You probably joined Costco to save on toilet paper, rotisserie chicken, and gasoline. But if you dig a little deeper, that membership unlocks a collection of oddball—but often practical—discounts you won’t expect to find in the warehouse aisles. From funerals to pianos, Costco’s membership services and partner programs can shave money off big-ticket purchases and make certain planning tasks simpler. Below are 10 unusual Costco discounts, how to access them, what to watch for, and whether they’re likely to be a good deal for your family.
How to unlock Costco’s offbeat perks (and when they make sense)
Costco isn’t just a store; it’s a marketplace and a membership platform. Many of the discounts below are available online through Costco’s websites and partner programs rather than on the sales floor, and some require a simple member login or a referral code from the Costco portal. Before you book or buy, confirm membership eligibility, shipping and return rules, and whether a warranty or local regulations affect the purchase.
10 surprising Costco discounts and how to use them
- Caskets, urns and funeral-related services
What it is: Costco’s funeral and memorial section lists caskets, urns and related keepsakes online. For people planning ahead or helping with arrangements, this can be a lower-cost alternative to traditional funeral home pricing. Costco often shows product details and shipping options on its site 1.
How to use it: Compare the model specifications and finish, check shipping and delivery timelines, and verify state or local regulations about accepting caskets purchased online. If a funeral director is helping you, ask whether they will accept a consumer-purchased casket—some jurisdictions or facilities have specific rules.
When it’s a good idea: If you’re price-conscious and comfortable handling some logistics yourself, buying the casket online and arranging separate funeral services can save money versus full-service packages. If you prefer one-stop coordination, a funeral home’s bundled service may still be easier.
Caveat: Laws and funeral home policies vary by state; confirm legality and compatibility before purchase [2].
- Musical instruments and pianos
What it is: Costco occasionally offers instruments and digital pianos through its online catalog or limited in-club offerings. These items typically come with manufacturer warranties and sometimes bundled accessories.
How to use it: Read the specs closely—especially for digital pianos (weight, key action, connectivity). If a live tryout matters (acoustic pianos, for example), a retail piano store may be preferable. For digital models, Costco can be an easy way to get a reputable brand at a lower price.
When it’s a good idea: If you want a new digital piano or keyboard without dealer upsells and you’re comfortable buying sight-unseen when the return policy is reasonable.
- Engagement rings and jewelry
What it is: Costco’s jewelry lineup includes diamonds, engagement rings and other fine jewelry. Membership access gives you the ability to buy from a curated selection with reported competitive pricing.
How to use it: Take advantage of any available grading reports (GIA or equivalent), examine return policies, and compare metal, cut, clarity and carat details across vendors. If a branded name is part of the appeal, be aware not all branded boutiques are represented.
When it’s a good idea: For buyers focused on value—getting the most diamond for the budget—Costco can be a strong option. If brand prestige is the priority, consider other retailers.
- Vacation packages and travel perks
What it is: Costco Travel bundles hotels, rental cars, cruises and vacation packages, often adding extra perks such as resort credits or gift cards. Packages can be available online through a dedicated Costco Travel portal [3].
How to use it: Compare the total package price (room, taxes, resort fees, transfers) to other booking channels before you commit. The added perks sometimes offset a slightly higher per-night cost, but that isn’t a guarantee.
When it’s a good idea: When you value convenience—prepackaged deals, bundled car rental, and additional resort credits—or when Costco’s package is clearly less expensive after factoring perks.
Caveat: Always read cancellation and change policies closely; package flexibility can be limited.
- Pre-negotiated auto pricing and service discounts
What it is: Costco’s Auto Program provides negotiated pricing at participating dealers for new and used cars, plus discounts on parts and services through some service centers [4].
How to use it: Use Costco’s pre-arranged pricing as a starting point—present the Costco offer at the dealer and verify the final out-the-door price. Ask about the dealership’s participation status and any required Costco documentation.
When it’s a good idea: If you don’t want to haggle and prefer a transparent, pre-set price; also useful when shopping for mainstream new cars where dealer incentives are common.
Caveat: Pricing can vary by dealer; it’s not a guaranteed lowest price but often reduces the negotiation burden.
- Bulk emergency food kits and long-shelf-life supplies
What it is: Costco sells large-scale emergency food kits and long-shelf-life food pallets designed for disaster preparedness. These usually include a mix of grains, proteins, and dehydrated options with long shelf-life claims.
How to use it: Check shelf-life claims and storage requirements. For very large pallets, factor in delivery logistics and whether you have a climate-controlled place to store them.
When it’s a good idea: If you want a single, comprehensive purchase to jump-start emergency supplies and prefer buying from a familiar retailer with shipping and return support.
Caveat: Calculate cost per serving and compare with assembling your own kit—DIY can be cheaper but takes more time.
- Bulk wedding flowers and event floral packages
What it is: Costco sells floral arrangements and wedding bouquets in tiered packages that can cover everything from bouquets to centerpieces at a fraction of typical florist prices.
How to use it: Order early, inspect photos or sample arrangements if possible, and plan assembly logistics—some packages are delivered bundled and require on-site arranging.
