This is a photo series of items I’d NEVER shell out money for at Costco. I’ll be doing several of these as well as posts on what I WOULD buy at Costco. Most of the items I list today I’d never buy at Costco, because we can almost always get them FREE or even as Money Makers. Wouldn’t you agree?
Recently these were close to free at CVS...
My "Buy it Now" price for yogurt is $0.25 ea these are a whopping $0.44 ea!
I'd expect to be PAID to take anymore toothpaste home, let alone pay over $2 per tube!
$4.25 per box of cereal - Ouch! I'd pay up to $1 for Frosted Mini Wheats max.
My mouth dropped when I saw the price over these razors, did yours?
Yes it's true, sadly people still pay for deodorant.
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Wow, those are crazy prices! $4.25/box of cereal? {faint}
I LOVE this posting!! That is so true! I tried to get several of my friends into couponing but no one is willing to put the effort…they don’t know what they are missing…Although when I think about it, I think I should keep it a secret, or we would be racing to the stores when the really good sales are out there to get them first before they are gone!!! Like it is almost the case!!
One thing I don’t think can be beat from Costco it is honey. 5 lb of honey for $10 I have not been able to match that price just yet…
I agree about the honey – that will make it my WOULD buy at Costco list for sure!
Judith, just make sure to check the honey ingredient and make sure it only is Honey! surprisingly some manufacturers will add corn syrup and flavorings to Honey. Sad but true.
Walgreen’s run great sales on 32oz of honey for 3.99. Our costco honey is 96oz for 12.79….
I buy honey locally, because raw honey is the kind that has all of the health benefits. Once honey has been heat treated (processed as the grocery store brands are) it loses it’s healing properties because the pollen is killed. Plus the sagey wildflower flavor is delicious! My kids won’t touch the grocery store stuff, they look for the “little milk jug” of honey for their snacks and sandwiches. YUM!
These prices are totally crazy…but I remember 2 yrs ago when I was still paying these prices for these things…especially the razors..with a husband in the military he needs to be clean shaven everyday!! It used to kill us!! I remember stressing soo much over razor refills, now I can’t remember the last time I “paid” for a razor!!!
I’d never thought of the military men needed so many razors, thanks for sharing – wow that must get SO expensive without coupons!
Yes…my husband uses a new razor a week because of the military…. We would drive down to san diego and go to bootcamp to buy them for $1/piece but free is always better….
According to Clark Howard (and he tested this) if you dry your razor it can last up to a year with daily shaving… worth the try even if it lasts only twice as long!
Ha! You make me laugh. I LOVE being in the know. Thanks to you, that is
My closets are overloaded with body wash, mouthwash, razors, hair products, feminine products, paper towels, cereal and deodorant. It’s a great, secure feeling being stocked up! I LOVE thefrugalfind.com!!
Oh that reminds me, I was going to add feminine products to the list today but this totally awkward man wouldn’t leave the aisle and I didn’t want to take a random picture of tampons with him standing there. I’m sure he was just dying for me to leave too so he could grab them for his wife and RUN!
I was just talking to a friend of mine about all my couponing. I told her all the things I get free now and she said, “yeah, but Tampons are 1 thing I’ll always buy at Costco. Can’t beat that price!” I didn’t try to convince her otherwise because I was still pretty stockpiled from my own Costco shopping pre-couponing, but just this week I did find some great steals!
I agree with Judith. I email my sisters, mom and nieces pictures of my “hauls”! They all want to know “how’d you do that?” and I tell them. So far, only one has expressed an interest in attempting it. But I don’t have to worry about missing sale items – none of them live in my area
I have a very limited budget now and have joined to try and learn how to get “free” stuff or cheap like you have posted. I really really want to learn how to do this any help I can get is appreciated.
Thank You
I must agree with Heather being on a very strict budget since I have started SSI/Disabilty and would be most appreciative of any help I can get as well. Bless you all and thank you for your time and knowledge !
Well…I am admitting that I was recently one of those who thought Costco prices were the best out there. I am a recent convert to couponing and LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!! It is so much fun. I can’t believe how much money I have been throwing away for years.
Sandy, I am exactly the same! My mom is STILL a loyal Costco’er’
I’m trying to convert her, but it’s a JOB!
I still go to Costco for a few items, and yes honey is one of them, and my mom goes with me. She gets such a kick out of it when I point to items and tell her I can get the for free or close to it. She know because she has been with me on many shopping trips to Target and watched me walk out without paying a dime. I LOVE COUPONING!
This is an awesome post! Definitely way overpriced at Costco when you can get such good deals elsewhere! And I have to agree about the honey…..I just bought a huge bottle at Costco since I’ve been making my own granola, and I haven’t been able to match that price anywhere.
