Very very true. And things like ribs you buy one pack and you have enough, vs. at a store the rib sizes or meat on the bones may be smaller and so you are essentially forced to buy more packs, and thus actually end up spending more money to get equiv. Fresh meat's definitely not the best comparison to use.
Chris Centner agree. i always think the price is expensive but my husband bought it once and i love the meat so much. i will never buy meat from anywhere now except at costco.
Costco only sells USDA prime and choice meat which are the best quality, so I agree that she is totally wrong about buying meat there. Also, some costco meat prices per pound are less than other grocery stores and she is just going off of one product in one weekly ad... her reasoning for not buying certain things makes no sense
However, as a federal meat inspector, I purchase wholesale meat because it's usually USDA Choice at Costco or Sam's, where as at retail stores like Safeway, they sell USDA Select grade and I prefer to spend the extra buck for the meat that is in the top two thirds of the quality grade than either Select or No Roll.
You also have to consider the quality of the item, not just the price. Usually I've found the produce at Costco much better quality and freshness than what's in the grocery store.
wincrasher2007 I totally agree. Quality in any food especially produce has to be weighed into your buy or not buy decision. If it lasts long and tastes better it worth the extra and Costco definitely wins in this area on many of their produce items.
Oscar Gr they take a 30 million loss every year and the membership makes up for it. They cut cost by also making their own aka Kirkland brand instead of paying a supplier. Ik they do this with their 1.50 hotdog but not so sure with their chicken.
Rosalynn Weaver I was going to say the same thing! You can't always compare apples to apples or in this case meat. The quality of the product is exponentially better and so it is worth paying more for. I would say the same for a lot of the produce.
+Dan M when i go to costco i always buy +100 on meat, from steak to ground beef and i can tell you they are top quality meat compared to the type al local store you get it from. Tbh is really cheap for the quality of meat you get.
Rakesh Ravisankar I picked up chicken from Walmart the other day and it still had feathers on it. 😣 another cheaper grocery store got in trouble for selling horsemeat as beef. So I'm really picky about where I buy my meat. I'm not one of those crazy it has to be organic etc.
I know the apples are probably more expensive at Costco, but they taste SO delicious. They last a really long time, and usually they're much higher quality & are crisper and more delicious/juicy, in my opinion. I'd rather pay a little bit more for quality things. I never understood if you're only saving a few dollars making an extra trip to another store, because that is more gas, more time, more hassle on you later on. Maybe I am just lazy lol
CutTheFat EXACTLY can't put a price on Top Shelf Apples...*DOES ANYBODY ELSE THINK THE APPLES(Meats, produce etc.) "ON SALE" @ Other stores are the "B grade" APPLES(along with other things) COSTCO WOULDN'T SELL??
Dan M Dan My MOM does the SAME and in Chicago! NOT safe for elderly ladies EXCEPT COSTCO ALWAYS HAS EXTRA LIGHTS AND POLICE...Guess the city DOESN'T want to lose IT'S TAX income! LOL
Coming to this late, hope you are still reading these. Yes, part 2 please:) Just wanted to add that vitamins are a fantastic deal at Costco! I'm in Oregon, so my local grocery store is Safeway. I think I saw a 200 count bottle of multivitamins for a little over $20 at Safeway. Costco runs an ad sometimes for a few dollars off/instant rebate on their Kirkland 500 count multivitamins, making them about $10-$13 per bottle. Also, the shelf life on vitamins, and many other meds are A LOT longer than advertised, readers can research that on their own, but the point is that you can get all the vitamins your family needs for the whole year for a lot less at Costco. Thanks for all you do Melea:)
Elisa Fuller honey crisp is our families favorite and they are huge when they get them and 15.00 for them is really not a bad price for 6 of them at krogers they cost 20.00
Love this video. Especially because my husband is a manager at Costco and has worked there for 15 years! Plus he is a total couponer like you and loves a good deal. We have snagged some amazing deals. We just got new leather furniture and wound up getting $300 a few weeks later as they got marked down making room for holiday items. Amazing company!
Thank you for the tips and insight. I don't shop much at Costco because I would go in there and wonder why people were buying so many bulk items that cost so much more per ounce/item, etc than things at other stores. Now I know what to look for and how to compare. I knew sodas weren't cheaper!
Awesome! So great to see that I'm not the only one who uses these money saving tips! I honestly wondered if anyone realized how much they overspend on groceries. Anyways kudos on the great video and thanks.
Costco has a great organic selection if that's important to you from product to canned items and rice and beans. They have been incorporating a lot more options. 😊
Yes absolutely! I struggle often with buying organic vs. reg. and buy a mix of both but I love Costco because it makes it more feasible for a lot of items :) And I love how the signage/labels for the items are green so it is easy to identify what is organic! Definitely do this video! :)
Quality is not always better at Costco than other stores. I just found you and enjoy what you are saying. I am alone so it is out of the question to buy so much bulk all the time especially for perishables Thank you for all the help.
apples are more expensive but they are usually the A-grade that makes them worth it. bigger, juicier and free of bruises and most of the time organic. same with grapes, big as your thumb and fresh. True, not all things at Costco is a deal, just read unit prices carefully.
Love it!! I am the same way! I want to run up to people at Costco sometimes and shake them. Tell them they are way over paying!! BUT for the most part, I LOVE COSTCO!! Great video 💜
It would have been a nicer video if you split half of the video of things to buy, and the other half of what not to buy, not all mixed up and disorganized.
I was curious to watch this as a Canadian. The prices are different, but I have to say even with the prices differences we were pretty on point for opinions on what is or isn't a good deal and the things you have to carefully watch as they fluctuate at Costco. I'm so with you on the garbage bags. We've tried several other brands in a pinch and we are always so irritated with the quality and the price! Thanks for the cool video
Costco prices are regional and even by community. I was in Sequim, WA where Costco has a store. We were looking to replace our Generator we left in Alaska while making the move. Oddly enough the Price at the Costco in Sequim was higher than at the Costco in Anchorage. I took the time to ask the Manager why prices were higher than other Costco's. His answer was the shipping. After doing a little research you find Costco has higher prices in more affluent areas... where folks have more money. OH, and I hope you all understand shipping to Alaska is much higher than shipping to Washington State.
