12 things you probably didn't know about Costco

Janaki JitchotvisutDec 5, 2022, 22:26 IST

There are some things even true Costco fans don't know about the store.REUTERS/John Gress JG/GN

You can go inside a Costco before you purchase a membership if you know a current member.
The people giving out samples aren't Costco employees.
Costco uses price-tag codes to indicate discontinued and clearance items.

If you just want to check out the inside of a Costco before you purchase a membership, you're in luck as long as you know a current Costco member.
Those people giving out samples aren't Costco employees — so don't be confused if they can't tell you where to find the sugar.

If you've never shopped at a Costco, it can be a slightly overwhelming experience the first time. There's just so much to take in — and everything seems gigantic, including the shopping carts. Small business owners frequently shop there, so it's not unusual to see someone walking out with cases of bottled beverages or cleaning products.

But even if you're a Costco regular, there are still some things you might not know about the international chain — and here are a few of them.

You don't have to be a Costco member to purchase everything in the store.

You might be able to shop the alcohol section and pharmacy without a membership.Meredith Ochs

The Costco store layout design is totally deliberate — and aimed at making you fill your cart with more stuff.

The store is designed like a maze on purpose.Jeramey Lende/shutterstock

The people handing out free food samples at Costco work for a completely different company.

People giving out samples might not be able to give you store directions.Tim Boyle/Getty

Costco's return policy is pretty generous.

You can return a number of products.Joe Raedle / Staff / Getty Images

If you're not sure if Costco membership is right for you, there are a couple of ways you can try it out before you commit.

You can try the membership before committing.REUTERS/Mike Blake

There are money-saving secrets on some Costco price tags — if you can decipher the codes.

Look out for certain price tags.Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Kirkland Signature-brand alcohol rumors abound — and some of them are true.

There was a rumor that Kirkland vodka was actually just Grey Goose.Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Grey Goose

Costco doesn't accept manufacturer coupons at its stores — but you can still use rebate apps on your phone to save extra money.

Although you can't use coupons, you can use rebate apps.igor kisselev/Shutterstock

The famous $1.50 all-beef hot dog and soda deal is the same throughout Costcos in the US and Canada.

The price of hot dogs and soda have been the same since 1985.Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

Costco is known for treating its employees well throughout the retail world — and employees frequently say so in public.

Costco has a pretty solid reputation for treating employees well.Sarah Schmalbruch/INSIDER

The famous $4.99 Costco rotisserie chicken is placed in a strategic spot.

Costco reportedly counts on you to pick up some stuff on the way to grab your rotisserie chicken.Sarah Schmalbruch/INSIDER

Costco has a solid price-matching policy, too.

Mary Meisenzahl/Insider

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