Shopping at Costco, with its cavernous aisles, towering pallets, and the promise of incredible bulk buys, is truly a delight for so many of us. It’s an adventure, a treasure hunt, and a weekly ritual all rolled into one giant retail experience. But like any bustling metropolis, Costco has its own unspoken rules of the road, a kind of social contract that ensures everyone — shoppers and the amazing employees who keep the whole thing running — can have a pleasant, efficient, and even fun time.
Now, I’m known to be a bit chatty. You know, the kind of person who makes friends everywhere, even at the grocery store. And let me tell you, some of the friendliest potential pals on the planet work at Costco! Through the years, I’ve gathered a 12-pack bulk order of knowledge from old and new Costco employee friends. They’ve graciously shared all kinds of helpful intel on how to navigate the popular warehouse store without missing out on anything, and more importantly, without unintentionally making their lives harder.
So, if you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes, or what simple changes could transform your shopping experience for the better (and make you a true Costco all-star in the eyes of the staff), you’re in the right place. We’re diving deep into the 14 things Costco employees truly wish you knew and, frankly, wish you’d stop doing! Get ready to level up your warehouse game.
1. **Don’t Try to Get In Early, Ever!**We all love a head start, right? The idea of getting into Costco a few minutes before the doors officially swing open, hoping to beat the rush, might seem like a clever hack. But here’s the honest truth from the folks who are there every morning: it really, really disrupts store preparations. Employees are diligently setting up for the day, ensuring everything is in its proper place, and getting ready to serve hundreds, if not thousands, of customers.
Expecting early entry puts added pressure on them during a crucial time. Those precious moments before opening are when staff are often performing final checks, restocking, and generally getting the massive store ready for action. When shoppers try to enter early, it throws a wrench in their carefully planned routine and can lead to a less smooth experience for everyone once the store *actually* opens.
Employees genuinely appreciate it when shoppers respect the official opening hours. It allows them to set up for the day without added pressure, making sure that when you do walk in, the store is as ready and organized as possible for your delightful shopping spree. So, next time, resist the urge to pull on those doors ahead of time; a little patience goes a long way in ensuring a ready and welcoming environment.
2. **Avoid Parking in Tire Inflation Spots**Picture this: you’ve just picked up your bulk paper towels, and now your tires need a little love. You roll up to the tire service area, only to find all the designated inflation spots occupied by cars that are clearly just regular parking. Frustrating, right? This isn’t just a minor annoyance; it’s a genuine inconvenience for other Costco members who truly need these specific services.
Those spots aren’t just extra parking spaces; they are specifically designated for customers who require tire services, whether it’s an inflation, a repair, or a new set of wheels being installed. Parking there, even if it’s just for a brief moment while you dash inside, can create unnecessary bottlenecks and delay service for others.
Keeping the flow going smoothly is key in a busy place like Costco, and this applies to the parking lot just as much as inside the store. Employees (and your fellow shoppers!) appreciate it when you always try to park in the appropriate spots, leaving the specialized service areas free for their intended use. It’s a small act of consideration that makes a big difference in maintaining efficiency for specialized services.
3. **Keep Your Membership Card Ready (and Out of Your Mouth!)**Okay, let’s talk membership cards. We all know you need one to shop at Costco, it’s like your golden ticket to bulk bliss! But seriously, be prepared with your card ready as you approach the entrance or checkout. Nothing holds up a line faster than someone frantically digging through their wallet, purse, or backpack at the very last second. Searching for your card at the last minute delays not just your shopping experience, but also that of everyone patiently waiting behind you.
For David, a Costco employee based in Southern California, this is one of the biggest slowdowns at checkout. Cashiers need to scan your card before they can even begin ringing up your items, so having it out and ready to go is a total game-changer for speed and efficiency. The membership scanning device will immediately tell whether your card is in date, so you need to have it with you, up to date, and ready to scan to walk in without hassle.
And here’s a hot tip that might surprise you, but one that Costco employees resoundingly agree on: please, for the love of all that is hygienic, keep your membership card out of your mouth! Or your bra. Or any other place besides your pocket, for that matter. As one employee candidly shared with Business Insider, “I hate when they have their membership card in their mouth and then hand it to me.” It’s, well, it’s gross. The employee you’re handing your card to likely doesn’t want to come into contact with your saliva or any part of your body other than your hand. Doing so increases the likelihood of spreading any germs you might be harboring, potentially making them sick. Just keep it clean and accessible, folks!
4. **Never Be Rude to Employees**This one should be a no-brainer, but it happens more often than you’d think. Costco employees are truly the beating heart of the business, keeping the place where you buy your bulk goods in good order. They are there to help, to guide you to that elusive item, and yes, sometimes, to enforce store policies that are in place for everyone’s safety and convenience. Being rude, dismissive, or even just plain grumpy towards them creates an unnecessarily negative environment, not just for them, but for everyone around.