Your tip on using our phone's to calculate pricing and checking toy prices on Amazon is brilliant. I wouldn't have thought to check Amazon to see if the price is good or not. Great tips! $
I dont think Amazon is a good place to compare prices too. Amazon prices are always going to be high because its all regular price. Places like walmart should be used to compare prices
I've noticed here in Australia some good savings. Dishwashing detergent tablets are cheap. I haven't tried the Kirkland brand yet. Here stores have to display how something is per unit (100g). Yes the batteries and books! I also think toilet paper is good and it's cheapest here. I love it. When I move I will go there to buy a tv and soundbar I think :)
just sure if you know but any price that ends with a 7 they are not bringing the product back so some the cloth will have a good price that way can bring new or seasonal items.
We just purchased a home and completely furnished it with all Costco furniture! Can’t beat the quality and the price! Absolutely love everything we have purchased right down to the TV set! Needless to say I spend thousands, correction, tens of thousands of dollars at Costco every year!
I wish you could do a video on snacks. As moms, we typically buy more snacks for kids. I would like to know if rice crispy bars are a steal or not... or juice boxes, etc. but the two videos I’ve watched so far has been very helpful!
Costco is also a really great way to buy VERY CHEAP games! My Walmart has Just Dance 2017 for the WII for 34.99! My Costco has it for just 29.99! Good deal!
Wow so glad you made this video!! I have to show my mom because when she does her bulk shopping we go to BJ's cuz thats what we have around here. Could you possibly do a video comparing Target and Walmart prices cuz I know Target is more expensive compared to Walmart. Love your money saving videos!! 😄
I do agree that some stuff at Costco and Sams Club is a little high and you can get the stuff cheaper at places like Target and WalMart, But when going to Costco and Sams Club you do get more for your money and yes you spend alot but the stuff you buy last longer. Two things that I not buy at Costco and Sams Club is the fruit and veggies because yes they are way to high there and you can get the fruit and veggies at WalMart or Target, But everything else I will buy at Costco and Sam`s club because like I said you get more for your money and it last longer.
Loved this video. Have you tried the app, Flipped? It's a digital version of the ads. So you don't have to remember to take the actual paper ad with you. It's free and has a lot of our local ads available.
The question is though, is it worth running to a number of different stores to get the best deal. The time spent and money on fuel, so that you save a few cents on vegetables. Are the savings really material under the bottom line? I honestly don't know.
No, I only will run to another store if that store's ad beats a lot of the items at Costco. I agree that time is also important and $5 to me is not enough to make me go to another store. $50 difference? Um, definitely! ;)
Our family finds it more cost effective to just get everything at Costco, even if there are cheaper deals elsewhere. We are willing to spend a little extra per item since we can also get cheap gas and a cheap lunch. It also helps that the annual executive membership rewards are substantial.
Thanks for the great tips Malea! Costco is my regular grocery store....so I appreciate the heads up on ways to save, especially because we could use the extra cash for baby #8 coming soon ; D
The Rich Life but people want to buy what ever they want. So actually you should not say you should not say you should or should not buy some things from there you said you saw family's buying things that you said they should not be buying there. Who cares what people buy there. Really it's non of your busyness what people buy there.
Sometimes I have no option but to buy almost everything I need from one store if I don't have enough gas in my car to go to another store, I would spend either gas or money which equals the same thing lol.
If your family only has 2 people in it, bulk purchases would only make sense for more of the non-perishable foods. Other items would go bad quickly, unless you were able to freeze it. So that's what I would think about. :)
There is a huge quality in size/freshness if produce (Costco gets premium produce), as well as meats (for example grade of meat and overall bone content, which makes HUGE differences when calculating price per pound) and gourmet cheeses (source quality and freshness). Your comparison, while it might be proverbially "apples to apples" is actually more akin to comparing grade A apples to grade B or C, and therefore isn't as direct as it might seem on the surface. People who value quality over quantity should consider that. Otherwise, good tips! Stuff we do on the regular. :-) Other things to shop for at Costco: wood furniture (they sell solid wood pieces for roughly 1/3 of what we could find comparable pieces for elsewhere, and believe me, I SEARCHED! Truth be told, though, our Costco pieces are some of our favorites! They put new pieces out at tax season and towards the end of summer), luxury bath towels (I got mine for between 1/3 and 1/2 the price, depending on if they were the top of the line ones manufactured by a known luxury retailer for Costco for the master bathroom or the Costco brand for my childrens' bathroom), personal care supplies (bandaids, tampons/pads, contact solution, etc...even some higher end cosmetics), and cleaning supplies like sponges, laundry detergent and softeners (if they have your scent, or one you can live with switching to, it's often a steal).
Also forgot to mention Christmas stuff. Decorations like lights or wreaths, gift wrap and home dec like little deer or pumpkins (even nice quality mercury glass, which I got a set of 3 last year for less than the price I could find a comparable to the largest one in the set at) to decorate shelves with. Also, they always have a HUGE international sections where they have holiday treats and wines from around the world that are well known, established brands from these countries and are superior quality for gift giving or for family gatherings.
I ALWAYS buy the boxed greeting cards (both all occasion and Christmas) at Costco. They're high quality and every person I give one to LOVES it and asks where I got it from. Cards are expensive so to get a box of 20/25 cards for around $16-$20 is a steal. Part 2 please! Love from PA.
Cathie AussieGirl well, the US dollar is worth quite a bit more than the Australian dollar. Some things do turn out to be way cheaper, but 1 usd is about 2 aus dollars.
