Whether you're lured by the deals, discounts or just the free samples — few frugal Canadians can resist a Costco run when groceries are low. If you want to know the best cheap Costco hacks, then it helps to know exactly what they're up to and how they get you to spend way more of your money than you intended. Turns out, they have some sneaky tricks up their sleeves that will get you to gladly fork over the cash. We love to save money at Costco not just so we have more money in the bank but also because it gives us a huge sense of accomplishment. With Black Friday coming up on November 29, this list of the members-only store's secrets will have you in the right frame of mind to focus on getting the best deals. According to the CBC, everything from the layout, scent, and sound of the store can affect your psychology and how you buy. In Canada, Costco is even bigger than Walmart, proving that we love saving money. Once armed with this knowledge, you'll be able to shop at the discount giant with confidence. Plus, you can even get a free $40 voucher right now to sweeten the deal. Free Samples How They Get You: Going to Costco is more than just a shopping trip — it's an entire experience. Free samples of Cheetos are going to make it more likely that you pick up a giant bag and throw it in your cart. View this post on Instagram when I die bury me inside the Costco store @2chainz A post shared by Taylor Olcott (@taolcott) on Oct 29, 2019 at 2:40pm PDT Impulse Buys How They Get You: Since it's a bargain store, you might think that everything around you is super cheap; however, it is not always the cheapest place to buy something. You're likely to make an impulse buy if you think it's inexpensive. View this post on Instagram 隼輝可愛ええ🤤💟💟 この1番デカいクマ将来おうちに置きたいねッて 話してたの🧸📬🔑 ¥ 22.980🤑 今日も遠くまで運転ありがとう。らびゅ💟 #costco A post shared by Ayaka (@_aya_pon) on Nov 24, 2019 at 6:50am PST Essentials In The Back How They Get You: Those everyday foods that you need like produce, meat, and dairy are likely to be at the back of the store. You'll have to walk through a ton of other enticing items before you get to the milk and you might buy things you didn't come for. View this post on Instagram So tired this AM 😴 but was able to squeeze in a #Costco run mid morning! Dan and I do a monthly Costco run because it saves us major💲on groceries (we both eat a lot). Here are some of the staples we always get ⬇️ -Riced cauliflower ⁃Chicken, ground beef, fish and/or sausage ⁃Feta/block cheese ⁃Sweet potatoes/potatoes + onions + tomatoes ⁃Spinach + mushrooms + beans/asparagus/carrots/brussel sprouts ⁃Eggs -Rice or quinoa -Bagels, wraps or bread ⁃Hummus + pesto ⁃Grapeseed oil -Frozen ‘protein’ (this time it was chicken fingers…) -Pita chips or Tostitos 🍗🥚🍞🍅🥕🥔🍠🧀🥩🥗🐟 #CostcoAddict #FoodBalance #MyDadCallsItThe300DollarStore A post shared by Hannah Kovacs (@hiitwhannah) on Mar 22, 2018 at 8:52am PDT Constantly Moving Things Around How They Get You: In the aisles, things seem to never be in the same place and that's intentional. It turns shopping into a scavenger hunt and you're likely to find more things to throw in the cart along the way. View this post on Instagram We rented a car to go home for thanksgiving and stopped in at Costco for a few things. It made me realize how much less you tend to buy when you have to carry it home 😂#shopping #citylife #carless #costco A post shared by Orlando Montoya (@reverendomerengue) on Nov 24, 2019 at 7:56am PST You Have To Be A Member How They Get You: Costco has great deals, especially on things like gas and sale items. To get those deals and save money, you have to become a member. A Gold Star Membership will set you back $60 per year. View this post on Instagram Finally got it!!! #costco #costcomembership #costcowine #spendtoomuch! A post shared by Aimee Terito (@aterito1980) on Nov 22, 2019 at 1:14pm PST Limited Signage How They Get You: Ever look around an aisle and wonder what is even going on? There aren't a ton of signs in Costco stores. That leaves shoppers to follow the colourful packaging, brands, and fun items that catch their eye. View this post on Instagram Time for a real bike again? T-3 days!!!! . . . #enduro #endurolife #injuryrehab #rehab #racing #baja A post shared by Dee Sokolov (@deesokolov) on Oct 5, 2019 at 3:57pm PDT Cheap Eats How They Get You: The food at the food kiosk can be a siren call and if you get a craving for a $1.50 hot dog and walk into the store, you might be tempted to pick up a few items that you didn't come for. View this post on Instagram Pense num lugar bom e barato 👍👌😉 A post shared by Marcio Almeida Dos Santos (@marcio_president) on Aug 10, 2019 at 12:34pm PDT There are stories everywhere. If you spot a newsworthy event in your city, send us a message, photo, or video @NarcityCanada on Twitter and Instagram.