It kills me to see what I used to pay for items at Costco because I thought I was getting a good deal! Those razor cartridge prices are insane! I was just doing some inventory today, and I’ve got a dozen of the Fusion razors in my cupboard, each package w/ 2 cartridges. Didn’t even realize how much we were saving there! The cereal is crazy too- I can’t imagine ever paying more than $1 a box now. And I will NEVER pay for toothpaste again!
WOW. Holy Cow !
When Costco 1st came around I joined. I called it the 200 dollar club. Because by time I left it would cost me that much.
Now it looks more like a 400 dollar club.
I cant imagine…
I am still trying to figure out why the yogurt is not in a fridge, LOL.
after my dad’s bout with skin cancer last fall, we’re using a lot of sunscreen. it’s impossible to get it in the quantities we need at a consistently cheaper price than costco. we get what we can when it’s a good deal at the drugstore and supplement with some from costco.
Carrie, you could always stock up on sunscreen at the 99 Cent Store! Do you have one of those?! I’d never buy sunscreen anywhere else!
Those are all items I just walk right past at Costco. I don’t even go down those aisles. I NEVER pay more than $1 for any health and beauty and usually it’s free! My bill at Costco is high enough I can’t imagine buying that stuff on top of it! My husband shaves his head and face completely bald we go through a LOT of razors! We’d be broke if we had to pay for them!
Huh, I actually DO buy razor blade refills at Costco- but my hubby uses only one specific kind or he ends up with terrible skin problems. It’s a lot of money to shell out all at once but I didn’t think it was really overpriced, based on the prices at CVS/Target for the same item…I’ll have to check it out now!
I just let my Costco membership lapse, I just don’t think it worth it anymore since I started couponing. My husband is not too happy about it, he loves those samples!
This post is hilarious! I have only been couponing for about 8 months and I used to buy some of these items at Sam’s Club… I cringe just thinking of all the money I wasted!
I agree, I’ve been going to Costco for years but since I started couponing a year ago I’ve found I can save a lot more money now then I ever have at Costco. They are great for some items but…..
this is a bit off topic, but is it weird that i want to pack my coupons for my vacation at the beach? it’s become an obsession! a good obsession, but an obsession none the less
Soo Sooo true!!! I love this sight, even though I have been doing couponing for eons. It feels good knowing there are “others” like me!
My mom took hers on vacation from AL to UT. Over 2000 miles
Ha! I didn’t wind up using my coupons on vacation, but I felt better knowing I had them with me
HA! I was just talking to my 16yo daughter about this last night – how my stepdad always wants to buy us something when he goes to Costco, which is sweet, but I’d rather buy 3 small-sized products for nearly nothing (or nothing) than one giant one for 30% off. Who pays 30% off anymore?
Oh, and I’m not *allowed* to pay for toothpaste anymore. My daughter made that clear a looong time ago.
Great post! I’ve been thinking about what I still think is a good deal at Costco…. I came up with vanilla and cinnamon. Though now that I’m a smarter shopper these days I’ll have to double check.
I’m lovin’ these Costco posts, thanks!
I completely agree.
Sorry, know this is old but I just discovered it.
I did a post awhile back (http://chocolateandoranges.blogspot.com/2011/01/when-does-costco-make-sense.html) about what I like to buy at Costco- organic spinach and carrots are my favorites since I can get organic for less than I can get conventional on sale at regular grocery stores most of the time. I also love greek yogurt cause there’s nothing I hate more than having to take home 10 individual yogurt containers, the case is much easier!
I used to work at BJ’s (like sams club and costco). If there is a multi pack, (i.e. the 5 pack of toothpaste for $13.00) you are allowed to use 5 coupons. Anything that is a multi pack you may use more than one coupon. Plus if the wholesale store has a coupon of their own, you may also use that one. Same thing for the toilet paper, and any other multi pack. Now this was true 4 years ago, it may have changed my now, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
As of a year ago it was the same thing with the coupons and the multipaks but I stopped going to BJ’s because they didn’t have the produce that they had at Sam’s so I try not to buy anything but the produce and my milk from Sam’s because no local store can beat their prices for alot of their produce nor milk.
ok so tell me how I can get free razors and toothpaste . Let’s just start with that. cuz I can’t figure it out. Everytime I go to a link for coupons it’s always Glade products! WTHeck
Oh yeah, Cereal too. I can’t figure that out.
You have to start by selecting the store you wish to shop at, I have the coupons listed there that go with each product. That’s a good start. Have you watch the Coupon Class videos?
http://thefrugalfind.com/online-coupon-class/
thanks Julia. Yes, I’ve watched all the Coupon Class videos thoroughly. Apparently not thoroughly enough though. I even have my binder (though it’s a mess right now) I wish I could buy a day with you. When I come out to visit my daughter (in Concord) I’ll send you a message and see if I can just tag along to one of your shopping trips. Maybe I’m just overwhelmed. I met a couple women at RiteAid this weekend and they invited me to their Yahoo site VancouverCouponMoms. *BTW they LOVE you! I asked them if they were familiar with your site. I’m not computer saavy so that is a challenge as well. I’m learning. Maybe for me there’s a steeper learning curve. Don’t give up on me…. I will get this down though! Keep on teaching
I agree that not everyone has the time or desire to coupon shop. I have found that Costco is especially good for item like non foods and items grocery stores never discount or coupon. I pay half for mozzarella cheese balls vs the grocery store. I don’t think people pay attention to their overall shopping bill. Bannas, milk, tuna fish, peanut butter are are all loss leaders for grocery chains. They kell you with the other stuff.
