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I used to work at costco.com. Costco definitely doesn't jack up prices during sales, but items often cost more online than in the stores due to shipping costs. The price of membership guarantees margin limits - that's basically the deal with Costco - barring some exceptions no item is allowed to be marked up more than 14%, and in practice many of the margins are razor thin. If they didn't raise prices on the website, the shipping costs would push the margins into negative territory meaning they would be losing money. They do have some loss leaders, such as the $1.50 hot dog and soda, but they couldn't do this across the board - they have to increase the price on the site or else they'd have to raise prices in the warehouses. Hope this helps!
Thanks for confirming. I think most people are not aware that the online price is higher for the reasons you mentioned. So when they have the light bulb moment... wow, this is higher than what I pay instore... they think its "jacked up"... I will never understand why so many people think that having someone go get each of the 8 items you selected, package them together and mail it to you should be "free" or "the deal is dead"...
I used to work at costco.com. Costco definitely doesn't jack up prices during sales, but items often cost more online than in the stores due to shipping costs. The price of membership guarantees margin limits - that's basically the deal with Costco - barring some exceptions no item is allowed to be marked up more than 14%, and in practice many of the margins are razor thin. If they didn't raise prices on the website, the shipping costs would push the margins into negative territory meaning they would be losing money. They do have some loss leaders, such as the $1.50 hot dog and soda, but they couldn't do this across the board - they have to increase the price on the site or else they'd have to raise prices in the warehouses. Hope this helps!
Thanks for confirming. I think most people are not aware that the online price is higher for the reasons you mentioned. So when they have the light bulb moment... wow, this is higher than what I pay instore... they think its "jacked up"... I will never understand why so many people think that having someone go get each of the 8 items you selected, package them together and mail it to you should be "free" or "the deal is dead"...
Thanks OP I have been waiting for this. Last year I bought the Berberine and with a promotion like this and it was definitely cheaper then in store. Starting 7/27 there should be plenty of items on sale that might make this an ok deal or one of the best prices you will find. Looks like the Berberine will be $8 off in store and online. Not sure what the price will be in store but probably hard to beat the $30 off--it didn't last time.
Thanks for confirming. I think most people are not aware that the online price is higher for the reasons you mentioned. So when they have the light bulb moment... wow, this is higher than what I pay instore... they think its "jacked up"... I will never understand why so many people think that having someone go get each of the 8 items you selected, package them together and mail it to you should be "free" or "the deal is dead"...
And it's so refreshing that Costco operates its business like this, because the cost of shipping has to come from somewhere. It would be ultra transparent if they listed in store prices, but I'll settle for the disclaimer they have that says warehouse prices may be lower.
And it's so refreshing that Costco operates its business like this, because the cost of shipping has to come from somewhere. It would be ultra transparent if they listed in store prices, but I'll settle for the disclaimer they have that says warehouse prices may be lower.
They don't show the store price when you order online is because depending on them item, certain warehouses would mark down certain items while others would be regular price. You can have two or very rare 3 different prices from 3 different warehouses in a 45 mins drive from each other. On the costco app, under the warehouse tab at the bottom, you can check that warehouse price when you put the item number/item description. If it doesn't show, you can always call that warehouse to find out.
Only 3 of the items I usually buy at Costco are eligible for this deal, so no go for me.
As far as the price increases, I bought magnesium at FULL PRICE 3 weeks ago for $22.49 in the warehouse. It's now on sale for $4.50 off which makes it $17.99. With this online "deal", it is $23.49 AFTER $4.50 off, meaning it's regularly $27.99 online = $5.50 more than the warehouse price.
Last edited by linksyss July 27, 2026 at 06:37 PM.
Thanks OP I have been waiting for this. Last year I bought the Berberine and with a promotion like this and it was definitely cheaper then in store. Starting 7/27 there should be plenty of items on sale that might make this an ok deal or one of the best prices you will find. Looks like the Berberine will be $8 off in store and online. Not sure what the price will be in store but probably hard to beat the $30 off--it didn't last time.
Thanks for confirming. I think most people are not aware that the online price is higher for the reasons you mentioned. So when they have the light bulb moment... wow, this is higher than what I pay instore... they think its "jacked up"... I will never understand why so many people think that having someone go get each of the 8 items you selected, package them together and mail it to you should be "free" or "the deal is dead"...
It's the same people who think it's outrageous it's more expensive to get food delivered than pick it up yourself. No concept of what kind of extra work and someone's time is involved. I assume most of these people are quite new to the world. I remember a time where all these things delivered to my door wasn't even an option. And certainly didn't come this quickly. I think getting things delivered is so cheap I wonder how some companies make money lol. Then younger generations mad it's not free. Two different opinions I guess. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯.
As others are learning costco web site is one of the biggest variances vs in store. Some items are hundreds of dollars more... like furniture that's 400 in store is 600 online with "free shipping". You really need to do a quick comparison for anything you may be otherwise able to buy in store when it comes to Costco.
That being said, they definitely have legit deals online that you might not find in store.
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Thanks for confirming. I think most people are not aware that the online price is higher for the reasons you mentioned. So when they have the light bulb moment... wow, this is higher than what I pay instore... they think its "jacked up"... I will never understand why so many people think that having someone go get each of the 8 items you selected, package them together and mail it to you should be "free" or "the deal is dead"...
As far as the price increases, I bought magnesium at FULL PRICE 3 weeks ago for $22.49 in the warehouse. It's now on sale for $4.50 off which makes it $17.99. With this online "deal", it is $23.49 AFTER $4.50 off, meaning it's regularly $27.99 online = $5.50 more than the warehouse price.
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That being said, they definitely have legit deals online that you might not find in store.
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Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
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