Secret Shopping Tips for Costco, Target and Walmart

In today's fast-paced world, we all strive to strike a balance between our busy schedules and our desire to save money. That's where we come in!

In this blog, I am committed to sharing my wealth of knowledge and expertise on the art of saving time and money while shopping. Whether you're a seasoned bargain hunter or someone who's just starting their journey toward financial freedom, you'll find valuable insights, tips, and strategies that can transform your shopping experience.

Saving time and money isn't just about finding the lowest price; it's about mastering the art of smart shopping. Together, we'll explore a wide range of topics, from frugal shopping techniques and budgeting hacks to the latest trends in online shopping and time-saving strategies for in-store visits. Today I'll empower you with the tools and knowledge you need, and we will make your money work harder for you.

I will introduce you to hidden gems in the world of discounts, promotions, and sales, ensuring you never miss out on an opportunity to save. We will be focusing on how there are tricks when shopping at Costco, Target, and Walmart that are hidden from the average customer.

Costco’s Special Pricing Code:

Did you know that Costco’s prices have a pricing code that gives information about the product? For example, most product’s prices will end in ‘.99’. The last two digits being ninety-nine means that this is a standard Costco product. There are three main types of pricing codes that you should be looking for when shopping at Costco. Be sure to visit the BuyVia Deals Page

When the price isn’t ‘.99’ but ends in 9 such as 6.79, 7.69, or 12.59, this could have two meanings. The product was either recently added or is a special-priced item that Costco got at a discount from the manufacturer. To know the difference between the two, look closely on the price tag towards the bottom right.

Another useful tip is to look for items ending in ‘.97’. This means that the product is currently marked down for a lower price. But it is important to know that the best deals at Costco's pricing will end in 0 cents or 88 cents. These are rare to find but indicate a ‘manager markdown’ meaning the store is trying to move that product quickly.

Apart from the pricing codes, there are also some other useful things to note while shopping at Costco. When the item’s pricing card is green, it means that the product is organic. And if there’s an asterisk (*) in the top left of the pricing card, the product won’t be restocked once it sells out! Remember these tips for the next time you visit Costco!

Target Shopping Tips:

Similar to Costco, there are lots of tips that can give you a better shopping experience. First, Costco has an unofficial schedule that they use to discount products. The unofficial schedule is here:

• Monday: Electronics, Accessories, Kids Clothing, Books, Baby, and Stationery
• Tuesday: Domestics, Women's Clothing, Pets, and Market food items
• Wednesday: Men's Clothing, Health and Beauty, Diapers, Lawn/Garden items, and Furniture
• Thursday: Housewares, Lingerie, Shoes, Toys, Sporting Goods, Decor, and Luggage
• Friday: Auto, Cosmetics, Hardware, and Jewelry

This is helpful for shopping both online and in-store. Also, when looking at prices, look for items ending in ‘.06’ or ‘.08’. The prices ending in six and eight cents mean that it’s an item on clearance pricing. Don’t forget to use their Target mobile coupons. Their website also lets you subscribe and save for extra savings on essentials that you regularly buy. And lastly don’t forget your bags when you shop! Be sure to visit the BuyVia Deals Page

Walmart Shopping Tips:

Walmart can be a busy store to shop at. Since many Walmart stores are typically open overnight, the entire store is cleaned out and shelves are restocked at that time. There will be no waiting in checkout lines, store employees are everywhere as they prepare the store for the rest of the day. See Walmart Deals

Next, you can prepare a shopping list and stick to it. Before heading to Walmart, take a few minutes to make a list of the items you need. Organize the list by sections or departments within the store to help you navigate through the aisles more efficiently. This will not only save you time but also help you avoid impulse purchases and unnecessary spending.

Having a shopping list will keep you focused on what you actually need, preventing you from getting overwhelmed by the vast array of products available. It will also help you remember any specific brands, sizes, or quantities you require, ensuring you don't forget anything important.

And while shopping, refer to your list frequently to stay on track.

By following these tips, you can make your shopping trip at Walmart much more enjoyable!