From the prices around me dried cereal is cheaper at Costco. Now I don’t eat dried cereal but I’ve priced it there. You have to look at the price per unit. The amount that you are getting in 1 of their boxes is like 4 to 5 of regular grocery store boxes. Costco is also carrying a lot of organic items, unusual items, and items that are cheaper even if you used coupons somewhere else. Target these days is carrying more and more organic items which is good since they have good prices.
Unless you’re getting the batteries for free they are always cheaper at Costco buying their store brand in bulk. Even a super deal advertised on a web site a while ago that initially I thought was good at Rite Aid and I did get some I was disappointed when I later realized that not on sale and without coupons they were still cheaper at Costco.
Not everything there is cheaper. A lot of times it depends on the competition. Let’s take sodas. Some years ago they were always cheaper at Costco. Then they were cheaper thru deals at grocery stores. Then the grocery stores quit having soda deals for a number of years. Now the grocery stores and drug stores are having crazy soda deals a lot. I’ve noticed that the price is coming down on sodas at Costco recently – probably in response to that.
Also, not all brands are comparable in quality. Basically you need to know what is a good price per unit for an item.
Prices here in the DC area are not anywhere as cheap as in some areas that people are posting about their coupon deals. Unless it specifically states the item price in the ad, I can almost guarantee that it’ll be several dollars more than whatever someone is posting for me when I go shopping. Many of the deals posted on the web turn out not be good even with coupons if the store has much higher prices for the item.
Also, not everyone can run out to be at the drug stores at 8am on Sunday. It seems that they don’t carry much stock of their sale items where I live so most all the deals are cleaned out by Sunday evening – sometimes earlier. The grocery stores typically carry more stock and will even purchase extra stock for big sales but I’ve got some real issues with the drug stores. For example, yesterday CVS had a sale of 10/$10 on Progresso Soup. I got 10 cans. The shelf only had room for about 20 cans total. They did have sufficient sodas for the soda sale but Rite Aid didn’t when I went there. It seems they only sell what existing stock they have on their small shelves.
Also, with the price of gas what it is you have to factor that into your costs along with the costs of acquiring the coupons (the cost of buying newspapers).
I totally agree with the drug store coment!! I RARELY get the deals that are posted here. It’s been a month since Walgreens had a coupon for eggs .99 a dz. and they still dont have any! I only go out twice a week because it is summer vacation and refuse to spend it driving around and shopping instead of enjoying it with my kids. On top of that I work from home and need to make sure I get a least 2 days in for Mary Kay. Today CVS didnt have any of the items I went for!! It is VERY frustrating! Costco is so much easier aat times.
wow! I pay for these items. I guess I need to start couponing….
My husband has such sensitive skin that he HAS to use those kinds of razors. For the most part I’m pretty good at buying them when they are on sale and/or I have a coupon. Thanks for the heads up on the other products. My mom and I did a Costco run this morning and used their coupon booklet I got in the mail yesterday
thanks again.
I usually do buy this stuff .. I wish I was a couponer just dont know the system
I usually do buy this stuff .. I wish I was a couponer just dont know the system
@Cristan – have you watched our Coupon Class videos? http://thefrugalfind.com/online-coupon-class/
@Cristan – have you watched our Coupon Class videos? http://thefrugalfind.com/online-coupon-class/
No I will definitely do that thank you
I was amazed to find how many of these things I could get for free. After I started couponing, Sam’s didn’t seem like such a great idea anymore.
Julia,
I think a handy list of what’s a good price vs what’s a killer deal price would be helpful.
Sometimes you don’t have it in your stash, so it’s good to know what is a okay price.
Have you seen how anyleaf.com posts grocery prices?
I will admit, I still buy toothpaste AND deodorant…and Im not ashamed of it! I like to use coupons, but I will not allow coupons to run my life (even if that means that I am paying full retail for something). The $50 membership fee seems expensive, but in my family, we come out ahead since we buy a lot of meat and produce at Costco.
Our family is right there with Heather when she says she has a “very limited budget.” Me and my mom have been wanting to learn how to coupon for a while now, and as hard as we try to get the “free” or at least really cheap stuff we can’t get it right! With a family of 9 it’s hard to stock up and still get it for the same price as if you were paying for your regular groceries. (Or cheaper!) Can you help?!
would love to see more posts like this and the items you would buy. thanks for sharing!
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