6. Having a generous return policy
Costco actually offers extremely lenient return policies, compared to most retailers, and will refund the full purchase price on most products. While this may appear like a really kind gesture, it’s also a smart marketing strategy.
According to research in the Journal of Retailing, leniency in return policies “increases purchases more than returns.” In easing shoppers’ sense of doubt—they can always return the item, after all—these policies encourage more mindless shopping. Most items don’t ever actually get brought back.
18 thoughts on “10 Tricks Costco Uses to Make You Spend More Money”
It sounds like Costco have a good business plan. Plus, all of the employees are friendly and helpful. Also most customers are the same.
I love Costco we shop there quite often
I love Costco we shop there quite often good food and great service prices are great also
I absolutely love COSTCO, I have a membership and I don’t even live near a COSTCO. I wish they would put one in Buffalo N.Y. . Our closest Costco is in Rochester, NY. I would be there 3 times a week if it were here.
I love Costco cause I hate to shop and since there is only me. I can go to Costco once a month get all my paper goods laundry supplies and fresh fruit and vegetables and be done. Also their meat is delicious and priced well.
I love Costco,they have great marketing strategies. Always enjoy the samples and buy what I enjoy.
Thank you Costco.
I live 4 miles from a Costco and I’m there almost every week! Brilliant marketing!!
Until the Corona Virus is stopped, Costco should stop the free sample food.
That is just plain stupid.
They stopped free samples at the myrtle beach Costco 2 weeks ago
I’ve been a member of Costco since 1982 and has always had great service, good return policy, items that I really need, variety and overall haven’t found another service to match. always look for Costco on our trips as that is where the deals are.
Costco is a great bricks and mortar store! I can see it, feel it, buy it. You pointed many reasons people like to shop there. Plus, Costco doesn’t just buy stuff and put it on the shelves; they test those products! And, if the product has “Kirkland” brand on it, I know it is a good one.
We’re getting one in 2022, can’t wait. I don’t eat samples and let people with a couple of items go in front of me.
i shop at costco at least once a month. there just like any other store , you need to do your home work before going there . they have lots of great buys and some not so good. i will say that i have realized that if you buy stuff online verses going into the store , that you do pay more for the items online . anywhere from a dollars to several dollars per item .
I love shopping at costco. I can’t go to the one i usually go but I continue to shop online.
Seems like I never get out of Costco without spending at least $100. : – ) Nontheless, I love shopping at Costco. And what a great return policy. .
Everything sucks
Don’t forget that it is a scientific fact that free samples have no calories.
The article appeared to be about Costco “tricking” people into buying. True, we may buy some things we did not come for but the marketing strategy is the same as other stores use. They are good employers, they treat their customers respectfully, and if you know what you’re buying the prices are good. We love Costco.