4 Costco Items That Just Aren’t Worth the Price

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Shopping at Costco could help you keep more money in your bank account. But not every deal is worth it. Find out which Costo deals aren’t worth the cost. [[{“value”:”

Many people join warehouse clubs like Costco to save money on groceries, clothes, toiletries, and other purchases like electronics and furniture. But not every item sold at Costco is worth it. Some deals are worth the cost, but others could be a waste of money.

Luckily, the retailer has a generous return policy, so if you’re unsatisfied with your purchase, you can return it and get your money back. Here are a few Costco items that aren’t worth the cost.

1. Fresh produce

For some, produce may be a preferred essential to get at Costco. But, the warehouse club typically sells produce in large quantities. Unless you have a household full of people constantly eating fresh fruit and vegetables, you may find your produce spoils before you finish it.

You might be better off saving this purchase for other retailers if you don’t live with many people or only eat smaller amounts of fresh produce. If you’re looking for affordable fruits and vegetables, Aldi is an excellent place to shop. Don’t forget to check the weekly sales flyer before you shop.

2. Kirkland toilet paper

According to prices listed on Costco’s website, you can get 30 rolls of 2-ply Kirkland Signature Bath Tissue for less than $24. The price might be attractive, but some Costco shoppers have a problem with the retailer’s private-label Kirkland toilet paper quality.

Some members used to like it but are suspicious that the retailer switched to a lower-quality alternative recently. If you’re picky about toilet paper, you may want to skip this Costco find. Luckily, you can find other brands at your local club.

3. Batteries

Another item that seems to be priced well at Costco is batteries. You can score a 48-pack of Kirkland Signature Alkaline AA Batteries for $15.99. Having extra batteries on hand is a good way to be prepared. And with a pack that large, you’ll be set for a while.

But some members have shared that, even though they thought they had gotten a good deal when buying batteries at their local club, the price isn’t worth it. Why? They don’t go through the entire pack of batteries before they go bad and start leaking.

4. Over-the-counter medicine

Another item that you may be tempted to buy at Costco is over-the-counter medication. You can find various medications at an affordable price. But keep in mind that you may not finish the entire package of medication before it expires, which could negatively impact your checking account balance.

You can get a 1,000 200 mg Kirkland Signature Ibuprofen for $13.99, but will you go through 1,000 pills within a year or so? Probably not. Unless it’s a medication you use regularly, such as allergy medications, if you have bad allergies, you may want to buy it elsewhere in smaller quantities so you don’t waste your money.

Consider your usage habits before spending money

When deciding whether a deal you find at Costco is worthwhile, consider your personal needs and usage habits. Some items may be priced well, but if you won’t use what you buy before it expires or spoils, you could end up throwing away money that could be spent elsewhere.

For some bulk buys, it may be best to shop at a different retailer and purchase what you need in smaller quantities. You can shop generic brands at low-cost retailers like Target and Aldi. If you’re looking to improve your budgeting skills so you can save more money when shopping, check out our list of the best budgeting apps.

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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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