How To Do Costco Online Shopping?

Costco online shopping requires a membership ($60–$120/year) to access exclusive deals and delivery. Members shop via Costco.com or the app, browse bulk items, and use services like 2-day delivery or curbside pickup. Orders over $75 qualify for free shipping, while prescription refills and tire installations can be scheduled. Pro Tip: Always check the “Coupons” tab for instant savings before checkout.

What membership is needed for Costco online shopping?

A valid Gold Star ($60/year) or Executive ($120/year) membership is required. Guest checkout isn’t allowed, but non-members can purchase Costco Shop Cards through third parties. Executive members earn 2% annual rewards on eligible purchases.

Costco enforces membership verification at checkout by requiring your membership number. Technically, the website cross-references your account with billing/shipping details to prevent unauthorized access. For online orders, Executive members gain early access to limited-time deals—like November’s Dyson vacuum discounts. Pro Tip: Share a household membership digitally by adding a secondary user via “Account Settings.” Imagine buying a 75” TV online: non-members can’t proceed past the cart, but members enjoy price-matching guarantees.

How do I navigate Costco’s website/app?

The Costco app (iOS/Android) lets you scan warehouse item codes, track orders, and access digital coupons. Desktop users can filter products by “Same-Day Delivery” or “In-Warehouse Only.”

Beyond basic searches, use the “My Warehouse” feature to check local stock before visiting. The app’s barcode scanner syncs with online prices—if an item scans cheaper in-store, you’ll get a refund. Practically speaking, the “Reorder” tab saves time for frequent buyers of staples like Kirkland coffee. For example, searching “protein bars” displays bulk options (e.g., 48-count Quest bars), with nutrition details and delivery timelines. Pro Tip: Enable push notifications for “Flash Sales” on seasonal items like patio furniture. Why bother visiting the warehouse? The app’s “Tire Center” lets you schedule installations remotely.

How do I find the best online deals?

Costco’s “Today’s Savings” page highlights weekly coupons, while “Clearance” sections list items discounted up to 50%. Executive members receive email alerts for early-bird promotions.

Deals rotate every Thursday—mark your calendar for electronics and appliance markdowns. The “Price Adjustment” policy refunds differences if an item drops within 30 days of purchase. For instance, a member who bought a $1,200 mattress could claim $200 back if it’s discounted later. Pro Tip: Bookmark the “Holiday Central” page for bundled gift deals (e.g., Christmas snack boxes). But how do you avoid missing time-sensitive offers? Set “Notify Me” alerts on high-demand products like gaming consoles.

What’s the checkout process for online orders?

Checkout requires verifying your membership number, shipping address, and payment method. Costco accepts Visa cards, debit, and PayPal—but not Mastercard or Amex.

After adding items, the system calculates tax and delivery fees. Same-day orders via Instacart show real-time substitutions if products are out of stock. For example, selecting “organic strawberries” might default to conventional if unavailable, with an option to reject changes. Why risk payment errors? Save multiple payment profiles under “Wallet” for faster checkout. Pro Tip: Use Shop Cards to bypass the Visa-only restriction—load them with any credit card.

What delivery options are available?

Costco offers standard shipping (free over $75), 2-day delivery ($9.99), and same-day via Instacart. Oversized items (e.g., furniture) ship via freight carriers with scheduled drop-offs.

Same-day delivery covers 8,000+ items, including groceries and pharmacy products. Freight deliveries require appointment bookings—drivers won’t leave items unattended. For instance, a sectional sofa arrives on a pallet, with a team calling ahead to confirm installation readiness. Pro Tip: Track freight shipments via “Order Details” to avoid missed calls. Why pay extra? Opt for warehouse pickup for bulky items to dodge shipping fees.

How do I manage returns or cancellations?

Most items can be returned online within 90 days (electronics: 90 days). Start returns via “Order History” to print prepaid labels. Cancellations are allowed if orders haven’t shipped.

Electronics and appliances have stricter return windows—computers must be returned within 90 days with original packaging. For cancellations, orders in “Processing” status can be revoked, but “Shipped” items require returns. Imagine buying a defective air purifier: the online portal generates a UPS label, and refunds process in 3–5 business days. Pro Tip: Take photos of damaged items—Customer Service may expedite replacements.

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