Thanks for the video. A couple things: 1) Please share the city/state/country of the store as different regions have different prices. 2) Have you ever compared alcohol prices (regular brands, regular brands vs Kirkland brands, taste satisfaction) Thanks in advance.
Love the video!!! So... some thoughts, What about paper towel, toilet paper etc. also what about the Tupperware or other non perishable items? Would love to know more! P.s. Costco vs sams? What are your thoughts?
You are literally my life saver ! Im a first time mommy and for the first time we will be moving completely away from family! Your helping me get my financial chaos in control, our tithing First no matter what, and helping me save through it all ! I can not thank you enough I really hope god blesses you for blessing us with some wisdom!
I love the tips on printer ink Melea! I had no idea! And something we have found is a steal-of-a-deal on is organic frozen blueberries for smoothies. Love Costco (and the rotisserie chicken)!
I miss their polish though... they were $1.50 also... if they discontinued it because they couldn't sell it for that any longer they could have raised it to $2 and nobody would have complained... never heard what the reason to drop them was.
Are there any tricks you have for buying diapers? I'm stocking up now because I'm not due until March but I have been buying them at Costco when they have their $$ off coupon.. Which made them around $31 I believe for their box.. What's a good price per diaper when you are shopping for them?
For size Newborn and 1, I would definitely shoot for under $.16 per diaper. I've gotten them for as low as $.10 per diaper before. Once you get into the higher sizes, try to stay under $.20 per diaper.
I get my diapers and wipes through Amazon subscribe and save. They come right to your house and they are under that price point that Melea talks about!
If any of your friends work in the healthcare field i.e. dr. office or hospital, they can get them way cheaper than anything you can get in store. And most do both Huggies and Pampers. I know employees of IHC(utah) can get them. It never hurts to ask they can only say no, but it will save you a ton if they will.
I love Costco, but I never know what to buy! It's amazing how many choices you have to make. Thanks for sharing your strategies for finding the best buys.
Price per unit is on the tag - no need to calculate anything. Flipp is an awesome app that has all of your local flyers - no need to carry the stack of paper with you.
I heart Costco & would love a part 2. I'm proud to say I knew most of those deals! I will say when huggies diapers have a coupon they are a good deal for me & I can often just buy online to have them shipped free.
I tried doing this math a few times. It doesn't make sense to selectively shop like this if you start also factoring the cost of gas driving to Smith's. If you factor that in then buying everything in 1 store as opposed to driving to 5 different ones is WAY cheaper.
Usually a store like Target will do their promotions about once a quarter. Usually $3 or less per 12 pack. I think they have a deal this week actually for an extra $5 off a $20 purchase for any Pepsi purchase. Check their weekly ad. :)
This is my second video of yours! I have been wondering if I am getting good prices especially on the nuts!! I would LOVE to see a part 3 to this series $
I used to live off them till I found out about all the crap they pump into them :( Now every time I walk by I'm like nooooooooo.....I want you but I can't!
Thanks for the video! Huggies makes the Kirkland brand diapers and wipes! Also if it helps, the app Flipp is a good one to have on your phone because you can see your local grocery stores sales ad as opposed to having to bring the paper in store.
She is all wrong about things you shouldn't buy at Costco yeah you may save few cents if you go to different stores but at the same time you are wasting gas too by going to so many stores
But you don't buy everything you need at costco every time. Sometimes things are way too big and excessive. Costco isn't somewhere you go every single time you grocery shop, either.
Target does sales that are $3 or less per 12 pack every quarter. I think they have a deal this week actually for an extra $5 off a $20 purchase for any Pepsi purchase. Check their weekly ad. :)
Ilsuk D Yang i tried that a few years back, it was generic coke-i have no idea what it was but something they used in that gave me severe stomach pain for hours, i know I'm lactose intolerant but thats about it, but yea that kinda freaked me out so i steer clear of generic soda lol, now i just steer clear of pop in general but thank you and to everyone else for ur suggestions!
I love your channel. I really enjoyed this episode. Although you showed great saving items as well loos like bad choices due to lack of savings. The 1 thing you failed to apply in your bad buys are is distance to a market that "MAY" have a sale on let's say soda or other items. I have done the math multiple times and found that distance, time, and cost of gas to go to a market that "MAY" have a sale ended costing anywhere 3 to sometimes 5 times more.
under $3 for a 12 pack of soda? i wish. up here in greater toronto its $6 for a 12 maybe 5 or 4 on sale yet its the same price in the us costco $11 for a 36
pawn3d167 I also live on Toronto and let have never paid more than 2 99 for a 12 pack of name brand pop I usually buy the 6 pack of bottles that equal 12 of cans for anywhere from 1 99 to 2 99 never more
Coke and Pepsi have been $5 US or more for a 12 pack for several years. Maybe if you get a coupon you can get it for $3.50, but that’s the nice thing about going to costco. You don’t need to wait for a sale.
The price for a 12 pack of soda is average $4.99 each now. On sale, it's usually 3 packs for $12. I haven't seen any brand name soda for under $3 anywhere.
I love Costco. My husband and I many weekends enjoy a breakfast out and then wander Costco with a cafe latte in hand. Buy all our dairy, yogurt and eggs there. Super convenient.
This was such a helpful video for me because I go into Costco and have an anxiety attack because there is so much to take in. I typically stay around the prepared food area because it's safe and concise and my family and I love the pizza. I really liked your review on the batteries and how to break down cost per single unit or ounce. Yes, I would like to see a part 2 maybe concentrating on the soaps, toothspaste, vitamins, etc. Great Video.
costco batteries are very inexpensive, however about 90% of the ones I have purchased leak acid inside my gadgets and the time I waste cleaning up after the batteries make the price of costco batteries a bad deal for me.
I find that Produce at Costco is generally too expensive but they are REALLY good quality... I guess you get what you pay for... PART 2 Would be awesome! Maybe I'll subscribe to your Channel.... MAYBE!!