Remember, a little kindness truly goes a long way. These individuals are working hard, often navigating a massive 30,000-square-foot building, to ensure your shopping experience is as smooth as possible. They aren’t intentionally hiding your favorite item, nor are they withholding extra toppings in the food court out of spite. They are simply doing their job, following company policy, and trying to manage a bustling retail space.
Treating employees with respect and understanding can completely transform the vibe of your visit. A friendly word, a thank you, or even just a patient demeanor can make a huge difference in their day and reflect positively on your own experience. After all, if you want them on your side – and trust me, you do – then a little consideration is the key to becoming a world-class citizen of CostcoTown.
5. **Don’t Abandon Your Cart, Ever!**We’ve all seen them: rogue shopping carts, lurking in parking spaces, blocking aisles, or sometimes even teetering precariously in a random corner. And let me tell you, this is a top pet peeve for Costco employees. Leaving carts unattended in aisles can block the flow of traffic and take up valuable space that other shoppers need. But the biggest offense? Not returning your cart to a designated corral in the parking lot.
“Just bring your cart back to the corral, for the love of Pete,” is a resounding sentiment from employees. A wayward grocery cart is not only an easy way to get your car scratched (or even miss out on a clutch parking spot), but it also takes Costco employees a long time to wrangle them all. This means fewer people on the floor available to help with cashiering and stocking, which ultimately means you’re going to be waiting in line for longer. It’s the circle of life, Costco-style.
And on a related note, a huge, absolute no-no on cart behavior: don’t steal an employee’s flat cart! Full stop. Employees typically have to walk the length of a football field to do much of anything – returning items to their rightful spots, taking trash to the back, grabbing a new flat cart. Snatching one of their essential tools just adds to their workload and slows down critical operations. Be a hero, not a villain, and always return your cart to its proper home.
6. **Don’t Leave Products Scattered or Boxes Behind**Imagine walking into a store and seeing products haphazardly strewn across shelves, half-eaten food samples left on display, or empty boxes cluttering the aisles. Not exactly a pleasant shopping experience, right? This scenario, unfortunately, is a recurring nightmare for Costco employees. When you change your mind about a product, leaving it scattered around the store isn’t just untidy; it creates a mountain of extra work for staff.
This issue becomes even more critical with perishable items, especially those from the freezer aisle. If you decide against that jumbo bag of frozen berries and leave it on a dry goods shelf, by the time an employee finds it, it could already have thawed, rendering the item unsellable and potentially melting all over other stock. Similarly, after browsing through clothing, it’s a huge help to fold and place items back as neatly as you found them. It respects the efforts of employees and other shoppers, and it maintains the pleasant shopping environment Costco strives to provide.
If you unpack a product to fit it into your car or simply prefer not to use a box, remember to dispose of the box properly instead of leaving it around. These abandoned boxes create clutter and additional work for employees. In an ideal world, you’ll put the items you don’t want back where you found them. However, if you’re nearing the end of your shopping trip and can’t remember where you got an item from, it’s totally fine to give it to an employee, who will then be able to put it back in the right place, or even hand it to the cashier when you pay. Just don’t leave it to become a problem for someone else.
7. **Treat Aisles Like Roadways**Think of Costco as a small city, because in many ways, it truly is! The aisles are mini-roadways, and your shopping cart is your car. Just like on an actual street, maintaining an orderly flow is essential for everyone’s sanity and safety. Charles, a Costco employee based in Southern California, recommends keeping your cart rolling in an orderly way, much like pedestrians tend to walk on the right side of the sidewalk in the U.S.
Whether you’re browsing or deciding on a purchase, be incredibly mindful of other shoppers. Keep your cart aligned along the sides of the aisle, allowing space for others to pass. Avoid stopping abruptly or lingering in the middle of aisles, which can quickly create frustrating traffic jams. These internal blockages not only slow down everyone but also make it harder for employees to navigate as they restock and assist customers.
Spot a friend in the aisle and feel the urge to catch up? Resist the temptation to hold an impromptu reunion right there in the middle of the pasta or paper towel section. Keep those chats for outside the store, perhaps on the way to your actual car, rather than with your carts creating a roadblock. This simple consideration helps prevent traffic jams to a minimum and will truly help you become a world-class citizen of CostcoTown. It’s all about shared space and mutual respect, ensuring that everyone can zip through their shopping list without unnecessary holdups.
Now that we’ve navigated the entrance and mastered the aisles, it’s time to move towards the checkout and beyond! Our journey into becoming a truly world-class citizen of CostcoTown continues with more invaluable wisdom from the very employees who keep this retail wonderland running smoothly. Get ready for seven more crucial insights that will transform your bulk-buying adventures and make you a staff favorite.
