Costco’s lenient return policy has led some customers to return items like half-eaten watermelon. In a recent interview, former employee Caroline Truman along with David and Susan Schwartz, who authored a book about the store, shared some lesser-known secrets about Costco. They discussed how to interpret price tags and labels to determine if items are going to be discounted or discontinued.
According to Delish, Caroline Truman’s insights on TikTok were summarized alongside information from David and Susan Schwartz’s book, “The Joy of Costco: A Treasure Hunt from A to Z.” Here are some key takeaways that employees might not typically share with customers:
1. **Stock Up on Stamps**
Susan Schwartz emphasizes that if stamp prices rise, customers should immediately head to Costco to buy Forever Stamps, as they often keep selling them at lower prices even after a price hike.
2. **Look for the Star on Price Tags**
The Schwartz couple points out that a star on a price tag indicates that the item will be discontinued. However, it’s unclear if the item is permanently or temporarily off the shelves. With a capacity to hold only 3,800 distinct items, Costco must phase out certain products to make room for new ones. Warehouse staff can inform customers if an item is permanently discontinued and if restocking is possible.
3. **Longevity of Costco Tires**
David Schwartz explains that Costco sells tires at discounted rates and fills them with nitrogen, which helps maintain tire pressure longer, reducing wear and allowing for more mileage.
4. **Generous Return Policy**
In her seven years working in the returns department and food court, Truman noted that Costco’s return policy is highly forgiving. The chain tracks customer purchase history, often finding that overall spending far exceeds return values. She shared a particularly memorable story about a woman who returned a toilet after eight years because it reminded her of her late husband.
5. **30-Day Price Adjustment Policy**
Truman mentions that if customers find a lower price on an item after purchasing, they can request an adjustment at the member services desk within 30 days. Thankfully, there’s no need to bring a receipt or the item back, as Costco retains full purchase records.
6. **Signs of Upcoming Discounts**
When discussing price reductions, Truman notes that certain pricing clues can hint at further discounts. For example, prices ending in 0.00 or 0.99 are original prices, while those ending in 0.97 or 0.98 indicate a markdown. Customers can also check the fine print on the price tag for the markdown date—if weeks have passed and stock remains plentiful, a further drop in price may be imminent.
7. **Fresh Food Court Items**
Working in the food court, Truman assures that all items are freshly prepared daily. Staff arrive in the morning to make hundreds of sandwiches and rotisserie chickens that are ready for sale the same day.
8. **Global Differences in Hot Dog Toppings**
Fans of Costco hot dogs may be surprised to find differing toppings in Costco stores around the world. In the U.S., condiments like ketchup and mustard are standard, while France offers Dijon mustard and mayonnaise, Icelandic Costco dogs feature crispy fried onions, and in Mexico, pickled jalapeños are available.
These insights offer a deeper understanding of Costco’s unique shopping experience and the value its policies provide to customers.
