14 Things Costco Workers Wish They Could Tell You

Costco is known for its cult following, but there's a lot more going on behind the scenes than most shoppers realize. Behind the towering pallets of peanut butter and the tantalizing sample stations, employees have a front-row seat to shopper habits, sneaky deals, and the kind of etiquette that makes or breaks their day. They see it all, and they've got some thoughts.

These insider tips go beyond your typical Costco shopping hacks and might just change the way you navigate the warehouse.

Costco employees definitely notice when you ditch your cart in the middle of the lot (or worse, leave it wedged on a curb, rolling slowly toward someone's car). Yes, even if it's raining.

Returning your cart is polite, and it keeps the lot safe and organized. Workers appreciate shoppers who take the extra 30 seconds to do the right thing.

Costco free samples are truly unlimited. Employees say they aren't allowed to enforce a limit, but if someone goes overboard, they might start to discourage you. The best way to ensure you get as much as you want is to be polite; otherwise, you might start to test the meaning of "unlimited."

Sunday shoppers can expect wall-to-wall carts, long checkout lines, and packed aisles. Employees know it's the most chaotic day of the week as restocking becomes nearly impossible and tempers run high.

For a smoother trip, try weekday mornings. You'll have more space to browse and a much happier crew helping you out.

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Unlike traditional retail workers, Costco employees aren't pushed to upsell or meet sales quotas. That means they're not secretly trying to get you to buy the priciest blender or biggest TV.

While they might recommend something if they think it's a good deal (and are encouraged to do so), their own goals are not directly related to sales. Costco staff are paid an impressive base wage (over $30 at most US stores), meaning there's no pressure to upsell or commission-based income.

Costco is strict about membership rules, and using someone else's card is a no-go. Employees are trained to check photo IDs at the register, and they will politely remind you if it's not you in the photo.

It's policy, not personal. If you want the perks, you'll need your own membership.

When an item's out of stock, asking a Costco employee to "check in the back" won't help. Unlike regular stores, most Costco locations don't have a secret stash out back. What you see on the floor is all that is there. Shipments arrive quickly and are sometimes sold even faster.

If it's not there, your best bet is to come back soon.

Costco's return policy is generous, but it's not something to take advantage of. Employees have likely seen people try to return half-eaten cakes, five-year-old TVs, and even empty wine bottles.

Yes, staff usually process returns with a smile, but pushing the limits just makes their jobs harder (and potentially force Costco to reconsider its policy in general).

Costco employees enjoy solid benefits, which include an employee discount. While there's no across-the-board percentage off everything in-store, it's still a generous offer.

The perks include a free executive membership worth $130, exclusive freebies such as a turkey at Thanksgiving, and access to employee-only promotions.

Trying to chat on the phone while checking out slows the whole process, and yes, Costco employees notice. They need your attention for things like payment details and your membership ID.

Even a quick call leads to fumbles, miscommunications, and backed-up lines. For everyone's sake, save the conversation until you're through the line.

In certain states, such as California, Delaware, and Texas, non-members can buy alcohol at Costco. This is thanks to specific state laws that prohibit membership requirements for alcohol purchases. You may still need to inform staff of your intent, and you may be subject to additional procedures, like being escorted to the alcohol section.

Costco Shop Cards allow non-members to shop without purchasing a membership. These gift cards can be used like cash in-store and online, giving you access to Costco's deals. However, only members can purchase them, and Costco does not allow you to reload them. So, if you want a Costco gift card, get friendly with a paying member.

Costco's product selection is always changing to keep things fresh and exciting. This rotation helps them offer seasonal goods, test new products, and manage inventory efficiently.

Sometimes your favorite item could disappear, but it might only be temporary. Items often return or are replaced by something just as good. It's part of what makes shopping there an adventure (as well as the changing layout).

It's not about catching thieves but about catching mistakes. When Costco staff review your receipt, they're checking for overcharges, missing items, or duplicate scans.

With high-volume checkouts and bulk items, errors can happen. This quick double-check helps protect both you and the store. Think of it as a last line of quality control, not a trust issue.

Ever notice a price ending in .97 at Costco? That's not random.

It signals a special, store-specific markdown. These discounts are set by the local warehouse and typically indicate that the item is being cleared out or offered at a deeper discount than usual.

In other words, it's a clue for savvy shoppers to grab the deal before it disappears for good.

Costco workers have a unique perspective, and their behind-the-scenes insights can improve your next warehouse run. By following these tips and being a little more "Costco-aware," you can save time, money, and awkward stares.

Pay attention to those subtle clues, and you'll not only save on everyday essentials but also feel like a true Costco insider in no time.