Costco Has Purchase Limits On Certain Items — What To Know Before Stocking Up

Costco shopping presents a great opportunity to stock up on bulk items, whether that's a 24-pack of travel-sized Gatorade bottles or an extra-large container of ibuprofen. Though even with a reputation for selling in bulk, some shoppers simply prefer making their transactions by the dozen. A dozen 24-packs of Gatorade, a dozen extra-large containers of ibuprofen, a dozen 32-packs of turkey patties. To the relief of some, and the disappointment of others, Costco does have purchase limits on certain items, so, super-bulk shoppers: Beware.

Costco's purchase limits are highly dependent upon the item itself and how in-demand it currently is. If you're browsing Costco's website, you'll see in the "Features" section of the product's description whether or not it has a purchasing capacity listed. Some items describe a limit per transaction within a specified period of time, such is the case for the Rand Refinery gold and platinum bars available at Costco. Other items purchased at Costco, like gift cards (which cannot be returned under any exception), use vaguer wording in regards to purchase limits. The retailer tracks these item limits by membership transactions, although social media users debate whether limits are per calendar day or per transaction.

Several social media users have shared examples of instances when they've accidentally stumbled upon a purchase limit. "I picked up 3 without seeing that there was a 2-item limit," explained a customer on a Facebook post, continuing that when they "scanned the 3rd item, it gave an error and requested a manager." Another shopper shared a similar experience on Reddit, saying, "In the past, I was trying to stock up on consumables that typically go on sale twice a year ... the register flagged the items." One supposed Costco employee on Reddit even recounted a story where they "canceled a lady's membership for buying 10 cans (limit was 2)" — consider this among the Costco rules you don't even want to think about breaking.

There are also plenty of shoppers who've never experienced a policy limit being enforced. "I've never had an issue," said one Reddit user, while another Redditor in the same thread pointed out that they "buy the limit multiple times in the same day." A shopper on this Facebook post said, "Even during COVID, limits were never enforced. I could buy the items, put them in my car, then walk back in and buy multiples of the same item without any issues whatsoever." 

Before you get any big ideas to stock up on your favorite Costco items, it's worth brushing up on these 15 insider secrets seasoned Costco shoppers know. Additionally, always check the signage for item limits so you're not left with a sad surprise at the register.