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Every penny counts these days. So it's no wonder many Canadian families rely on warehouse clubs like Costco. Even with annual membership fees, buying in bulk can offer deep discounts. But when you walk into a Costco you can easily spend more than you planned to if you're not careful. The wholesale warehouse offers discounts of 30 per cent on some brands which is why you may wonder why you don't walk out of a Costco with more money in your wallet.

Customers say it's because they go on a spending spree. Customers said "Well if I see something additional that I like -- I buy it." Another added "I just load up because it's a bargain" and one other shopper said: "When I come I spend a lot of money."

A basic Costco membership is $55 annually. The premium membership is $100, but with it you get back 2 per cent on every dollar you spend. Even with those kinds of rewards you need to be disciplined, said Consumer Reports' Tod Marks.

"Before heading out to a warehouse club make a list and stick to it," he suggested. 

You can always get great deals on electronics and jewellery when you shop at Costco -- but you have to ask yourself is that what you went in to buy? While Costco has been know for giant-sized packages, the warehouse store is starting to have smaller package sizes for many products. Also, if you want to save even more money consider Costco's Kirkland Signature brand which has received many positive reviews from consumers.

Shopping at Costco pros: 

• Low prices
• Good service
• Lenient return policy
• Fast checkouts

Shopping at Costco cons:

• Large product sizes
• Must pay for membership
• Limited selection
• Items offered limited time

Key Points:

• Costco wholesale stores can offer up to 30 per cent discounts on brand items
• Consumer Reports says maximizing savings can take some discipline though since people often buy way more than they plan to get
• They suggest making a list and sticking to it. Resist the urge to browse and consider shopping on the website if you're short on willpower
• Check out unit prices so you're sure you're paying less than you would at the grocery store
• Consider splitting bulk items with a friend and try the cheaper warehouse club brands like Kirkland Signature
• Memberships at Costco start at $55 for ‘Gold Star Members' & ‘Business Members' and $100 for ‘Executive Members' (which offers 2 per cent cash back on most purchases)

Price Comparison Examples

Cashmere Toilet Paper (40 2-Ply Rolls) - $19.99 at Costco

Charmin Toilet Paper (30 2-Ply Rolls) - $16.98 at Wal-Mart

Heinz Ketchup (2.5 L) - $5.95 at Costco

Heinz Ketchup (1 L) - $3.77 at Wal-Mart

Hellmann's Mayonnaise (1.8L) - $6.99 at Costco

Hellmann's Mayonnaise (750 mL) - $5.17 at Wal-Mart

Tide Laundry Detergent (5.02L) – $21.79 at Costco

Tide Laundry Detergent (4.43L) - $21.78 at Wal-Mart

TriColour Fusilli Pasta (2.27 kg) - $7.49 at Costco

TriColour Pasta (275g) - $1.50 at Loblaws

Sour Suckers (1.075 kg) - $5.95 at Costco

Sour Gummies (170 g) - $2.38 at Wal-Mart