When Does Costco Mark Down Their Unsold Grills?

Certain household conveniences can be so expensive that we end up sitting around waiting for the prices to go down. However, depending on the item, it can be hard to know when to expect a price cut — and it can be gut-wrenching if you end up missing a sale. So, if you've had your eye on a new grill from Costco for a while, how can you know when it is likely to be marked down?

While Costco pricing can seem like a mystery, there are actually a few tricks that can help you know the right times to look. One helpful strategy is to think about seasons. Many Costco stores know that they will eventually have to get their unsold summer items, like patio furniture and grills, moved out in order to make way for fall and winter items. Therefore, at the end of summer and the start of fall, you may be more likely to see marked down grills because the stores are eager to get them sold. 

While it can be tempting to buy a grill during peak summer grilling season because of how many different models are out on the Costco floor and being advertised, waiting until the end of summer could be a good option if you want to save money. However, some specific grills may be sold out by then, so keep that in mind if you've had your eye on a particular model to create the ultimate backyard entertainment space. It's also worth noting that most sales are exclusive to Costco members.

In addition to general seasons, holidays such as Memorial Day and Labor Day can also be a good time to look for deals because Costco and other stores tend to use those well-known dates to advertise sales and get stock moving. If you can't wait until peak grilling season ends, Costco also runs a Fourth of July sale on grills and many other outdoor items — if you're in need of some patio furniture or outdoor lights to go with your new grill, you can grab pretty much everything you need from Costco for a complete patio makeover during this sale and others. Costco also typically runs monthly members-only warehouse savings events, with each offering discounts on certain in-store and online products for around three weeks. However, there's no guarantee grills will be among the products on sale.

While these are certain predictable times that Costco stores tend to mark down their grills, it can also be helpful to keep an eye on some other sources to stay on top of sales so that you never miss an opportunity. For example, there are various online forums like Reddit where Costco enthusiasts and bargain hunters sound the alarm whenever they see an item on sale. Finally, remember to check both in-store and online when buying for your new DIY grill station; Costco sells some grills online only, while certain stores may have markdowns or lower prices that are localized only to them.