Costco Employees Reveal 10 Things Shoppers Should Stop Doing

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10 Things Costco Employees Wish Customers Would Stop Doing (financebuzz.com)

Beyond the Bulk Buys: 10 Things Costco Employees Wish Shoppers Would Stop Doing

Costco warehouses are bustling hubs of activity, beloved by members for their unbeatable deals and unique finds. But behind the scenes, dedicated employees work tirelessly to keep things running smoothly.

While most shoppers are courteous, some behaviors can make their jobs unnecessarily difficult. To foster an even better shopping experience for everyone, we’ve compiled a list of 10 common customer habits that Costco staff would love to see disappear.

Here are the top 10 things Costco employees are hoping you’ll reconsider:

1. Leaving Trash on the Floor or in Shopping Carts

It might seem obvious, but leaving trash on the floor, on shelves, or in shopping carts is a major pet peeve for employees. Costco prides itself on maintaining a clean environment, and with dozens of trash receptacles conveniently located throughout the store and parking lot, there’s really no excuse for littering. As staff members often share, a clean store is a collective effort, and finding discarded items like food wrappers or empty sample cups outside of designated bins creates unnecessary work.

2. Using the Toy Aisle or Seasonal Display as Free Daycare

Many employees express exasperation when shoppers treat the toy aisle or large seasonal displays as unsupervised play areas for their children. Allowing young ones to roam freely not only creates a significant mess that staff must reorganize, but more importantly, it poses a safety risk. “Nothing stops work faster than unattended or missing children,” notes one employee, highlighting the serious concerns this behavior raises for staff responsible for store safety.

3. Leaving Frozen Items and Other Perishables in Random Places

We all change our minds while shopping, but abandoning frozen or refrigerated items in a dry goods aisle is a major no-no. Staff members are particularly baffled by this habit, as it leads to significant waste.

Any perishable item left out of its designated cold zone for too long must be thrown away for food safety reasons. If you decide against a purchase, please take a moment to return it to a refrigerator or freezer, or hand it to a staff member.

4. Blocking Aisles and Standing in the Way

With Costco’s massive crowds, particularly during peak hours, standing idly in the middle of an aisle or blocking walkways can quickly escalate frustration for everyone. Whether you’re stopping for a sample, chatting with a friend, or simply pondering your next purchase, employees urge shoppers to be mindful of traffic flow. Moving your cart and conversations to the side allows fellow shoppers and staff to navigate the store efficiently and safely.

5. Taking Items Off Employees’ Stocking Carts

Costco employees are constantly restocking shelves, often wheeling large carts of products through busy aisles. Some shoppers, eager to grab a fresh item, will reach directly onto these carts, sometimes even hovering over staff as they work.

This not only disrupts the employee’s task but can also be seen as impolite. Staff confirm that items on the cart are no “fresher” than those already on the shelf – they’re all part of the same delivery.

6. Berating Employees Over Policies

Costco has clear policies regarding membership card usage, returns, and other operational guidelines. While you might not always agree with every rule, employees are simply doing their job when enforcing them.

Yelling, cursing, or using degrading language towards staff members is unacceptable and creates a hostile environment. Respectful dialogue is always the best approach if you have a concern about a policy.

7. Abusing the Returns and Refund Policy

Costco’s generous return policy is a major perk for members, but some customers push its boundaries to an extreme. Employees at the returns desk have seen it all, from heavily used or damaged items to outright bizarre requests.

One particularly memorable instance involved a customer attempting to return rotten salmon that had been left in a trunk for months. While the policy is flexible, it’s not a free pass for unreasonable or unhygienic returns.

8. Keeping Small Items in the Cart at Checkout Time

When you get to the checkout, the expectation is that you’ll unload your cart onto the conveyor belt. While cashiers can scan larger items in the cart, leaving numerous small items for them to search for and scan slows down the entire process. Employees appreciate it when shoppers take the initiative to place all their purchases on the belt, especially ensuring barcodes are easily accessible, to help keep lines moving smoothly.

9. Opening Packages and Sampling Produce

While checking produce for freshness is understandable, some shoppers take it too far by opening sealed packages or “sampling” grapes, berries, or other fruits directly from the containers. This practice not only raises hygiene concerns but also leads to damaged goods and potential waste. Please resist the urge to taste-test before you buy; trust that Costco strives for quality.

10. Not Being Prepared for Checkout

Costco lines can be long, and anything that slows them down further can quickly fray nerves. A common frustration for employees is when shoppers reach the front of the line unprepared.

This includes not having your membership card ready, fumbling for payment methods, or starting to organize your cart only after the scanning has begun. Being prepared helps ensure a speedy and efficient checkout for everyone behind you.

Bottom Line

A Costco membership offers fantastic value, not just for savings but for the overall shopping experience. Costco boasts one of the lowest employee turnover rates in the retail industry, a testament to its dedicated and invested staff.

These employees genuinely care about maintaining a smooth and efficient environment for everyone. By being a mindful and courteous customer, you’re not only making their jobs easier but also contributing to a more positive and enjoyable shopping trip for all.