Hey there, Dirtbags! Welcome back to the Garbage Blog!
This week our good pal Tom Thakkar stopped by Tuddy's yet again, and we were updated on his current Garbage habits, including his love for Costco.
In true Dirtbag fashion, we decided to see how you can get the most out of your Costco benefits - or latch onto other people who are members. Here's
5 Costco Secrets & Rumors for Dirtbags*
**Note - We are not sponsored by or members of Costco - these are all rumors we found on the internet. But nothing ventured, nothing gained...
5. In 14 States, Costco Has to Sell Alcohol to Non-Members
In 14 states (AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, HI, IN, KY, MA, MI, MN, NY, TX, VT) Costco is legally required to sell alcohol to the general public regardless of membership.
We're not sure how to get into the store, so call ahead, but apparently in those 14 states, it's your American RIGHT to discount booze.
4. Most of the Liquor is Basically the Same as the Fancy Stuff
You may have heard rumor that the Kirkland bottles of liquor are the same as the top shelf stuff.
Well... almost. It's like the stunt-double equivalent of a Hollywood actor - if you look REAL close you can tell Margo Robbie isn't doing that stunt, but it still looks and feels good.
The Kirkland French Vodka draws water from the same Cognac region as Grey Goose... That's top shelf stuff!
And the Kirkland Signature American Vodka is very comparable to Tito's - at a much lower price. It's from LeVecke Corporation out of Mira Loma, California, it's distilled six times from American-grown corn!
They also get a lot of good small-batch reserve Bourbon, made in the same US regions as the leading Bourbon. Barton 1792, the legendary Bardstown, Kentucky, often releases small batches just for Costco. It's "younger" than some of the higher-end varieties, but we're guessing Dirtbags won't notice the difference.
3. Pricing Secrets ?
You've maybe seen this on TikTok, but apparently you can decode Costco's supplier-habits by examining their pricing.
End in .97: The item is on clearance or marked down by a manager to its lowest possible price.
Aka GET IT NOW.
End in .00 or .88: A local manager cut the price to move remaining stock, floor models, or items missing boxes.
This item may be damaged - so make sure you KNOW this and can demand the best price.
End in a number other than .99 (e.g., .49, .59, .69): A temporary manufacturer markdown or special promotion that will eventually go back up.
This sale is real, so you SHOULD stock up on bulk mustard.
3. How To Get the Super Cheap Gas without a Membership
The Gas stations are rock-bottom prices! Yes - you likely have to wait in a line, but they move QUICK. And if you're in Oregon or NJ where they pump the gas for you, it's gonna move like a well-oiled machine.
And while this is supposed to be members only, here's the loophole: You'll need a Costco Shop Card, ie - a reloadable gift card that a Costco member must buy for you.
Most Costco gas stations are self-service with pay-at-the-pump. You need to insert the Costco Cash Card to activate the pump, but once you do you can opt to pay with a regular debit card or credit card.
2. Eye Exams and Health Screenings and DRUGS
If you're not a Costco member, you can still take advantage of Costco's Optometrist -- because you don't need a membership to get an eye exam! The exams are offered at a great price.
If you want to buy contacts or glasses, you do indeed need to be a member.
Costco - like everything else - has the lowest prices on prescription drugs. And you don't have to be a member to partake in this discount or fill your prescription from their Pharmacy.
And your local Costco does free health screenings for the public, including things such as heart, diabetes, and osteoporosis. Check your local Costco for upcoming screening events.
