Costco is a favorite shopping destination for many. You can buy great products in bulk for great savings, and enjoy some delicious free samples at the same time! However, sometimes the large crowds and quest for unmatched savings can cause people to abandon their manners. If you’re a Costco member (or thinking about becoming one), here are 12 annoying habits to avoid while shopping there.
1. Dilly-Dallying
There are a lot of cool things to look at when shopping at Costco, but this doesn’t mean you should stop in the middle of an aisle or other inconvenient place to gawk, creating a traffic jam for other shoppers around you. If you need to take a closer look at something or spend some time making a consideration, simply pull your cart over to one side so other folks can pass around you.
2. Creating A Towering Cart
As we all know, sometimes you intend to buy three things at Costco and leave with 10. However, piling items in your cart into a tall, precarious tower only blocks your line of vision and makes for the possibility of items tumbling out. Make two trips, or bring a friend to help if you expect to have an especially long shopping list.
3. Hoarding Free Samples
Costco’s famous free samples are there to be enjoyed, but within moderation. Don’t go cleaning out a sample stand because you want seven helpings of one item. There’s quite simply no need to be greedy, and if you enjoy a sample so much, then buy it!
4. Taking Advantage Of The Return Policy
Many big box stores, including Costco, have very flexible return policies. However, some people tend to take advantage of this, and will return items that they have very clearly used. Leave the return counter for the folks who genuinely just need to return or exchange their brand new items.
5. Racing Through The Parking Lot
A lot of people who shop at Costco have families, which means there are typically children in tow on these shopping trips. Though you might want to rush to get in the store, take your time in the parking lot, drive slowly, and be mindful of pedestrians, including children who may not be as aware as adults. Nothing in the store is worth the risk of someone getting injured.
6. Being Resistant To Change
No one Costco store is ever going to stay the same or carry the exact same items year-round. They are warehouse stores, meaning they get new inventory, and much of this is seasonal. If you’re looking for something specific and the store doesn’t have it this time, there’s no need to be upset. Stores rotate their products all the time to ensure they’re bringing new inventory to their customers.
7. Being Rude To Employees
Costco employees have a massive store to serve and to run. It’s their policy to check membership cards upon arrival to ensure checkout moves quickly, so there’s no need to huff and puff when you’re asked to show your membership card. Treat all store employees with respect and understanding, no matter which store you’re shopping at.
8. Getting Grumpy In The Checkout Line
And along the same lines, there’s no need to get grumpy and impatient in the checkout line – with fellow customers or with employees. Checkout can take time, so just hangout and wait your turn.
9. Meandering Through The Food Court
No trip to Costco is complete without a trip to the food court for a hot dog, slice of pizza, chicken bake, or any other one of their menu staples. However, few things are more irritating than waiting behind someone who doesn’t know what they want when it’s their turn to order. Wait until you know what you want to order before getting in line!
10. Losing Your Receipt
It’s policy that Costco employees check customers’ receipts as they’re exiting the store. For that reason, don’t lose your receipt or shove it in the bottom of your purse or pocket before they need to check it! It holds up lines and wastes everyone’s time.
11. Trying To Use A Non-Accepted Credit Card
Costco stores do not accept every major credit card. Be sure you’re entering the store with an accepted form of payment so you don’t encounter any surprises while checking out!
12. Ditching Your Cart
Last but not least, don’t be one of those people who leaves their empty shopping cart in the middle of the parking lot. This goes for shopping at any store. It takes one minute to put the cart back in its proper location.
Costco is a beloved shopping destination for many folks, especially those who have big families and need to buy in bulk. The next time you head to your local Costco, remember these tips so you can be a top-notch customer!
Think shopping habits can be frustrating? Just wait until you see the 7 annoying things customers do at restaurants — it might just change how you order your next meal.
