Shopping at Costco Without a Membership
Learning how to shop at Costco without a membership has its benefits. Surprisingly, there are ways to do it without being a member.
We all know the advantages of having a Costco membership, like getting cheap gas, amazing deals on things like glasses, refrigerators, eggs, and even planning an affordable vacation all at one store.
You can shop at Costco without membership through certain services. In the end, it might be a money-saver to just go ahead and buy a Costco membership.
We’ll explain how to shop at Costco without a membership and determine whether it would be better in the long run to sign up for one.
How to Shop at Costco Without a Membership
You usually need a Costco membership to shop there, but there are a few ways you can buy things without one:
1. The Guest of a Member May Visit the Warehouse
When you wish to shop at the warehouse, you have to tag along with a Costco member.
At Costco, members can bring two guests, but remember, only members can pay for purchases.
It is a matter of trust rather than scheduling with the members, so plan together your journey.
2. Stop by the Food Court
For people seeking a quick snack, there is a small food court in the smaller Costco food court usually near the exit.
Some of the employees will let you in with food alone if they are politely asked.
It’s not a promise, but try to get the Costco churros, sundaes, pizza, hot dogs, and the other cheap things on the menu.
3. Use a Costco Shop Card
It is possible to shop in Costco without a membership card by using a Costco Shop Card. This card is a kind of gift card and you can use it in the store to make purchases.
Do not forget that only members at Costco can purchase these cards; hence, one has to ask a member to acquire one on their behalf.
There could be savings, which could make it worth the request.
4. Shop Online
If you do not have a membership with Costco, you can still shop from their website.
Remember that a fee of 5% applies to non-members and sometimes prices may differ slightly online than in the store.
Also, some products are only for members. Despite these things, Costco has great deals, especially in tech and home goods. Check their website for the latest discounts.
5. Purchase Some Alcohol
If you’re not a Costco member, you can still buy alcohol at some locations without a membership.
Depending on your state, there are separate entrances for non-members looking to purchase alcohol. States like Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Texas, and Vermont allow this.
Check the laws in your area or contact your local Costco to confirm. Take advantage of wholesale prices for your favorite drinks.
6. Head to the Pharmacy
You can visit the Costco pharmacy even if you’re not a member. Just tell the staff that you’re heading to the pharmacy when you enter without a membership card.
Costco has unbeatable prices for prescriptions, making it a cost-effective option, and you can order your medications online and have them delivered to your doorstep.
Yearly Flu shots and other vaccinations are easily gotten at Costco. This serves as a convenient one-stop shop for all your family’s health requirements.
7. Schedule an Eye Exam
Another thing can do without a Costco membership is book an eye exam at Costco Optical Centers.
They have licensed optometrists and accept most major vision insurance.
After your appointment, keep in mind that buying eyeglasses, contact lenses, and other items is restricted to members.
8. Special Events and Open Houses
At times, Costco schedules special occasions or open houses for those who are not members, and they are permitted to shop in Costco.
In these periods, you can visit the store and enjoy Costco’s services without a membership card.
You can learn about these events by contacting your local Costco location or checking the posts for any upcoming programs.
9. Business Membership
Costco has a business membership and this is a better fact given that it is not reserved for people with specific jobs. This membership is not only applicable to an average business.
No matter if you are a small business owner, a home-based worker, or simply self-employed, you may be qualified for Costco’s Business Membership.
It’s a form that allows individuals with different professional circumstances to exploit the privileges and economies of scale that Costco offers to its business members.
Can I Use Another Person’s Costco Card?
No, you cannot use someone else’s Costco card. It is noted that, as per the Costco membership policy, membership cards are not transferable.
Costco has introduced several measures, for instance, checking the membership cards at self-checkout and verifying the membership status with the Card photo.
If there is no photo on the membership card, Costco may request a photo ID to confirm the shopper’s identity.
The Costco membership policy states that the neighboring member’s card should not be used and neither is it acceptable behavior by the company.
Does Costco Offer Free Shopping Passes?
Yes, Costco does not offer free passes for potential clients.
However, the retailer provides some flexibility by allowing members to cancel their membership throughout the first year and get a 100 percent refund.
This method becomes convenient for people who can move to an area with no Costco or those who more often shop in alternative grocery stores.
It should be observed, however, that to take advantage of a full refund, it is imperative to cancel the subscription before the start of the first year, otherwise a full membership fee will be charged.
Options for shopping at Costco without a membership include online shopping, Costco Shop Cards, and going with a friend who is a member.
However, it would be wise to consider a membership for those who often visit Costco.
The membership afforded you convenience, savings, and possibly something more goodies if you are a regular at Costco, which could make it a great bargain for you.