When it’s a good idea: For budget weddings or large events where fresh flowers are needed in volume and you’re willing to do DIY arranging or hire a local florist just for assembly.
Caveat: If bespoke design or rare flowers are crucial, a specialized florist may be worth the extra cost.
- Pre-built or DIY outdoor sheds and large modular items
What it is: Costco offers outdoor storage sheds and similar modular structures that ship for home assembly. These are often national-brand products with manufacturer warranties.
How to use it: Confirm site preparation needs (level pad, foundation), assembly time, and whether professional installation is recommended. Factor in delivery and return policies for large items.
When it’s a good idea: If you want a known brand at a lower retail price and are comfortable assembling or paying for installation.
Caveat: Large items can be heavy and complex to assemble—check return and damage policies up front.
- Discounted insurance options through member services
What it is: Costco partners with insurance providers to offer member-only pricing or simplified marketplaces for auto, home, pet and life insurance products.
How to use it: Use Costco’s insurance portal to get quotes, then compare the same coverage from non-Costco channels. Savings may result from partner discounts or simplified bundling.
When it’s a good idea: When you’re shopping multiple lines of coverage and want a quick way to gather competitive quotes.
Caveat: Always compare policy details (deductible, limits, exclusions) rather than just premiums—lower cost can come with different coverage.
- Home saunas and wellness equipment
What it is: Costco periodically lists home saunas, massage chairs and larger fitness items at prices that often undercut specialty retailers.
How to use it: Review technical specs—power requirements, size, materials—and warranty/return terms. For installation, check whether you need a dedicated circuit or professional setup.
When it’s a good idea: If you want a new home wellness item with solid brand backing and easier return/warranty handling than buying from an unfamiliar online seller.
Caveat: For complex or electrical home installations, plan professional help into your budget.
Quick comparison table: at-a-glance decisions
| Item | Where to buy (costco) | Typical advantage | When to consider alternatives |
|---|---|---|---|
| Caskets & urns | Online | Lower retail price vs funeral-home markup | If you want full-service funeral planning |
| Pianos/Keyboards | Online / sometimes in-club | Brand-name digital models at lower price | For acoustic pianos or in-person auditioning |
| Engagement rings | Online / in-club | Competitive diamond pricing | When brand prestige matters |
| Vacation packages | Costco Travel portal | Bundled perks & convenience | If you need max flexibility or loyalty points |
| Cars & service discounts | Costco Auto Program | Pre-negotiated dealer pricing | For independent negotiation or limited dealer participation |
| Emergency food kits | Online | Large, consolidated kits | If you prefer customizing your own supplies |
| Wedding flowers | In-club / online | Substantially lower package prices | For custom designer florals |
| Sheds & modular items | Online / in-club | Lower price for brand-name items | For local craftsmen or unique materials |
| Insurance (auto/home/pet) | Insurance partners/portal | Streamlined quoting, possible discounts | When coverage details differ significantly |
| Saunas & wellness | Online | Lower price on big-ticket wellness gear | For custom sauna builds or local installers |
A short checklist for making these Costco purchases smartly
– Compare total cost: add taxes, shipping, installation, and any required add-ons.
– Verify warranties and return policies: large or regulated purchases (caskets, cars, saunas) need clear recourse.
– Confirm local rules and compatibility: funeral laws, vehicle dealer participation, electrical requirements.
– Inspect or request photos/spec sheets: for online big-ticket items, ensure the product matches your expectations.
– Add professional help as needed: electricians, assemblers, or florists for on-site finishing touches.
– If you need a little extra cash to cover membership or an upfront purchase, supplementing income through short gigs like linked side hustles can help—also consider doing or taking a survey for small earnings while you shop around.
Why these weird discounts often appear at warehouse clubs
Costco’s business model—large-volume buying power, curated product lines, and tight vendor relationships—lets it present unusual items at competitive prices. The membership model also makes it feasible to offer lower margins on big-ticket goods because the club knows a percentage of members will buy recurring consumables, which helps subsidize some one-off deals. That’s why the same membership that saves you on pantry staples can also get you a better price on a piano or a vacation package.
When Costco may not be the right choice
– You need highly personalized or custom work (bespoke jewelry settings, custom funeral services, handcrafted furniture).
– Local service providers provide faster or more specialized installation and follow-up.
– You prioritize vendor loyalty points from a specific travel or car brand over immediate price savings.
Final thoughts
Costco membership can be more than bulk groceries and low-cost rotisserie chicken. If you’re willing to research product details, confirm logistics, and sometimes do a bit of DIY work (or hire local pros for finishing touches), you can take advantage of Costco’s unusual discounts on a surprising range of big-ticket items. Use the checklist above before buying, and treat each deal like any other purchase: compare, verify, and plan for follow-up expenses.
References
1) Costco – Funeral Merchandise and Services (Costco member portal) — https://www.costco.com/funeral.html
2) State and local funeral regulations overview (example reference) — confirm with local authorities; specifics vary by state.
3) Costco Travel — https://www.costcotravel.com/
4) Costco Auto Program — https://www.costcoauto.com/
5) Penny Hoarder overview of unusual Costco discounts — https://www.thepennyhoarder.com/save-money/weird-costco-membership-discounts/
