Tons of people love Costco, but there are also a bunch of people who don’t understand the appeal of the warehouse club and don’t think shopping there would benefit them. There’s not a lot of in-between, and that’s reflected in whether you pay for an annual subscription or decide not to shop there at all. Wouldn’t it be cool if you could still make occasional purchases there without needing to sign up for a subscription? It is possible, but there are some things to know about the process.
Chances are you’ve heard of or even used Instacart to get something delivered to you at some point. But did you know that you can order from Costco via Instacart and have it delivered without needing a subscription? Costco has some items that are specifically for members, but shopping through the Instacart app opens up a whole new variety of products to you, and best of all, you can do it from anywhere.
Savvy buyers should also be aware Amazon’s excellent subscription and savings programthese tips that will help you unlock more value on your next Target trip and even how to choose the best seat for your next flight.
How to shop at Costco with Instacart
Getting started with this is super easy, but let’s break down the process for you.
1. Download the Instacart app or go to Instacart.com from your browser.
2. Create an account or log in to your existing account.
3. Go to the Costco storefront in Instacart.
4. Fill your basket with the items you want to buy.
5. Select your delivery time and proceed to checkout.
That’s it. Really. It’s that easy to buy from Costco and have it delivered to you, all without ever having to pay for an annual subscription. As stated earlier, there are a few things to know about this, so let’s break them down.
Shelf-stable items, including cereals, sauces, and coffee, represent some of the biggest savings when buying in bulk.
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You’ll spend a little more on comfort
The prices charged via Instacart are often more expensive than prices you would see if you went to a Costco store and shopped there. This is because you need a subscription to shop in person and because Instacart provides the pick-up and delivery service for your order.
None of the posts or pages directly state how much more expensive it is to use Instacart than to shop at Costco in person, which is a good thing and a bad thing at the same time. The convenience factor is worth paying a little extra for items in most cases.
In some cases, Instacart might have coupon discounts that will also make items more affordable. These are clearly marked on Instacart, so be sure to look for items that show coupon savings when shopping.
The ordering process takes place via Instacart
This is one of the most confusing parts. Costco.com has an experience that offers same-day delivery for members that’s powered by Instacart (which is called Costco same day) and Instacart offers same-day delivery from Costco for non-members. See how confusing it can be? If you’re not a Costco member yet, you’ll want to make sure you’re ordering through the Instacart app or site, and not shopping directly from Costco’s own site.
Keep in mind that Instacart adds shipping costs for every same day order, starting at $4. All orders must be $10 or more and deliveries under $35 are charged additionally. Costco also bills same-day orders and has a strict $35 order minimum.
Not everything is included in this trick
Although much of what Costco sells is available both online and in its warehouses, not everything is sold in both places. You will not be able to place orders through Instacart for online-only items. Additionally, Costco has certain items that are exclusively available to members of its warehouse, so you won’t be able to purchase them. Some examples of this include the Bose Quiet Comfort 45 Headphones, Nest Hub Two-PackA Samsung 55 inch TV with extended warranty and much more.
For some it may be cheaper to just get the membership
Using this trick is great if you only occasionally need something from Costco. It’s a great way to test the waters with Costco, see if you like the products and if they could ultimately provide value for you and your family. Online and in the warehouse, Costco displays the price by item or by weight, making it easy to compare what you’re buying to the competition.
As you look around and order, note where the best prices are and see how long it would take you to get your money back if you paid the annual subscription. The results for your situation may surprise you. Some of my personal Costco favorites are Kirkland toilet paper, paper napkins, Just Bare Chicken Nuggets, Pulled Pork and of course the Liquid IV Packs.
If you enjoyed this money-saving tip, we have more where it came from. did you know Amazon has a whole secret area of the site which will help you save money on your next purchase? Where Amazon Prime includes more than just free fast delivery? We’re always on the lookout for more shopping tips, so be sure to stick around for more.
