Clever Tricks Costco Uses To Try and Make You Spend More Money
Going to Costco was the greatest adventure when I was a kid.
I remember hearing my grandmother and my aunts talk about “making a trip to Costco,” and as soon as I heard those glorious words, I knew I had to tag along for a few reasons — free samples, free samples, free samples. And the possibility to grab a new book while I was there.
As I got older, I realized Costco was even more than the free samples. It seemed like a phenomenal bulk bargain, as long as you were a member, of course.
But Costco also has a series of sneaky strategies to make you spend more money. Here are 5 fast facts:
1. Store Rearrangement
For starters, they constantly rearrange and replace the products in their store. This keeps customers on their feet.
When you go to grab your go-to shampoo and conditioner, it won’t be there. But instead, you’ll see a brand new product, and you’ll say to yourself, “Maybe I should try out this one today.”
2. Strategic Sale Pricing
In addition to the new products, they will often be on sale to convince you that you’re getting a bargain out of your new purchase. But these products are always the ones you don’t need — the tempting products, like cookies or cheese balls.
3. Location, Location, Location — Just like real estate
Without the customers’ knowledge, companies have even stepped in and paid Costco to put their products in a more desirable area. Meanwhile, necessary items like produce or vegetables are rarely bought by customers due to their bulk sizes. Most of it goes to waste in their homes.
4. Low Gas Prices
One incredibly enticing strategy is the fact that Costco has the lowest gas prices. We all can agree that the price of gas is incredibly important to us.
Yet, this is quite intentional. In order to get this great deal on gas, you have to be a Costco member. So naturally, you figure that you might as well grab all of your groceries at Costco since you’re already there. Therefore, you spend more money than you need.
5. Free Samples
Finally, Costco has one more strategy: free samples. Of course. Everyone’s favorite.
This strategy works immensely well for Costco because it allows customers to try new things at no cost to them. But maybe you try a dessert or a soup that you absolutely fall in love with, and suddenly, you feel compelled to buy it.
Ultimately, all of these strategies lead customers to do one thing: spend more money.
And while these strategies seem sneaky, this doesn’t mean that people should stop shopping at Costco.
We all know that Costco is convenient for many purchases and products. As long as you control your temptations and stay focused on the real sales, you’ll get the bargain you want.
Submit your story here, and subscribe to our best uplifting stories here.
Truth and Accuracy
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