Thanks for making the video I am thinking of getting membership there and get stuff. I know I went to with my April 2015. Got the Kirkland trash Bags. Here Jan 2017 and I still have trash bags and not out yet.
Did you know you can buy the rotisserie chicken already cut off the bones and chopped up at Costco? It's the best! It's probably more expensive but worth it if you ask me!
A lot of people don't like cutting the meat off the bone, I have a little panic attack each time so I find the comment helpful. I am a really half ass carnivore.
wow, your Costco has much different prices than ours here in Oregon. Like the Apple juice is $5.99 and the same Carter pajamas is $5.99. I find that huggies are better than kirkland brand, if I need to get off brand, target is best IMO.
I love it when they put the Carter's pjs on sale here in Oregon for $5.99. It's funny how baby butts can be so different. I've had two Huggies babes, and one Kirkland. All other brands didn't fit the cheeks well, lol.
When it comes to costco I stick to buying the things I use on a daily or regular basis and stock up enough for at least 3 months: Toilet paper, Shampoo, tooth paste, bathing soap, shampoo, dishwashing soap, garbage bag, aluminum foil, sugar, tea, cereal, oatmeal, laundry soap, lysol, salt and cooking oil. During back to school I get with other moms and we buy in bulk then split.
I shop at Costco and Walmart. I also get 2% cash back at Costco on everything I buy. these two businesses are typically the cheapest. if your driving to 6 different stores to save 20 cent here or 50 cents there it's a waste. because of the amount of time and gas you're spending to go to all these places. I shop at Costco first and the stuff I know I can get at Walmart cheaper I drive a mile down the street and get it there.
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A note on the meat, Costco sells higher quality meat than the local grocery stores. So it's tough to compare.
Chris Centner i agree
Very very true. And things like ribs you buy one pack and you have enough, vs. at a store the rib sizes or meat on the bones may be smaller and so you are essentially forced to buy more packs, and thus actually end up spending more money to get equiv. Fresh meat's definitely not the best comparison to use.
That's exactly what I was thinking. Sometimes it's a little pricier, but the meat is always top quality at Costco.
Chris Centner agree. i always think the price is expensive but my husband bought it once and i love the meat so much. i will never buy meat from anywhere now except at costco.
Costco only sells USDA prime and choice meat which are the best quality, so I agree that she is totally wrong about buying meat there. Also, some costco meat prices per pound are less than other grocery stores and she is just going off of one product in one weekly ad... her reasoning for not buying certain things makes no sense
However, as a federal meat inspector, I purchase wholesale meat because it's usually USDA Choice at Costco or Sam's, where as at retail stores like Safeway, they sell USDA Select grade and I prefer to spend the extra buck for the meat that is in the top two thirds of the quality grade than either Select or No Roll.
You also have to consider the quality of the item, not just the price. Usually I've found the produce at Costco much better quality and freshness than what's in the grocery store.
wincrasher2007 I totally agree. Quality in any food especially produce has to be weighed into your buy or not buy decision. If it lasts long and tastes better it worth the extra and Costco definitely wins in this area on many of their produce items.
Kathy MacInnis. Can I say "except the rotisserie chicken".
What kind of horror does it take to raise and grill a chicken for 4.99?
Oscar Gr they take a 30 million loss every year and the membership makes up for it. They cut cost by also making their own aka Kirkland brand instead of paying a supplier. Ik they do this with their 1.50 hotdog but not so sure with their chicken.
Agreed
Not around here. Publix has the best quality produce
I don't care if the meat is more expensive it's way better quality then grocery stores lately. Something you just can't go cheap on.
Rosalynn Weaver I was going to say the same thing! You can't always compare apples to apples or in this case meat.
The quality of the product is exponentially better and so it is worth paying more for.
I would say the same for a lot of the produce.
Dan M hahahaha apparently you never had quality meat. It's not the same
+Dan M when i go to costco i always buy +100 on meat, from steak to ground beef and i can tell you they are top quality meat compared to the type al local store you get it from. Tbh is really cheap for the quality of meat you get.
Rosalynn Weaver not sure about the US but in Canada, the same goes with the produce as well. The quality is top notch for sure
Rakesh Ravisankar I picked up chicken from Walmart the other day and it still had feathers on it. 😣 another cheaper grocery store got in trouble for selling horsemeat as beef. So I'm really picky about where I buy my meat. I'm not one of those crazy it has to be organic etc.
I know the apples are probably more expensive at Costco, but they taste SO delicious. They last a really long time, and usually they're much higher quality & are crisper and more delicious/juicy, in my opinion. I'd rather pay a little bit more for quality things. I never understood if you're only saving a few dollars making an extra trip to another store, because that is more gas, more time, more hassle on you later on. Maybe I am just lazy lol
CutTheFat I agree! Same with the meat. It is more expensive but the quality is exponentially better! Worth paying for!
CutTheFat EXACTLY can't put a price on Top Shelf Apples...*DOES ANYBODY ELSE THINK THE APPLES(Meats, produce etc.) "ON SALE" @ Other stores are the "B grade" APPLES(along with other things) COSTCO WOULDN'T SELL??
Kassi "exponentially better" IS the phrase that sums IT UP perfect Kassi!
Dan M Dan My MOM does the SAME and in Chicago! NOT safe for elderly ladies EXCEPT COSTCO ALWAYS HAS EXTRA LIGHTS AND POLICE...Guess the city DOESN'T want to lose IT'S TAX income! LOL
CutTheFat w
Our Costco has an optometrist and optician. The exam, lens, and frames prices were amazing. More than paid for the annual membership.
