Take a stroll through the aisles at Costco, and a trip for a few essentials can easily become a full cart thanks to the wide variety of items available at the superstore. Scroll through Costco.com, and that virtual cart fills up even faster. Not just the place to do grocery shopping in bulk, Costco sells everything from home furnishings and lawn decor to pet beds and even tiny homes! But if you see something you want as you shop in-store at the warehouse, you may want to stop yourself from saying, "I'll just buy that online later," because it just may cost you more.
During our walks through Costco, we've noticed that the in-warehouse prices on furniture and other big ticket items don't always match the prices online, with Costco.com sometimes being hundreds of dollars higher. We spotted this bouclé swivel chair for $249 in the warehouse, but head to Costco's site and the price shoots up to $399.99. Free shipping looks more like $150 shipping to us.
Costco shoppers have been noticing these price differences for years, and despite talking about them online, the discrepancies continue. Reddit user @ponder_life even tracked the in-warehouse and online price comparisons in a spreadsheet, and the calculated percentage increases are shocking.
While commenters tend to respond to comments about the mismatched prices by saying the higher price online is to account for shipping, this shouldn't be the case for a retailer who boasts free shipping for members. Which begs the question, why is the online cost higher?
Costco "Free Shipping" Isn't Really Free
Costco states, "Each product on Costco.com has its own shipping fee attached (although many items are shipped at no additional charge). If there’s a shipping charge, you’ll find it on the product detail page to the right of the product picture."
But even if the product doesn't list this specific shipping charge, it doesn't mean the price will match what's available in person at the warehouse for the same exact price. Costco advertises free standard shipping for members on Costco.com orders unless otherwise noted, but when the price online is higher than the price in-store, can you really call shipping free?
When you see the next viral Halloween decoration pop up on TikTok, it can be tempting to immediately go buy it online so you don't risk it selling out. But buyer beware, even seasonal items can run you a higher price tag online. Instagram has been abuzz about this year's animatronic werewolf with light-up eyes and sound effects. This life-size decoration may only cost you $249.99 at the warehouse, but it will run you $339.99 online.
The online price increase doesn't apply solely to high-ticket or large items. Even home items that could easily fit in your trunk alongside your weekly grocery haul have been seen online for more. This 90 oz. three-wick candle has been spotted in stores for $89.99. Order it online, and you'll pay $99.99, despite it saying "shipping and handling included" (though additional shipping fees will be charged on orders shipping to Alaska, Hawaii or Puerto Rico). That's a 10 percent price increase!
In addition to standard shipping on orders placed on Costco.com, Costco also offers same-day shipping on certain items available at your local warehouse, thanks to a partnership with Instacart. According to the same-day delivery page on Costco's website, same-day delivery orders require a minimum order of $35, and "prices include a service and delivery fee."
When searching the Same Day delivery page for your local warehouse, the furniture category is notably missing, meaning you can't redecorate your living room with the help of same-day delivery. Use the custom search bar though, and you may still be able to find some large-sized items depending on availability. A search for "couch" at our local Costco confusingly returned results for diapers, but a scroll deep down the page led to some larger items like rolling desk chairs and this solid wood Melino chair (no assembly required). So, while some larger-sized items may be eligible for delivery, don't expect that couch you've had your eye on to be delivered alongside your groceries.
What Is Included With Costco Shipping?
This isn't to say you should never shop at Costco online. Depending on your delivery needs, the higher price tag may be worth it, especially if the item can only be purchased online. Select items come with setup included with delivery, so be sure to carefully read the "Shipping & Returns" section of each product listing.
A search of Costco's top-rated sleeper sofa states that "Delivery, setup, and packaging removal included. Setup is in accordance with manufacturing guidelines so product is ready for intended use." Compare this to the Costco Murphy storage bed, which comes only with doorstep delivery; setup is not included.
How to Save on Costco Shipping
Want to save on shipping but don't have a way to transport any oversized purchases home from the warehouse? Reddit users suggest a Home Depot $19.99/hour truck rental for your next Costco run or shopping around on other retailers' websites to compare prices and delivery costs. Depending on the item, you may find an exact brand match on Amazon or a similar item for less. When browsing Costco.com, check and see if an item is labeled "Online Only," like this Cabana Entertainment Center, meaning shipping is required, and there won't be any available in the warehouse.
Do Your Research Before Shopping at Costco
Not everything you buy at Costco comes with a markup. For example, this inflatable camping sofa was seen in-store for $99.99 and is available online for the same price. Select same-day shipping, and the price becomes $112.99. Because online deals and warehouse deals change regularly, prices may vary.
With so many sales, price discrepancies, and no one-size-fits-all pricing model, we highly recommend doing your research online and in-store before purchasing while also weighing the delivery pros and cons depending on what you're purchasing. If it's an item that would require a truck rental and additional hands to get out of the warehouse, into your vehicle, into your home, and set up, it may be worth the higher price to purchase it online and have it delivered.
Costco Membership Price Increases in 2024
Online isn't the only place you'll find higher prices at Costco. The big box retailer announced earlier this year that it is raising membership prices come September 2024, the first time since 2017. Beginning September 1, all membership levels will increase by five dollars, with the exception of the Executive Membership, which will go up by 10 dollars. If you've been considering signing up for an annual membership, you'll want to get one this summer before the increase goes into effect.
Emily Rochotte is a freelance writer and social media manager covering lifestyle, travel and wedding content.
