Ask Yourself These 3 Questions Before Buying Something New at Costco

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Running through them could help you avoid wasting money. 

My family generally shops at Costco on a weekly basis, and when it’s my turn to pick up groceries, I often take a “get in, get out quickly” kind of attitude. It’s not that I don’t love Costco, but rather, I tend to be pressed for time during the workweek, so I try my best to limit the minutes I spend in the store.

But there are certain times of the year, like the weeks leading up the holidays, when I make a point to spend extra time wandering the aisles of Costco. That’s because Costco is known to introduce seasonal offerings, many of which I tend to find appealing (usually, they’re of the bulk chocolate variety).

But to be clear, Costco actually introduces new products quite often during the year, whether it’s fresh food, packaged food, toys, or apparel. And you may be tempted to take a chance on a new Costco product that catches your eye. Before you do, though, ask yourself these questions to make sure you don’t end up wasting your money.

1. Have I done any research on price?

You might see a cool new toy hit the shelves at Costco. And if you have a kid’s birthday coming up, you may want to jump at the opportunity to buy it. Before you do, though, whip out your phone and see if another retailer carries it. You may find that Amazon or Target has a better price, so it’s worth looking around.

It pays to do the same with bulk grocery items. A quick online search might reveal a different source for the product you’re looking for — at a lower price than Costco’s, believe it or not.

2. Will my family really eat/use this?

Most of what I buy at Costco is food. So when I see new products arrive that I’m tempted to purchase, one of the first things I try to consider is whether my family will enjoy and consume it.

My kids tend to be picky about things like crackers, for example. So even if I come across a new brand or variety that looks good to me, I’ll often hold off on buying it so as to not throw my money away.

3. Can I afford an extra purchase this month?

Money has been tight for a lot of people since inflation started surging. If you’ve been consistently dipping into your savings account to make ends meet, then it may not be the time to buy something new at Costco if it isn’t a staple item your household can definitely use. After all, the last thing you need is an extra $15 charge on your credit card when you’re struggling to scrape by.

If you shop at Costco frequently enough, you may come across your share of new products. And it’s natural that you’d want to make the most of your $60 membership (or $120, if you have an executive one).

In some cases, buying them might work out nicely. But be sure to ask yourself these key questions before loading those products into your oversized shopping cart.

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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.John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Maurie Backman has positions in Amazon.com and Target. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Amazon.com, Costco Wholesale, and Target. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

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