8. **Don’t Waste Time Digging for Better Expiration Dates**We all want the freshest of the fresh, right? It’s a natural instinct to reach for the item furthest back on the shelf, assuming it has a later expiration date. But here’s a little secret from Stella, a Costco employee: “Every case of product on the pallet generally has the same expiration date.” That means all that extra effort you’re putting into rummaging through a pallet for a supposed ‘fresher’ item might be completely wasted.
This habit isn’t just inefficient for you; it’s a genuine headache for employees. Digging through for “fresher” items leads to more mess than anything else, creating disarray on the shelves. Imagine trying to keep a massive warehouse tidy when everyone is reshuffling inventory in search of an elusive later date! It’s also extra work on the employees’ part to clean up an area and make sure it’s not creating a fire hazard.
While this rule applies broadly, it’s particularly true for many non-perishable goods. For produce, it’s a slightly different story, where employees proactively remove moldy berries or bruised bananas. Still, the best rule of thumb is to check your produce prior to leaving, as items are shipped in large quantities (5.5-feet-tall pallets!), and refrigeration can hit the product very differently depending on where they are in the stack.
So next time you’re tempted to dive deep into a stack of goods, remember Stella’s advice. Trust that Costco’s inventory management is designed to offer quality items, and save yourself and the staff the extra fuss. Your shopping trip will be smoother, and the aisles will stay tidier, which is a win-win for everyone!
9. **Don’t Ask “Is There More in the Back?”**Ah, the classic question! It’s almost a reflex when you can’t find your desired item on the shelf: “Is there more in the back?” But let me tell you, at Costco, this question often misses the mark. Unlike traditional grocery stores with sprawling back rooms, Costco operates on a different, highly efficient model that impacts what’s available.
Costco, much like other low-price grocers like Aldi, Lidl, and Trader Joe’s, saves quite a lot of money (and real estate) by limiting their inventory. This approach reduces the risk of items sitting unsold or going to waste, allowing retailers to sell them at lower prices, with these savings happily passed on to customers. It’s a genius strategy for keeping prices down, but it means a different kind of inventory.
What does this also mean for your shopping? What’s on the floor is largely all that’s available that day; there’s no “checking in the back” for an item. Stella, another invaluable Costco employee, sums it up perfectly: “There is no magical back room where an item that you want might be hidden … the back stock you were looking for is above your head in the steel racking that is all over the store.” Those towering shelves above the main floor? That’s your “back room”!
So, if you spot an out-of-stock item you were hoping to grab, save yourself and the employees a fruitless search. Instead of asking about a mystical back room, ask an employee to look up when it will be back on the shelf. This way, you get the real intel you need, and they can continue helping other shoppers without unnecessary detours. Smart shopping, right?
10. **Don’t Bring Non-Service Pets into the Store**Let’s be real, most of us are absolute softies for animals. Meeting a furry friend when you’re out and about can totally brighten your day! However, while we all love our pets, Costco employees unanimously agree that the warehouse isn’t the place for them, unless they are certified service animals. It’s a simple rule that makes a world of difference for everyone.
The reasons are incredibly important and go beyond just general tidiness. Allergies are real, and for many people, coming into contact with pet dander can trigger severe reactions. Beyond that, not everyone is comfortable around animals, whether due to past experiences or simply personal preference. Bringing non-service pets into a retail environment can create an unwelcome or even stressful experience for other shoppers and employees.
Of course, service animals are always an exception. Costco adheres to the Americans with Disabilities Act, and stores are well-equipped to accommodate these essential companions. However, be prepared if Costco employees ask whether your dog is indeed a service dog and what specific tasks they’re trained to do. They’re not being nosy; they’re just following protocol to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all.
So, before you head out, make sure your beloved pet is left at home for their comfort and for the comfort and safety of everyone else at Costco. It’s a small act of consideration that speaks volumes about your respect for the shared shopping space and the people in it.
11. **Don’t Ask for Membership Discounts**The phrase “don’t ask, don’t get” is a popular one, and while it sometimes pays off in life, there are certain situations where it just won’t fly. Asking for a discount on your Costco membership is definitely one of those times. Employees wish shoppers would understand that this isn’t a negotiable item, no matter how charming you are!
Costco explicitly states on its website that it doesn’t discount its memberships, nor does it hand them out for free. The membership fee is a fixed cost, but it’s not without its immense value! This annual payment is your golden ticket, giving you exclusive access to the store’s reasonably-priced goods and incredible bulk savings. Costco sees this access as the core trade-off for the yearly payment, providing consistent value throughout the year.
So, no matter how much you sweet-talk the employees, they’re simply not equipped to knock any dollars off your membership. Their hands are tied by company policy. These individuals are busy keeping the store running and assisting other members; they can’t alter the fundamental structure of Costco’s business model.
