As the cost of living increases, thousands of households are struggling to keep their heads above water. Discount retailers can massively help, especially with bulk buys on tinned foods or household products.
Wholesalers Costco offers savings on foods, furniture, household goods as well as a plethora of other items. However, there's a catch - not everyone can shop there.
In order to even step foot inside a warehouse, or shop online, you must have a membership card. But they're not available to everyone - you either have to be a trader, business (such as small grocery stores, corner shops,restaurants and takeaways) or work, or have retired from certain professions.
These include public sector workers such as NHS doctors, emergency services and local government. For as little as £15 you can shop online, but only members can visit the warehouses themselves.
There is also an executive membership available for £74.40 for ordinary shoppers, which includes a 2 per cent cashback on many purchases, the Liverpool Echo reports. Earlier this week Costco was the subject of a Channel 5 show called 'Costco - Is It Really Worth It?
The business is actually what consumer experts on the show described as being "a mysterious, very private club". It means not just anyone can saunter into their nearest Costco warehouse.
On the surface, that would seem a little frustrating for everyday bargain hunters and struggling families. But Channel 5 revealed one way that anyone can get around the normal membership criteria and shop 'til they drop.
The show's producers rang up one store inquiring about membership. They were told by a Costco customer advisor that all of the above was true. This was later confirmed by three other Costco stores, however, the remaining 25 warehouses did not respond.
The revelation means that anyone wanting to try and grab a bargain at the wholesaler could save themselves a larger membership fee through benefits they already owed. That's a great way to save some money and grab a bargain on your shop.
There are currently 29 Costco warehouses dotted across the UK, with other well-known 'cash and carry' wholesalers including Booker and Macro.