Coming to this late, hope you are still reading these. Yes, part 2 please:) Just wanted to add that vitamins are a fantastic deal at Costco! I'm in Oregon, so my local grocery store is Safeway. I think I saw a 200 count bottle of multivitamins for a little over $20 at Safeway. Costco runs an ad sometimes for a few dollars off/instant rebate on their Kirkland 500 count multivitamins, making them about $10-$13 per bottle. Also, the shelf life on vitamins, and many other meds are A LOT longer than advertised, readers can research that on their own, but the point is that you can get all the vitamins your family needs for the whole year for a lot less at Costco. Thanks for all you do Melea:)
Just signed up for a Costco membership card, and I came across your video beforehand!! Helps a bunch, thanks for the help! Part 2 for SURE!
So glad it helped!
Costco apples are usually much larger and we can find the honeycrisp apples there. some things are worth the price.
Elisa Fuller honey crisp is our families favorite and they are huge when they get them and 15.00 for them is really not a bad price for 6 of them at krogers they cost 20.00
I totally agree with you!
Love this video. Especially because my husband is a manager at Costco and has worked there for 15 years! Plus he is a total couponer like you and loves a good deal. We have snagged some amazing deals. We just got new leather furniture and wound up getting $300 a few weeks later as they got marked down making room for holiday items. Amazing company!
Thank you for the tips and insight. I don't shop much at Costco because I would go in there and wonder why people were buying so many bulk items that cost so much more per ounce/item, etc than things at other stores. Now I know what to look for and how to compare. I knew sodas weren't cheaper!
Awesome! So great to see that I'm not the only one who uses these money saving tips! I honestly wondered if anyone realized how much they overspend on groceries. Anyways kudos on the great video and thanks.
Costco has a great organic selection if that's important to you from product to canned items and rice and beans. They have been incorporating a lot more options. 😊
I love the frozen organic fruit-perfect for smoothies!
Maybe a video just about Organic stuff would be good in the future too?? Thanks for commenting!
Yes absolutely! I struggle often with buying organic vs. reg. and buy a mix of both but I love Costco because it makes it more feasible for a lot of items :) And I love how the signage/labels for the items are green so it is easy to identify what is organic! Definitely do this video! :)
Yes organic product please!!our membership expired and still wondering if we should get another one
LovedHappy yes yes yes!! I love so many of their organics. Especially the frozen fruits and veggies!!!!!
Quality is not always better at Costco than other stores. I just found you and enjoy what you are saying. I am alone so it is out of the question to buy so much bulk all the time especially for perishables Thank you for all the help.
apples are more expensive but they are usually the A-grade that makes them worth it. bigger, juicier and free of bruises and most of the time organic. same with grapes, big as your thumb and fresh. True, not all things at Costco is a deal, just read unit prices carefully.
Love it!! I am the same way! I want to run up to people at Costco sometimes and shake them. Tell them they are way over paying!! BUT for the most part, I LOVE COSTCO!! Great video 💜
It would have been a nicer video if you split half of the video of things to buy, and the other half of what not to buy, not all mixed up and disorganized.
I was curious to watch this as a Canadian. The prices are different, but I have to say even with the prices differences we were pretty on point for opinions on what is or isn't a good deal and the things you have to carefully watch as they fluctuate at Costco. I'm so with you on the garbage bags. We've tried several other brands in a pinch and we are always so irritated with the quality and the price! Thanks for the cool video
Costco prices are regional and even by community.
I was in Sequim, WA where Costco has a store. We were looking to replace our Generator we left in Alaska while making the move. Oddly enough the Price at the Costco in Sequim was higher than at the Costco in Anchorage. I took the time to ask the Manager why prices were higher than other Costco's. His answer was the shipping.
After doing a little research you find Costco has higher prices in more affluent areas... where folks have more money.
OH, and I hope you all understand shipping to Alaska is much higher than shipping to Washington State.
Your tip on using our phone's to calculate pricing and checking toy prices on Amazon is brilliant. I wouldn't have thought to check Amazon to see if the price is good or not. Great tips! $
I dont think Amazon is a good place to compare prices too. Amazon prices are always going to be high because its all regular price. Places like walmart should be used to compare prices
I've noticed here in Australia some good savings. Dishwashing detergent tablets are cheap. I haven't tried the Kirkland brand yet. Here stores have to display how something is per unit (100g). Yes the batteries and books! I also think toilet paper is good and it's cheapest here. I love it. When I move I will go there to buy a tv and soundbar I think :)
just sure if you know but any price that ends with a 7 they are not bringing the product back so some the cloth will have a good price that way can bring new or seasonal items.
We just purchased a home and completely furnished it with all Costco furniture! Can’t beat the quality and the price! Absolutely love everything we have purchased right down to the TV set! Needless to say I spend thousands, correction, tens of thousands of dollars at Costco every year!
what about the price matching apps you mentioned? You said you'd put them in the description.
Sorry about that. Try RedLaser. There are a ton of price scanning apps you can search in your app store too. :)
Thanks!
The Melea Show
I wish you could do a video on snacks. As moms, we typically buy more snacks for kids. I would like to know if rice crispy bars are a steal or not... or juice boxes, etc. but the two videos I’ve watched so far has been very helpful!
Costco is also a really great way to buy VERY CHEAP games!
My Walmart has Just Dance 2017 for the WII for 34.99!
My Costco has it for just 29.99! Good deal!
yes a part 2 would be awesome! we just got memberships this last summer
Definitely a great idea to bring a grocery ad with you to compare the prices!
Ali O this! You can also use your phone to browse the stores weekly ads on their websites! (:
Forget the newspaper, just download the Flipp App. it has all the ads at your finger tips. love that app.
Wow so glad you made this video!! I have to show my mom because when she does her bulk shopping we go to BJ's cuz thats what we have around here. Could you possibly do a video comparing Target and Walmart prices cuz I know Target is more expensive compared to Walmart. Love your money saving videos!! 😄
I do agree that some stuff at Costco and Sams Club is a little high and you can get the stuff cheaper at places like Target and WalMart, But when going to Costco and Sams Club you do get more for your money and yes you spend alot but the stuff you buy last longer. Two things that I not buy at Costco and Sams Club is the fruit and veggies because yes they are way to high there and you can get the fruit and veggies at WalMart or Target, But everything else I will buy at Costco and Sam`s club because like I said you get more for your money and it last longer.
