Shopping at Costco can be an exciting and cost-effective experience, but knowing a few insider tips can make your trip even smoother. Here’s a roundup of must-know advice straight from the people who know Costco best—its employees.
1. Product Placement is Purposeful
Costco employees aren’t moving products around to hide them from you. Items are strategically placed to streamline restocking and help maintain the flow of shopper traffic.
2. Stock Levels Are Not Up to Floor Employees
If you’re wondering why your favorite item isn’t available, remember that floor employees don’t control inventory levels. Stock issues are often determined by higher-ups or regional demands.
3. Keep Your Membership Card Handy
To enter Costco, you need an active membership card. Always make sure it’s up-to-date to avoid any entry issues.
4. Treat Your Membership Card with Care
Employees suggest keeping your membership card clean and out of your mouth. It’s more hygienic and helps avoid damage to the card.
5. Respect the Store Layout
Leaving products you decide against in random spots can create extra work for employees and confusion for other shoppers. Please return items to where you found them.
6. Pets Are Not for Costco
While everyone loves their furry friends, not everyone at Costco will appreciate their presence due to allergies or safety issues. Leave pets at home unless they are service animals.
7. Membership Discounts Aren’t Available
Employees often get asked about discounts on membership fees, but unfortunately, Costco does not offer these. The value comes from the savings on bulk items over time.
8. Free Samples Are Safe
There’s nothing unhygienic about the free samples at Costco. They are prepared with strict health standards in mind, so don’t hesitate to try one!
9. Keep Kids Safe in Carts
For the safety of your children, it’s important not to let them stand in the shopping cart. Accidents can happen quickly and unexpectedly.
10. Don’t Open Crates
If you see a product still in its crate, resist the urge to open it yourself. This is a safety issue and also part of maintaining store order.
11. Markdowns Don’t Mean Defective
Items with marked-down prices aren’t necessarily faulty or bad. These reductions often reflect a clearance of overstocked or seasonal items.
12. Don’t Waste Food Samples
Employees notice when shoppers take excessive food samples without intent to buy, or waste them. Be considerate and take only what you will eat.
13. Leave Large Items in Your Cart at Checkout
To streamline the checkout process, cashiers prefer that you leave larger, bulkier items in your cart rather than placing them on the conveyor belt.
14. Food Court Orders Are Standard
The Costco food court is not typically equipped to customize orders. Menu items are served as described, so please order accordingly without special requests.
Final Say
Understanding these insider tips can greatly enhance your Costco shopping experience, ensuring you get the most out of every visit while respecting the store’s operations and other shoppers. Happy shopping!
