7 Ways to Get More Out of Your Costco Membership

Costco (NASDAQ: COST) makes its money -- at least most of it -- whether its members shop at its warehouses or not. The retailer earns about 75% of its profits from membership fees.

That doesn't mean Costco doesn't want members to shop at its stores: It certainly grows its profits and its customer loyalty when consumers come in more often. Still, even though there are deals to be had, many of the warehouse club's members don't take full advantage of what paying the annual fee brings them.

Below are seven ways you can get more out of your Costco membership that you may not have considered. Of course, not every way works for every member, but even if you only use a few, you should be able to dramatically increase the value of your membership.