6. Utilize Costco.com With a Surcharge

Costco allows non-members to shop directly on its website for thousands of items, from electronics to furniture to bulk non-perishables. The catch is that non-members are assessed a 5% surcharge at checkout on most items. Additionally, certain high-demand items are labeled “Member Only Item” and cannot be purchased by the general public at all.

This is where practical math comes into play. If you are eyeing a new laptop or a living room sofa, you must calculate the exact cost of the surcharge. If you plan to buy a $1,500 television, the 5% surcharge equals $75. In that scenario, paying the $65 membership fee is actually the cheaper route. Conversely, if you are simply ordering $100 worth of specialty vitamins and bulk coffee, the $5 surcharge is a negligible price to pay for access without commitment.