However, while Costco itself doesn’t offer direct discounts on memberships, savvy shoppers can still find ways to claw back some cash! Switching phone carriers can sometimes give you access to cashback via Costco shop cards, which you can then spend in-store. Similarly, sites like Groupon may periodically run deals where you can get shop cards upon joining, effectively reducing the price of membership a little. So, while you can’t barter your way into a saving, there are smart workarounds to explore!
12. **Don’t Let Kids Stand in Shopping Carts**For many kids, a trip to Costco is like entering a giant, exciting playground filled with towering displays and endless possibilities. It’s no wonder they might get a little carried away, perhaps even wanting to emulate an amusement park ride by standing in the shopping cart while you wheel them around. But let me tell you, this seemingly innocent fun is a major red flag for Costco employees.
“Quit letting your kids jump around in the basket … It’s dangerous,” shared one Costco employee with Business Insider, a sentiment echoed by many others. And they are absolutely right! Shopping carts are designed to carry groceries and products, not to be stood in or used as makeshift rides. They’re far from the sturdiest things in the world, and one false move could lead to a severe injury for your child if they tumble out or the cart tips over.
Beyond the immediate safety concerns, allowing kids to run riot, pulling items off shelves, and leaving them wherever they please, creates an unnecessary nightmare for employees. It adds to their workload significantly, as they constantly have to re-stock and clean up messes that could easily be avoided with a little supervision. It disrupts the experience for other shoppers as well.
Maintaining a watchful eye on your children and gently reminding them about proper store behavior isn’t just about courtesy; it’s about their safety and showing respect for the environment and everyone in it. Keep those little ones safe and seated, and you’ll make everyone’s Costco visit a whole lot smoother.
13. **Don’t Open Product Crates Yourself**You’re in the zone, cruising through the aisles, and you spot that one item you absolutely need. The problem? It’s in an unopened product crate, sitting high up or tucked away. Your first thought might be to just rip into it yourself, thinking you’re saving everyone time. But hold your horses, because this is definitely bad form and a surefire way to annoy the Costco staff.
Opening product crates yourself can lead to a host of issues. For starters, it creates a big mess, leaving torn cardboard and packaging strewn around the aisle. This clutter then becomes an extra task for employees to clean up. More importantly, it can cause problems with stock rotation, prematurely flagging certain batches as ready for sale when they might not be or disrupting the store’s organized inventory flow.
It’s also fairly likely that the item you’re eager to get your hands on is still somewhere on the shop floor, having just been moved or tucked away temporarily. Employees have a much better idea of the store’s layout and recent movements than the average shopper, even in a vast warehouse like Costco. What seems like a hidden treasure in a crate might just be around the corner.
So, the next time you encounter an unopened crate blocking your path to that must-have item, resist the urge to take matters into your own hands. It’s far easier, safer, and more respectful for everyone involved if you simply ask an employee for assistance. They are there to help you, and they can access and manage stock properly, ensuring no mess or confusion.
14. **Don’t Waste Food Samples**Who doesn’t love a free sample? Those little cups of deliciousness are a highlight for many Costco shoppers, a chance to try something new or just grab a quick, tasty bite. However, while the samples are free, the impact of wasting them isn’t. Costco employees are particularly annoyed when shoppers grab samples only to discard them without a second thought.
The issue primarily stems from customers who pick up samples but then decide they don’t want them, leaving their unwanted snacks on random shelves around the store. This isn’t just untidy; it creates a scavenger hunt for employees at the end of the day, forcing them to locate and throw out old, unsanitary food scraps. It adds an entirely avoidable task to their already busy schedules.
What’s even worse, and a major no-no from a hygiene perspective, is trying to sneak an unwanted sample back onto the sample station when no one’s looking. This significantly increases the risk of cross-contamination, potentially exposing other shoppers to germs. The Club Demonstration Services representatives who man these stations are rigorously trained in food safety and constantly work to mitigate such risks by changing gloves and sanitizing surfaces.
So, the next time you’re tempted by a sample, please only take one if you genuinely intend to eat it. If you grab one and change your mind, do the courteous thing: ask an employee for the nearest trash can or dispose of it properly in a designated waste bin. It’s a small gesture that shows respect for the staff, other shoppers, and the efforts made to keep the sample stations clean and safe for everyone to enjoy.
And there you have it, folks! From respecting opening hours to minding your kids and those delicious samples, these 14 insights from annoyed (but still super friendly!) Costco employees are your ultimate guide to becoming a warehouse wizard. By making these small adjustments to your shopping routine, you’re not just making life easier for the incredible staff; you’re contributing to a smoother, more pleasant, and all-around more enjoyable experience for every single person who walks through those giant Costco doors. Happy bulk shopping, and may your carts always be full and your checkout lines swift!
