If you’re looking for a place to get the best deals, Costco is definitely worth checking out. But that doesn’t mean they always have the best price. So does Costco price match?
No, Costco doesn’t price match. They offer their own low prices, often lower than other retailers. If you find a lower price elsewhere, you’re not likely to get it matched at Costco. It would be unsustainable for the company to provide price matching, given their already low margins.
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How to Get a Price Match at Costco
Unfortunately, since Costco doesn’t price match, there’s no guaranteed way to get a lower price on an item you find at another store.
So, if you’re looking for the best price on an item, it’s worth checking other retailers before heading to Costco.
But if you find a better deal elsewhere, don’t expect them to match it, just buy it at the alternative retailer.
Does Costco Have a Price Adjustment Policy?
Costco stores do not offer a price adjustment policy for other competitors. However, they do offer internal price adjustments in the case that an item you purchased goes on sale or drops in price within 30 days of your purchase date.
So if you buy something that goes on sale a week later, you can bring in your receipt and get the difference refunded.
Interestingly enough, many Costco shoppers have mentioned that Costco is known to be lenient on this policy and sometimes offers price adjustments up to 2 months after making your purchase.
How Do I Get a Price Adjustment at Costco?
If you’d like a price adjustment at Costco, you will need to contact the company by calling them or filling out a form online.
You can call them at 1-800-774-2678. You can use this link to fill out the adjustment form online.
You will need to provide your name, order number, email address, Costco membership number, phone number, and the item number for your purchased product.
Then, you’ll need to let them know the price you paid for the item and the promotional price of the item you’ve found after your purchase.
Finally, they will want to know the quantity of your order as well as whether or not it has already shipped.
Keep your receipt handy so it’s easy to keep track of these details for the Costco customer support team.
A quick note, you cannot go into your local Costco warehouse to price match or get a price adjustment. You will need to follow the steps above and contact customer support.
How Will Costco Pay Out my Price Adjustment?
Costco will refund the difference between what you paid and the new, lower price to your original payment method.
For example, if you paid with a credit card, they will refund the money to that credit card. If you paid in cash, you’ll receive a check in the mail for the refund amount.
The process can take up to two weeks for the refund to appear in your account, but it usually processes in 5 to 7 days.
Are There Exclusions or Exceptions to the Price Adjustment Policy?
Surprisingly, there aren’t many exclusions or exceptions to Costco’s price adjustment policy.
However, there are a few key things to keep in mind. First, the item must have been purchased from a Costco warehouse, either in-store or online, to be eligible for a price adjustment.
Second, the item you’re requesting an adjustment on must still be available for sale at Costco.
Third, you can only request one price adjustment per item and you must do so within 30 days of your original purchase date (with a few customer exceptions, as noted above).
Other Ways to Save at Costco
1. Stick to the Kirkland Brand
Even though Costco offers name-brand items at low prices, you can save even more by sticking to their Kirkland house brand.
Kirkland products are often just as good as the name brands but cost 20-40% less. They’re often made by the same manufacturers as the name brands and simply relabeled.
2. Buy Bulk Gift Cards
If you shop at Costco regularly, you can save by buying bulk gift cards for places you already shop.
For example, you can buy a $500 Southwest Airlines gift card for only $479.99. That’s like getting a free $20 just for using the gift card.
This is also a good idea around the holidays when you can buy gift cards for friends and family at a discount.
3. Buy Wine in Bulk
If you’re a wine drinker, Costco is a great place to buy it in bulk. You can often find wines for as much as 20% off the retail price.
And, since wine doesn’t go bad quickly, it’s a great item to stock up on.
4. Get the Costco Credit Card
If you shop at Costco often, you should consider getting a Costco credit card. The card comes with many great perks, like cash back on purchases, extended warranties, and more. Plus, it’s free to sign up for.
5. Split Your Bulk Purchases with Friends or Family
If you don’t think you can eat a whole gallon of mayo or a 24-pack of chips before it goes bad, consider splitting the cost and the item with friends or family.
This way, you can still take advantage of Costco’s low prices without wasting anything.
6. Find Coupons Online
Before you head to Costco, be sure to check for coupons online.
You can often find coupons for specific items that you can use at the store. Be sure to read the fine print so you know exactly what the coupon can be used for.
7. Shop Off Season or End of Season Sales
If you’re flexible with when you shop, you can often find great deals by shopping off-season or waiting for end-of-season sales.
For example, patio furniture is often cheaper in the fall, and winter clothes are often discounted at the end of the season. By timing your purchases right, you can save big.
The Bottom Line
Costco is a great place to save money on groceries, clothes, and more. And, thanks to their price adjustment policy, you can save even more by getting a refund when prices drop.
Just be sure to keep an eye on the date you purchased the item to make sure you’re eligible for the deal.
Have you ever used Costco’s price adjustment policy? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below.
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- Does a Costco Membership Work Internationally?
