I’ve shopped at Costco for nearly a decade. Here are the 8 biggest mistakes I see customers make.

When possible, don’t go shopping on the weekends.

If you walk into just about any Costco on a Saturday or Sunday, you’re almost sure to find crowds and long lines. You may even have to circle the lot just to snag a parking spot.

This increased foot traffic can also lead to certain items going out of stock and longer waits at the food court.

To avoid this, it’s best to go on a weekday. But if you must shop on the weekend, I recommend arriving 30 minutes before opening — there might already be a small line outside the entrance. 

This story was originally published in November 2022, and most recently updated on September 13, 2024.