12 Habits That Annoy Costco Employees

Costco jobs are typically high in demand because the warehouse chain is rumored to treat and pay its employees fairly. Working at Costco has no shortage of perks and benefits, such as health insurance, retirement plans, and wages above the federal minimum. All employees are paid time and a half on Sundays, and after a certain number of years, they’re eligible for biannual bonus checks. And yes, Costco employees do get free memberships.

So, what’s the catch? Like any other job, working at Costco can have some downsides. It’s a public-facing job that often involves customer service and long shifts on your feet. Here are some of the ways you could be making Costco employees’ jobs more difficult without realizing it—and what to do instead.

Not Having Your Membership Card at the Ready

You or someone in your party must have a Costco membership to shop there, unless you’re aware of this loophole. An employee will ask to see your membership card at the entrance, and the cashier will scan it before you can checkout. It’s easy to forget to have your card readily available because it’s not required at regular supermarkets, but this faux pas could hold up lines. Be prepared and keep that card handy.

Leaving Your Shopping Cart in the Middle of the Aisle

There’s a lot to see at Costco, so naturally, you may wander around as you discover deals that stop you in your tracks. Shopping etiquette says to scoot your cart to the side when you stop to look at something. Costco’s aisles are pretty wide, but there are some pinch points and tight corners. Keep your cart nearby and out of walkways to prevent traffic jams.

Foregoing a Shopping Cart for Small Trips

You may think you can carry all your groceries, but it’s better to be safe than sorry and get a cart just in case. Grab a cart on your way in to ensure that you won’t be scrambling to find one halfway through your trip. Employees at the checkout also use carts to move through the line quickly. It’s easier for the cashier to scan larger items directly in your cart, rather than on the conveyor belt, so be sure to arrange your items barcode side up.

Taking Multiple Free Samples

For some, the free samples are the best part of shopping at Costco. You’ll typically come across a few free sample stations throughout the grocery aisles. The samples are bite-sized, so one alone won’t fill you up. Costco employees don’t mind if you come back for seconds, but too many trips could prevent other shoppers from getting to try an item. It could also cause a line to form, which blocks the aisles. So, enjoy a sample or two and be on your way.

Constantly Asking When the Rotisserie Chickens Will be Restocked

Costco’s $4.99 rotisserie chicken deal is so good that some shoppers run to Costco just for the cheap and easy dinner, but they’re likely not alone. People flock to the back of the store hoping to score a roasted bird, but given the demand, it sells out from time to time, which can disgruntle some eager shoppers. If the rotisserie chicken display is empty, it will likely be replenished soon after, so come back after a few minutes to check. It also doesn’t hurt to ask politely, but don’t pester.

Telling Cashiers How to Bag Your Groceries

No one wants to be told how to do their job, and Costco employees are no exception. Costco lines are impressively efficient because the employees are pros at it. Even when the lines are backed up, it moves quickly because the employees work in tandem to direct traffic, move shopping carts, and scan items. So, you may think you’re being helpful for requesting your eggs on top or asking for a box to carry your groceries, but it’s best to let the employees do their thing. They know what they’re doing, and they’re probably one step ahead of you.

Trying to Use a Form of Payment That’s Not Accepted

There are few downsides to shopping at Costco, and one of them is that some major forms of payment aren’t accepted. When you get to the checkout, have your membership card and payment ready to go. Just remember that Costco doesn’t accept Mastercard, Discover, or American Express cards—trying to pay with one of these bad boys will hold up the line, and you may have to forfeit your items if you don’t have a back-up payment method.

Entering the Wrong Side of the Checkout Lane

First timers at Costco are in for some surprises. It’s not like other grocery stores in many ways, which can be confusing. For example, there are two checkout lanes per register—one for you and one for your shopping cart. An employee will unload, scan, and reload your items in one lane while you’ll pay in the other. There’s a sign at each register to direct you, and while it’s an innocent mistake to choose the wrong lane, it can slow down the process.

Using Someone Else’s Membership Card

Millions of people hold Costco memberships, but some people aren’t ready to join because of the price. Their workaround? Borrowing someone else’s card! Unfortunately, membership sharing isn’t allowed, and it’s inconvenient for the employees to have to crack down on it. Bring your own card to avoid confusion and delays at checkout. 

Throwing Your Receipt Away Before You Reach the Exit

Costco employees are stationed at the exit to scan your cart and mark your receipt before you leave. This loss prevention strategy helps keep costs low, so it’s in your best interest to comply and fork over your receipt. If you crumple up and discard your receipt before you reach the exit, you might have to wait while a new one is printed. This habit could cost a few extra minutes of time—your’s and the Costco employee’s.

Leaving Trash in Your Shopping Cart

Costco has a dedicated team of cart attendants (aka the cart crew) to grab carts from the corrals and return them to the front of the store. When you leave Costco, you should return your cart in the condition it was in when you got it—free from trash. It may make your life easier to leave unwanted receipts, soft drink cups, and sample wrappers in your shopping cart, but you’re only passing off that burden to someone else. It’s always better to clean up after yourself.

Entering the Warehouse Right Before Closing

It’s not unusual for supermarkets to stay open until midnight, but Costco isn’t your typical supermarket. The warehouse is usually open for fewer than 12 hours per day, so if you need to make a Costco run, you’ve got to do it within its hours of operation. However, that doesn’t mean you should sneak in 5 minutes before closing time. Costco employees need time to shut down the warehouse, so allow plenty of time before the doors close to do your shopping. Otherwise, you could prevent them from going home on time.