An avid discount warehouse shopper shared on social media how she was able to shop for her favorite Costco items without actually having a membership. By using the Instacart app, she was able to order items from the store without paying the annual fee. She shared her tips in a TikTok video that garnered nearly half a million likes in just three days.
In a follow-up TikTok video, the savvy shopper walked viewers through how she places an order with Costco on Instacart. She mentioned that she uses the popular grocery shopping service to order items like her favorite Island Way sorbet, even though she primarily shops at Sam’s Club and doesn’t have a Costco membership.
The shopper explained in her video that when using Instacart to order from Costco, users can bypass the membership requirement by simply selecting “no thanks” when prompted about the membership. Many commenters debated the validity of her claim, with some arguing that a membership number is required to place an order through Instacart but the shopper maintained that her method worked based on her previous experience as an Instacart shopper.
While Costco offers different membership options, including an Executive Membership for $120 a year, the shopper emphasized that using Instacart to order through Costco can be a convenient alternative for non-members. She acknowledged that there is a 5% upcharge over store prices, along with Instacart’s delivery charges and fees, but found it to be a worthwhile expense, especially with her busy schedule.
Instacart has been promoting Costco as an option for shoppers on their website, making it clear that the service allows users to order from the warehouse store without a membership. However, neither Instacart nor Costco provided immediate comment on the validity of the shopper’s claim. Overall, the shopper’s hack has sparked interest among those looking to try out Costco items without committing to a membership, providing a useful tip for budget-conscious consumers.
