will allow customers to scan their own ID via the Instacart app and sign their own personal mobile device at delivery to verify their identity. Shoppers will still need to visually confirm that the ID belongs to the customer, but they can do this from six feet apart. 

Shoppers pick up and deliver all prescription orders in a sealed, tamper-proof bag. Instacart’s prescription delivery service allows Costco members and customers to schedule delivery up to one week in advance. To ensure customers receive their prescription in a timely manner, Instacart recommends customers schedule their delivery as soon as they receive notification that their medication is available for pickup. In order to ensure a seamless prescription delivery experience for customers and shoppers, Instacart has dedicated a special care team to manage any relevant prescription-related inquiries.

Enter your zip code on Instacart or the mobile app to see if prescription delivery is available from a Costco pharmacy location near you.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

All photos courtesy of Costco

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Moms deserve to be celebrated for all they do for us, especially during hard times. We may not be able to see our mothers, grandmothers and other important women in our lives this Mother’s Day, but we still need to show our love and appreciation. CVS Pharmacy is surprising and delighting customers with free unique, on-trend Mother’s Day cards to ensure no mom goes un-celebrated. 

CVS Mother's Day

CVS has already committed to free prescription delivery to get customers the medications and essentials they need through the crisis. Customers receiving delivery orders will also be surprised with two free greeting cards to brighten a loved one’s day. These cards, designed by the hard-working team at CVS were created to spread joy and ensure that no mom goes card-less this Mother’s Day.

—Jennifer Swartvagher

Featured photo: CVS

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Photo: Fiona Britten

To those of you who haven’t gone into full “shelter in place” yet, 20 tips from your friend on the other side:

1. Your local pharmacy will feel like Saks on Fifth Avenue before too long. Going in here is a treat. Don some gloves, grab a trolley and saunter those aisles as slowly as you please. Bypass the toilet paper aisle, we both know it will be futile.

2. Your local grocery store will feel like Harrods Food Hall. Spotting a jar of pasta sauce and a packet of penne will feel like you’ve found a truffle under an oak tree. Savor the moment.

3. Don’t buy tins of tuna. Not even the dog will eat it.

4. Buy pencils. Lots of them. Preferably pre-sharpened. They don’t make sharpeners like they used to.

5. Open a Zoom account. Stat.

6. Get an Ipad stand so you don’t have to use family heirlooms to keep the Ipads in place during class.

7. Get your hair colored immediately.

8. Buy root spray. If you were too late for #7.

9. Get your nails done.

10. Buy nail clippers and a nail file. Learn how to use them.

11. Get your eyebrows waxed. And other parts if you need to.

12. Buy razors. See above.

13. Realize that by Day 7 things are going to start to fall apart.

14. Set up Zoom cocktail hours with your buddies. See above.

15. Get 30 minutes of fresh air a day. From a distance.

16. Get your neighbors email addresses and phone numbers and don’t be afraid to use them.

17. Clear out your freezer of last year’s “I’m sure I’ll eat that one day” leftovers and fill it with pizzas, frozen fruit and veges and bread. ALL the bread.

18. Buy ice cube trays.

19. Wash your hands every time you say to yourself “when will this end?”

20. Take comfort that the whole world is in this together and we will all triumph together. And then we will hug.

This post originally appeared on Facebook.

I am an Aussie who has lived in the Bay Area of San Francisco for 6 years with my 2 adorable boys and their pretty awesome Dad. I believe we get to choose our mood and attitude each day and I ALWAYS choose positive!

When you’re running errands with small kids in tow, the fewer stops you have to make the better. Now you’ll have one less place to buckle and unbuckle that car seat because UPS is adding locations to CVS and Michaels stores.

After an initial test run in Texas stores, the partnership between UPS and several retailers is expanding to include 1,100 Michaels locations and thousands of CVS stores across the country. Now customers will be able to drop off and pick up UPS packages and grab prescriptions or shop for slime supplies all in one stop.

UPS is rolling out the service to nearly all 8,000 stand-alone CVS locations in the United States, as well as an unspecified number of Advance Auto Parts stores. Since Amazon returns can be made through UPS Access Points this makes it even easier to shop and make returns on Amazon.

The new locations will provide an easy avenue for returns, but more importantly an option for deliveries if customers do not want their Amazon orders left on their front porch. Of course, much like dropping off Amazon returns at Kohl’s, it will probably be impossible to leave without stocking up on some art supplies.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

Featured photo: Mike Mozart via Flickr

 

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