Costco is a beloved warehouse full of bulk buys and discounts on everything from groceries to electronics, furniture, prescriptions, and more. Americans love it, which is why the retailer is meeting demand with big expansion plans this year, including 29 new locations opening by August.
That said, whether you’re a new member, thinking about joining, or have been a loyal fan for years, there are a few things you should know about shopping at the warehouse if you’d like each experience to be an enjoyable one. For that intel, you should listen to Costco employees. These seasoned warehouse experts have seen it all while working at the registers, behind the deli counter, inside the food court, or outside in the parking lot or at the gas station—and they have some harsh truths to share about your common complaints. By taking their advice—even though it may sting—you can navigate the aisles quicker, checkout faster, and even save some money. Read on to learn the harsh truths from Costco employees that will make you a smarter customer.
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1 | Self-checkout should only be used for 15 items or less.
The long lines at Costco checkout have been making headlines recently as customers have grown increasingly frustrated with warehouse congestion. But, employees say that the self-checkout kiosks are really only meant for a small number of items—and if customers are trying to pay for carts full of products, they’re going to slow everyone else down.
“Treat self check-out as a 15 items or less lane, take your time with it, and actually look at the screen/listen to the voice as you scan,” says one Costco employee on Reddit.
2 | Returning your cart will reduce parking lot chaos and long lines.
Several Costco employees say that returning your shopping cart properly in the corrals outside or in their place inside can alleviate a lot of the headaches that customers often complain about, such as crowded parking lots lacking spaces and even the long lines inside.
And, psst, the big secret you don’t know: It’s not actually multiple Costco employees’ jobs to fetch your abandoned carts from all over the place.
“I think because some people see employees collecting carts everywhere they think it’s part of our service, but… we are only cleaning up the mess that is left when a base level of consideration isn’t reached,” says one employee on Reddit. “We will shut down tills if there is a bad day of carts strewn about because the person running the cart machine has to take longer assembling lines of carts, therefore cashier’s / packers get reassigned outside to ensure we have carts for new shoppers.”
Another employee confirms this, saying: “The more employees needed to keep carts coming in the less employees you have to help you check out. Legit each cart that gets left in a space, or ditched is a huge loss of your time.”
Another adds a good point: “Drive slow in the parking lot. Not only for the cart crew, but for your fellow members.”
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3 | Upgrading your membership can actually save you money.
As of September 2024, Costco increased its membership dues to:
– Gold Star Membership: $65 per year
– Business Membership: $65 per year
– Business with Affiliate: $65 per year
– Executive Membership: $130 per year
The company hasn’t raised their prices since 2017, and the increases are supposed to come with additional perks and benefit. For instance, Executive Members are enrolled in an annual 2% reward program with the potential to earn up to $1,250 on eligible Costco and Costco Travel purchases.
These savings could really pay off for frequent shoppers, employees know. So, don’t always be so quick to dismiss the upgrade asks, they say. “If you are prompted at the register to upgrade your membership, it’s because you will be saving/making money with the executive. I know it sounds like we are trying to sell you on something, but we are actually trying to help you.”
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4 | The oven timers behind the deli counter will let you know when more chicken is coming.
Rotisserie chickens are one of Costco’s most popular items. They’re hot, tasty, convenient, and can be used to make multiple meals in a pinch.
One hot tip you should know from an employee: “If the deli is out of chickens, just look at the ovens. There is a timer on each one that tells you when the cook will complete.” This way, you’ll know exactly when a fresh batch is coming out.
5 | It’s your responsibility to double-check the dates on bakery items & produce.
From scrumptious pies, cakes, and cookies, to freshly baked breads and pastries, the Costco bakery is a hit with customers looking for something sweet. And the warehouse also has a great fresh produce section.
That said, be a detail-oriented shopper in these areas. Employees know that sometimes fruits, veggies, and baked goods that are past their prime may still be on shelves, but they need help catching them.
“Pay attention to the produce or bakery items [you] are grabbing,” writes one employee on Reddit. “Sometimes we get half a pallet of [produce] that has mold on it. Check the item [you] are grabbing to inspect, in every case. Bakery items should never have mold on them, but check to see if they are 2 for 1s! Other bread items – check the dates. Seriously.”
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6 | Abandoning items in random places is causing you to pay higher prices.
Given the sheer size of Costco’s aisles and warehouses, if you decide you don’t want something you’ve added to your cart, it could be a long trek back to replace it. This is probably why employees find so many random items in places they shouldn’t be, which they then have to throw out.
This cycle of unusable merchandise can lead to higher prices overall for shoppers as the company may have to make up for losses.
“Do not leave unwanted items anywhere in the store that’s not its original location. We will take it from you at the register,” says one employee. “DO NOT leave HOT or COLD items anywhere other than [their] original location. It’s annoying to see the amount of waste due to pure negligence. Makes me wish the membership prices go up with a sign that says ‘This is why…'”
7 | Employees behind the counter appreciate your friendly banter.
Since they’re not at the registers or working the aisles, many employees behind the deli, bakery, and other counters throughout Costco’s warehouses appreciate some nice, brief face time with customers.
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Take it from this one rotisserie worker: “We love when you come talk to us. This is the roughest position in the warehouse. We need some help with a laugh every now and then.”
And who knows? Your kindness could result in a special gesture for better, fresher items or speedy service.
