How Costco Tricks You Into Spending - Money Moves

Costco is an American institution known for its cheap prices on bulk items. But that doesn't mean the wholesale giant doesn't have a few tricks up its sleeve.

[anneonymous]

But then they turn around and treat their employees decently. I'm not going to switch to Walmart or Whole Foods (aka Amazon) over this.

[markharris]

I joined Costco here in the UK shortly after it opened some twenty years ago. I still see Costco assistants at work whom I saw on my first visit to Costco. This is beyond exceptional, and is indicative of integrity on Costco's part.

[bennetfox]

These techniques are not limited to Costco since all retail establishments facilitate these ideas.

[reneaguilar]

All retails do this, retail marketing 101

[nickdrivesamiata]

As a Costco employee it makes go backs really annoying. You'll be like "I know for a fact that I saw this on this end cap yesterday" and walk around for 10 minutes feeling really dumb until you realize it's on the fence or something. Best job I've ever had though and I absolutely love working there.

[Kikester]

This literally every store ever not just Costco

[judyfenske]

Walmart does this, as most department stores do.

[lShishkaBerryl]

they don't move the grocery items at mine, just everything else lol.

[JasonW.]

While looking for AA batteries:
Damn, I didn't realize I needed 50 lbs of dog food. Thanks Costco, in case I get a dog in the future!

[mrleblanc]

What are you talking about, I've been going to Costco with my parents since I was like 5 years old and sure sometime some item move, but overall product category all always the same. You can even go to a different Costco and product will be in the exact same isle.

[SpiralBreeze]

Costco is the only place I can use my food stamps and actually get enough food to feed my family and still have leftover without digging into my SSDI money. Everything they sell is cheaper and way better quality than Target or Walmart. Kirkland is all that an a bag of chips!

[kimcrouse]

Alot of stores do resets often for this purpose. Even in grocery stores. They often put most expensive brands at eye level too

[aquilaclark]

You are so right, they are constantly moving my 2 pack jar artichoke hearts around😂

[ChrisDecrease]

Most Costco locations I've visited remain fairly consistent in their layout. I can not be there for a while, come back, and quickly find what I need.

[codelessunlimited]

As long the 25lbs sack of rice is $17, and the 36 counts of eggs is $8.

[lorettetucker]

So true never walk out less than $300.

[Kodikat]

When you were shopping with multiple children they get hungry and Costco is the best place to feed them. That $1.50 Hot Dog Soda combo is awesome

[georgehelyar]

Here in the UK they also show all prices ex VAT. It's normal for a wholesaler, and it's normal to not show sales tax in the price in the US, but consumers aren't used to it here, so you get a shock at checkout when most things cost 20% more than the list price.

They actually show both prices but the ex VAT price is massive and the inc VAT price is tiny.

[mbush]

Didn't mention the biggest item of all. $5 rotisserie chicken in the back.

Grocery stores do the same thing, although they do it in much longer intervals typically around 5 to 7 years