Loved this video. Have you tried the app, Flipped? It's a digital version of the ads. So you don't have to remember to take the actual paper ad with you. It's free and has a lot of our local ads available.
The question is though, is it worth running to a number of different stores to get the best deal. The time spent and money on fuel, so that you save a few cents on vegetables. Are the savings really material under the bottom line? I honestly don't know.
Sabine Squared - I ponder that. Gas and time, I'd rather spend the extra $5 if that means I can go straight home lol.
No, I only will run to another store if that store's ad beats a lot of the items at Costco. I agree that time is also important and $5 to me is not enough to make me go to another store. $50 difference? Um, definitely! ;)
Our family finds it more cost effective to just get everything at Costco, even if there are cheaper deals elsewhere. We are willing to spend a little extra per item since we can also get cheap gas and a cheap lunch. It also helps that the annual executive membership rewards are substantial.
Thanks for the great tips Malea! Costco is my regular grocery store....so I appreciate the heads up on ways to save, especially because we could use the extra cash for baby #8 coming soon ; D
Costco is soooo overwhelming! No clue what I should buy. Thanks for sharing your secrets!
So glad it helped!
I agree overwhelming store don't know what to get and how to save money
Sparkie Badger
The Rich Life but people want to buy what ever they want. So actually you should not say you should not say you should or should not buy some things from there you said you saw family's buying things that you said they should not be buying there. Who cares what people buy there. Really it's non of your busyness what people buy there.
Emily Roberts I'm super confused here!! I didn't make this video. I just commented ☺
I have been trying to decide if I should get a Costco card. I shop for groceries at winco. and winco is much close to me. how do they compare?
Sometimes I have no option but to buy almost everything I need from one store if I don't have enough gas in my car to go to another store, I would spend either gas or money which equals the same thing lol.
Part 2 please. What should a family of 2 buy in bulk? Was wondering if it's worth it to go out of my way to shop there.
If your family only has 2 people in it, bulk purchases would only make sense for more of the non-perishable foods. Other items would go bad quickly, unless you were able to freeze it. So that's what I would think about. :)
There is a huge quality in size/freshness if produce (Costco gets premium produce), as well as meats (for example grade of meat and overall bone content, which makes HUGE differences when calculating price per pound) and gourmet cheeses (source quality and freshness). Your comparison, while it might be proverbially "apples to apples" is actually more akin to comparing grade A apples to grade B or C, and therefore isn't as direct as it might seem on the surface. People who value quality over quantity should consider that. Otherwise, good tips! Stuff we do on the regular. :-) Other things to shop for at Costco: wood furniture (they sell solid wood pieces for roughly 1/3 of what we could find comparable pieces for elsewhere, and believe me, I SEARCHED! Truth be told, though, our Costco pieces are some of our favorites! They put new pieces out at tax season and towards the end of summer), luxury bath towels (I got mine for between 1/3 and 1/2 the price, depending on if they were the top of the line ones manufactured by a known luxury retailer for Costco for the master bathroom or the Costco brand for my childrens' bathroom), personal care supplies (bandaids, tampons/pads, contact solution, etc...even some higher end cosmetics), and cleaning supplies like sponges, laundry detergent and softeners (if they have your scent, or one you can live with switching to, it's often a steal).
Also forgot to mention Christmas stuff. Decorations like lights or wreaths, gift wrap and home dec like little deer or pumpkins (even nice quality mercury glass, which I got a set of 3 last year for less than the price I could find a comparable to the largest one in the set at) to decorate shelves with. Also, they always have a HUGE international sections where they have holiday treats and wines from around the world that are well known, established brands from these countries and are superior quality for gift giving or for family gatherings.
I ALWAYS buy the boxed greeting cards (both all occasion and Christmas) at Costco. They're high quality and every person I give one to LOVES it and asks where I got it from. Cards are expensive so to get a box of 20/25 cards for around $16-$20 is a steal. Part 2 please! Love from PA.
America has such cheap food, even the 'expensive' price is a lot cheaper than here in Australia.
Cathie AussieGirl well, the US dollar is worth quite a bit more than the Australian dollar. Some things do turn out to be way cheaper, but 1 usd is about 2 aus dollars.
We make up for it with our insane healthcare costs :'(
Thanks for the video. A couple things:
1) Please share the city/state/country of the store as different regions have different prices.
2) Have you ever compared alcohol prices (regular brands, regular brands vs Kirkland brands, taste satisfaction)
Thanks in advance.
Love the video!!! So... some thoughts, What about paper towel, toilet paper etc. also what about the Tupperware or other non perishable items? Would love to know more!
P.s. Costco vs sams? What are your thoughts?
Ill try to include those in the 2nd video! I've had both memberships in the past and I just prefer Costco more. Plus, Costco was closer to me as well.
Katie Lybbert toilet paper, paper toweling I think is a great deal! We just stocked up on the Kirkland brand TP
You are literally my life saver ! Im a first time mommy and for the first time we will be moving completely away from family! Your helping me get my financial chaos in control, our tithing First no matter what, and helping me save through it all ! I can not thank you enough I really hope god blesses you for blessing us with some wisdom!
Part two ,three and more love Costco
MaryJo Mouldimg yes I love Costco, I shop at least twice a month :)
MaryJo Mouldimg I shop there every 2 weeks
we don't have costco here in doha.. but still watching this video love love saving tips... lolz!
Where are you for being soda 12 packs for under $3? I never find them at that price, ever.
Walmart or Safeway or Foodmaxx store brands
I love the tips on printer ink Melea! I had no idea! And something we have found is a steal-of-a-deal on is organic frozen blueberries for smoothies. Love Costco (and the rotisserie chicken)!
you didn't mention their $1.50 HUGE hotdog (all beef) they have with sides and a soda
You are healthy
thats a steal right?
