Ever felt like the perfect generator deal is always one step ahead? You’re not alone! Costco is known for having some incredible generator sales, but catching one just right can feel like a bit of a game. Knowing when they usually go on sale and what to watch for can help you snag a top-quality generator at a fraction of the price. Let’s dive into the best times to get a deal at Costco on a generator, some tricks for finding the best prices, and what to keep in mind when you’re shopping.
Why Buy a Generator from Costco?
First, if you’re on the fence about buying a generator from Costco, let’s go over some reasons why it’s a great idea. Costco has a reputation for offering quality products and excellent value. Most of the generators they carry are well-rated brands with solid warranties and quality features. Not to mention, if you’re a Costco member, you get the added benefits of their legendary return policy.
Another big reason people love buying from Costco is the convenience. They stock a variety of generator types, so whether you’re looking for a small, portable option for camping or a larger model to power your home during an outage, they probably have something for you. Plus, with Costco’s online store, you can check out their generator inventory and compare models right from home.
The Best Times to Find Costco Generator Sales
So, when does Costco put its generators on sale? Here are some of the best times to watch for those price drops:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday
- No surprise here—Costco is well-known for slashing prices around Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This is usually one of the best times of the year to get a deal on generators (and just about everything else). Some years, the discounts start earlier in November and continue until early December. Watch for online-only deals as well as in-store specials.
- Winter Months (December – February)
- Winter is prime time for generator sales since many people are preparing for winter storms. Costco typically has some good deals during this time, especially right after the holidays. December and January often bring markdowns on a range of items, and generators are no exception.
- End of Summer/Start of Fall
- Late August to early October is another solid window to find a good price on a generator. This is when stores start to make room for fall and winter stock, so they mark down summer equipment and outdoor items, which can include generators. Costco sometimes offers deals during this time to clear out inventory, especially if they have newer models arriving.
- Costco’s Semi-Annual Sales Events
- Costco has a few major sales throughout the year that aren’t as big as Black Friday but still have some solid deals. These events happen in March and August, and they’re worth checking out. Generators might not be the featured item, but it’s still common to see discounts across various categories, including outdoor and home essentials.
- Online-Only Sales
- Costco often has online-only sales that are not as widely advertised as their big holiday sales, so you have to keep an eye out. These sales might pop up at any time, but they’re especially common around major holidays like Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Independence Day. Check Costco’s website regularly or subscribe to their email alerts to get notified of these online-only discounts.
- Clearance and Seasonal End Sales
- Once winter ends, Costco may have clearance sales on any leftover generators. This can be a hit-or-miss option, but sometimes you can get lucky and score a great deal on clearance inventory. Clearance sales might vary by location, so if you’re flexible and willing to check in-store, you might find an excellent price on a generator as the seasons change.
Tips for Snagging the Best Deals on Costco Generators
Knowing when Costco tends to offer sales is a good start, but here are some extra tips to increase your chances of finding the best generator deal.
- Become a Costco Member
- If you aren’t already, consider signing up for a Costco membership. Members typically get exclusive discounts, access to Costco-only coupons, and other perks. Plus, the return policy for members is far more flexible. You’ll also have early access to major sales events, which can make a difference if you’re after a popular item.
- Sign Up for Email Alerts
- Costco’s email alerts are a great way to stay in the loop about upcoming sales, deals, and online specials. While you may not see every deal for every item, you’ll get a heads-up on the bigger sales events, which will likely feature a few generator options.
- Shop Online for Extra Variety
- Sometimes, Costco’s website has different inventory than what’s in your local warehouse. Check online to compare prices, read customer reviews, and even catch online-exclusive deals. Costco’s online platform often has bundles or extra accessories that you might not find in-store.
- Consider Buying at the Right Season
- We mentioned earlier that winter and the end of summer are prime times for sales, but think about your specific needs. If you’re buying a generator for emergency backup, it’s smart to plan ahead and shop off-season. Avoid waiting until the middle of a winter storm or a summer heatwave when demand peaks, as prices tend to rise then.
- Look for Costco Coupon Books
- Costco puts out coupon books each month with various discounts across departments. These deals are often available both online and in-store. Check these out as they can include limited-time discounts on generators and other power equipment.
Why Get a Generator Now?
If you’re thinking about getting a generator, especially as a backup for your home, it’s never a bad time to make the investment. Power outages happen throughout the year, and whether it’s a storm, an equipment failure, or a random outage, having a generator can bring you peace of mind.
Costco has a variety of models to choose from, and while it’s always nice to wait for a sale, sometimes getting a reliable generator when you need it is worth the extra cost. Consider your needs, the size of the space you want to power, and how often you anticipate using it. Many of Costco’s models come with warranties, giving you a safety net if something goes wrong.
In Summary
When do Costco generators go on sale? To recap:
- Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime times for sales.
- The end of summer and beginning of fall often bring discounts.
- Winter months, especially around New Year, tend to have good deals.
- Costco’s semi-annual sales events in March and August are worth watching.
- Clearance sales and online-only events can also offer good savings.
Ultimately, the best time to buy a generator from Costco depends on your needs, your timing, and a bit of luck. By keeping an eye on Costco’s sales calendar and setting up email alerts, you’re in a good spot to score a deal when the time is right. Costco is a dependable place to buy from, especially when it comes to bigger-ticket items like generators.
Happy hunting!