Several years ago (I’m still amazed that I’ve been writing this blog for so long), I wrote about the Dos and Don’ts from Costco employees ((Please don’t…(Part 1 of 4)); (Please don’t…(Part 2 of 4)); (Please don’t…(Part 3 of 4)); (Please don’t…(Part 4 of 4)). I recently came across an article by a “super fan” who listed what to do and not do at the checkout.
Here are her 10 recommendations:
Dos
1. Do use a cart for even the smallest shopping trips
The author lists multiple reasons for always using a cart. These reasons include being able to buy more than one can hold, and because the cashiers use the carts to keep the area clear.
Using a cart to enable more items is certainly helpful but I don’t see it as an etiquette issue. In contrast, if not using a cart interferes with the cashiers’ work and efficiency (May I help you? Checking out at Costco), it is important to use one. I think that there have been a few times that my family has run in for one two items and did not use a cart. However, most of the time, we definitely want a cart because we tend to buy several things and generally end up with even more than planned.
2. Do organize large items with barcodes up
Cashiers scan the large/heavy items in the cart rather than unloading them onto the conveyor belt. Having the barcode facing up speeds up the process.
This tip is helpful for me. I really like being able to leave some items in the cart but had not thought about helping the cashiers by making the barcode very easy to find.
3. Do have your membership card ready at checkout
The author reminds readers that the membership card needs to be scanned before scanning items. Therefore, it is helpful for members to have the card ready before putting items in the conveyor belt.
My dad and I used to comment to each other when we saw people at stores wait until all the items were scanned and rung up before the shopper even started looking for his or her money. It was very inefficient and hard to believe because obviously payment is needed. So here, I can see how cashiers and other shoppers would find it irritating if people hold up the process by not being prepared, especially when the store is very busy.
4. Do know what payment methods are accepted
Costco accepts a limited variety of payment options. It is important for members to know these methods so that they can be ready to pay. Visa for credit cards. You can use mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay), cash, Costco Shop Cards, EBT, many debit cards with a PIN, and personal, business, or traveler’s checks.
Similar to with the membership card, it would be frustrating to be in line and then have someone ahead unload a full cart and then realize that he or she did not have a way to pay for the items.
5. Do parallel park your cart if you stop at the food court
The author discusses the layout of the store. She says that, because the food court tables are often between checkout lines and exit (to therefore the busiest area of the store), it is proper etiquette when eating there to put the cart next to the table in order to leave the path to the exit.
I don’t eat at the food court but I do want to exit the store (well, I may not really want to leave but I obviously have to at some point…) So I hope that those who are at the food court follow this tip.
Donts
6. Don’t enter the wrong side of the checkout lane
There are two cashiers at every register to make checkout more efficient. One unloads and reloads carts and the other scans the items. Members are on one side of the are on one side of the register and the carts are on the other.
I had not given much thought to the two side of the register system but it really is efficient.
7. Don’t share membership cards.
The article mentions Costco’s recent stricter policy regarding sharing memberships. The author cautions that using someone else’s card will slow the line or even possibly prevent someone from being able to buy the items.
I recently wrote about the increasingly strict policy regarding sharing the cards (Costco is getting stricter.) I would have thought that people attempting to use another person’s card would have been “caught” upon entry and therefore it would not be an issue at checkout. However, I realize that things can easily get missed.
8. Don’t leave trash in your cart.
The author mentions liking the free samples offered by Costco. However, she also points out that they can leave a mess for other customers and employees if members do not throw away their trash.
I think it is a little funny that the trash from the samples get mentioned a lot (e.g., a reason that cart person is a bad job (Best and Worst Jobs at Costco: (Part 2 of 2): Worst Jobs)) because it highlights that it is a problem. I agree and have frequently commented to my family how much trash is left in carts or even on shelves amongst the food. It is not appealing to take a cart with little cups of food or dirty napkins inside. The trash doesn’t really seem to be related to “checking out etiquette” but I appreciate it being mentioned.
9. Don’t block traffic after checking out.
Similar to the “do” regarding the carts in the food court dining area mentioned above, the author again discusses the layout of the store. The checkout area is located near the food court, membership desk, and exit. Therefore, she recommends that, after paying, people do not stop in this crowded area to check receipts but instead move to a less crowded area.
Really not much to add here. I’m sure we can all relate to the experience of being stuck behind someone who has stopped in an aisle (at any store, not just Costco) with a cart, making it impossible to get by.
10. Don’t throw out your receipt before leaving
The article mentions the employees who check the receipts when members leave the store. Therefore, the author cautions that, without the receipt, there will likely be delays.
My family keeps receipts for awhile after purchases on credit cards so that we can check them if needed. Therefore, it is hard for me to imagine that someone would toss a receipt so quickly–especially at Costco, where many purchases are large. However, I guess that there are plenty of people who don’t keep receipts. I also struggle to see regular shoppers tossing the receipt because the “pre-exit receipt check” is part of the Costco shopping experience.
What do you think about these Dos and Donts? Do you do the Dos? Are you guilty of the Donts? Any others you’d add to the list?
Cruising Costco 