@@IndianGirlAbroad for complete dog shit for nutrition sure
@@usernameisusername I dont eat meat, lots of people i know eat from there. so depends on what you like and how much you can spend i guess.
I miss their polish though... they were $1.50 also... if they discontinued it because they couldn't sell it for that any longer they could have raised it to $2 and nobody would have complained... never heard what the reason to drop them was.
I buy the "dirty dozen" organic only. I noticed in the kids applesauce you did not notice the more expensive brand was organic.
bmarygirl they were both organic. The green on the label is now an indication of this type of food at Costco.
Are there any tricks you have for buying diapers? I'm stocking up now because I'm not due until March but I have been buying them at Costco when they have their $$ off coupon.. Which made them around $31 I believe for their box.. What's a good price per diaper when you are shopping for them?
For size Newborn and 1, I would definitely shoot for under $.16 per diaper. I've gotten them for as low as $.10 per diaper before. Once you get into the higher sizes, try to stay under $.20 per diaper.
Ok that sounds good. Thank you so much!
I get my diapers and wipes through Amazon subscribe and save. They come right to your house and they are under that price point that Melea talks about!
If any of your friends work in the healthcare field i.e. dr. office or hospital, they can get them way cheaper than anything you can get in store. And most do both Huggies and Pampers. I know employees of IHC(utah) can get them. It never hurts to ask they can only say no, but it will save you a ton if they will.
Nicole Kunzler I actually work at the hospital! I need to look into that! Thank you!!
I love Costco, but I never know what to buy! It's amazing how many choices you have to make. Thanks for sharing your strategies
for finding the best buys.
Yes Part 2 please! Toilet Paper? Home Goods? Eggs?
yes to part two! so excited I just found your channel!
Awesome, great to have you Nicole!
99 cents per pound for apples def means the aren't organic. Apples have extremely high pesticide content so organic is required.
Anthony Joseph Same with grapes and strawberries
Anthony Joseph
My family loves Costco!!! We buy all organics and love love love their plant based food goods! Stock up on Coconut water too. 🍃💗
Price per unit is on the tag - no need to calculate anything. Flipp is an awesome app that has all of your local flyers - no need to carry the stack of paper with you.
I heart Costco & would love a part 2. I'm proud to say I knew most of those deals! I will say when huggies diapers have a coupon they are a good deal for me & I can often just buy online to have them shipped free.
Great video - although I think what is the better deal will also depend on food prices in your area.
Freckle Finance 0
Bringing the ads is such a good tip! I always try to remember all the prices for things I want and this would be so much easier. Thanks :)
milk is an amazing deal for us. it's like 3 dollars for like 2 gallons and soda it's cheaper here in Oregon for us so we do buy it at our Costco
Lindsay Sorensen same
Lindsay Sorensen
I tried doing this math a few times. It doesn't make sense to selectively shop like this if you start also factoring the cost of gas driving to Smith's. If you factor that in then buying everything in 1 store as opposed to driving to 5 different ones is WAY cheaper.
Just found your channel!!! Love this and subscribed to your channel
Thanks for subbing!
Please do a part 2! I'm definitely sharing this video with family and Freinds
Where is the best place to buy soda?
Usually a store like Target will do their promotions about once a quarter. Usually $3 or less per 12 pack. I think they have a deal this week actually for an extra $5 off a $20 purchase for any Pepsi purchase. Check their weekly ad. :)
This is my second video of yours! I have been wondering if I am getting good prices especially on the nuts!! I would LOVE to see a part 3 to this series $
New subbie! Would love a part 2!
Ally Fisher
Electronics are also a REALLY good deal there. Bose speakers, for example, are usually several HUNDRED dollars cheaper there than on Amazon.
I'd love to see a part 2. And those rotisserie chickens are the best!!
Gate Called Beautiful yes I love the rotisserie chicken
I used to live off them till I found out about all the crap they pump into them :( Now every time I walk by I'm like nooooooooo.....I want you but I can't!
They are loaded with oils and other unhealthy stuff...if you don't mind that then yes, good price.
Thanks for the video!
Huggies makes the Kirkland brand diapers and wipes!
Also if it helps, the app Flipp is a good one to have on your phone because you can see your local grocery stores sales ad as opposed to having to bring the paper in store.
She is all wrong about things you shouldn't buy at Costco yeah you may save few cents if you go to different stores but at the same time you are wasting gas too by going to so many stores
Harvey Sandhu lol
and time. time is money.
But you don't buy everything you need at costco every time. Sometimes things are way too big and excessive. Costco isn't somewhere you go every single time you grocery shop, either.
Stacy Nicole LP LP
Harvey Sandhu
AMEN
How do you know when things go on sale or clearance? Is there an amount of time a item sits in the warehouse before it will be reduced in price?
where in the heck do you go shopping where you can get pop 4 under $4 a pack? I desperately need to know LOL
Target does sales that are $3 or less per 12 pack every quarter. I think they have a deal this week actually for an extra $5 off a $20 purchase for any Pepsi purchase. Check their weekly ad. :)
some places do 3 (12 packs) for $9. just check the sale ads!
walmart
Dupe Queen
You should just buy the generic store brands instead of Coke or Pepsi. Way cheaper and tastes the same.
Ilsuk D Yang i tried that a few years back, it was generic coke-i have no idea what it was but something they used in that gave me severe stomach pain for hours, i know I'm lactose intolerant but thats about it, but yea that kinda freaked me out so i steer clear of generic soda lol, now i just steer clear of pop in general
but thank you and to everyone else for ur suggestions!
I love your channel. I really enjoyed this episode. Although you showed great saving items as well loos like bad choices due to lack of savings. The 1 thing you failed to apply in your bad buys are is distance to a market that "MAY" have a sale on let's say soda or other items. I have done the math multiple times and found that distance, time, and cost of gas to go to a market that "MAY" have a sale ended costing anywhere 3 to sometimes 5 times more.
I don't know why I am watching this video... cause I am only 13...😅...but I will let my mom in on these tips!! Love watching your videos by the way!😁
So cool! I loved how you calculated #of regular boxes of cereal in the Costco one. $
Please do a part 2!!!! And talk about those giant teddy bears! I want to see if I should buy it there or maybe online
Araceli Vargas those are so cool
I LOVE these kinds of videos!!
under $3 for a 12 pack of soda? i wish. up here in greater toronto its $6 for a 12 maybe 5 or 4 on sale yet its the same price in the us costco $11 for a 36
pawn3d167 Wow in Napa ca it's $8 for a 12 pack of sodas .
pawn3d167 hahaha I thought the same thing! I'm near Toronto too and everything is more expensive
pawn3d167 I also live on Toronto and let have never paid more than 2 99 for a 12 pack of name brand pop I usually buy the 6 pack of bottles that equal 12 of cans for anywhere from 1 99 to 2 99 never more
Coke and Pepsi have been $5 US or more for a 12 pack for several years. Maybe if you get a coupon you can get it for $3.50, but that’s the nice thing about going to costco. You don’t need to wait for a sale.
The price for a 12 pack of soda is average $4.99 each now. On sale, it's usually 3 packs for $12. I haven't seen any brand name soda for under $3 anywhere.
I love Costco. My husband and I many weekends enjoy a breakfast out and then wander Costco with a cafe latte in hand. Buy all our dairy, yogurt and eggs there. Super convenient.
how is it October?
Dil Howlter I just had to double check to see if this video was from 2015.
This was such a helpful video for me because I go into Costco and have an anxiety attack because there is so much to take in. I typically stay around the prepared food area because it's safe and concise and my family and I love the pizza. I really liked your review on the batteries and how to break down cost per single unit or ounce. Yes, I would like to see a part 2 maybe concentrating on the soaps, toothspaste, vitamins, etc. Great Video.
Great, thanks Kimberly!
why am i watching this i live in Australia haha
maybe you are also picky with your hot dogs?
wigalert what has that got to do with it
There are Costco's in Australia.
Tim Stacey really? never knew that thanks
c:
Saskia where do u live there are 2 in Melbourne
Such a good video! Yes to a part 2, maybe some holiday tips!?!
costco batteries are very inexpensive, however about 90% of the ones I have purchased leak acid inside my gadgets and the time I waste cleaning up after the batteries make the price of costco batteries a bad deal for me.
I really liked this video. I would enjoy part two!!
I find that Produce at Costco is generally too expensive but they are REALLY good quality... I guess you get what you pay for... PART 2 Would be awesome! Maybe I'll subscribe to your Channel.... MAYBE!!
ECHO l
Your tips are so helpful and amazing! Yas For part 2 🙌❤ costco seems so affordable and cheap wish it was in my country.
part 2 would be great! also, is it better to get the regular membership or spend more and get the one that gives you money back?
This is really helpful! I have never really thought about taking my grocery store flyer with me! please do more videos like this! Thank you!
I wish these prices were at our Costco. Australia is expensive... Even at Costco (in relation to America)
Thanks for making the video I am thinking of getting membership there and get stuff. I know I went to with my April 2015. Got the Kirkland trash Bags. Here Jan 2017 and I still have trash bags and not out yet.
Did you know you can buy the rotisserie chicken already cut off the bones and chopped up at Costco? It's the best! It's probably more expensive but worth it if you ask me!
It's way more expensive!
@@veronical5844 yeah like $12.99 instead of $4.99!
Can you not operate a knife?
A lot of people don't like cutting the meat off the bone, I have a little panic attack each time so I find the comment helpful. I am a really half ass carnivore.
Plus if you work until 7 you don't have the time!
That said, I love the regular rotisserie chicken. I make my daughter cut it up now
Hi stopped buy berries at the markets! I pick them myself for $2.00 a pound! I freeze them in a gallon bag and I stick up during the season
$1.50 for blueberries
wow, your Costco has much different prices than ours here in Oregon. Like the Apple juice is $5.99 and the same Carter pajamas is $5.99. I find that huggies are better than kirkland brand, if I need to get off brand, target is best IMO.
Shyanna Hayes
Huggies diapers but costco wipes 👌
I love it when they put the Carter's pjs on sale here in Oregon for $5.99. It's funny how baby butts can be so different. I've had two Huggies babes, and one Kirkland. All other brands didn't fit the cheeks well, lol.
Shyanna Hayes I'm the other way around it prefer Kirkland or parents choice at Walmart over huggies
Shyanna Hayes ALL Do! It's the REAL Estate Tax & local tax + Location closer to Costco suppliers = total YOU PAY:)
When it comes to costco I stick to buying the things I use on a daily or regular basis and stock up enough for at least 3 months: Toilet paper, Shampoo, tooth paste, bathing soap, shampoo, dishwashing soap, garbage bag, aluminum foil, sugar, tea, cereal, oatmeal, laundry soap, lysol, salt and cooking oil. During back to school I get with other moms and we buy in bulk then split.
Love those coats! I bought my daughters some that I showed in my last Costco Haul. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Melea,what bar code readers do you recommend,thanks?
I shop at Costco and Walmart. I also get 2% cash back at Costco on everything I buy. these two businesses are typically the cheapest. if your driving to 6 different stores to save 20 cent here or 50 cents there it's a waste. because of the amount of time and gas you're spending to go to all these places.
I shop at Costco first and the stuff I know I can get at Walmart cheaper I drive a mile down the street and get it there.
bigbog442 0
bigbog442 ' how
@@ml-hs4qk the costco executive member card gives you 2% back. I think the credit card has benefits also
agreed, it took me awhile to realize apples are so expensive at Costco....because I rarely go to any other food store.