Coasting through Costco’s checkout
I’m often asked by no one in particular (well, I mean no one, in particular), “Mark, how does one pick the fastest line at Costco?” Today’s your lucky day, MT.Net readers, as I’m going to let you in on the secret.
1. Scan the competition. Approaching the checkout area, you’re notice that everyone’s looking around in a daze, waiting for something or someone to say “hey, this line!” Don’t be like them! Step number one is to act quickly. Upon reading this, savvy reader and shopper, you will confidently stroll up to the right line every time. Take advantage of the daze and confusion by being sharp and focused!
2. Know who has mad scanning skills. One of the best things about Costco is that you get to know its employees because Costco treats them well. Do you see a familiar face working the register, one that knows the routine? Gravitate towards him or her. While working a register is easier now than it used to be, experience still counts.
3. Full carts don’t necessarily make for slow checkouts. Costco sells items in bulk, so when you can buy one roll of paper towels at your corner grocery, at Costco you can buy them by the dozen. This might fool less savvy Costco shoppers away from getting into line behind this shopper, but remember: that big-ass pack of paper towels has one barcode and is scanned in seconds, often without even leaving the shopping cart!
4. Beware of shoppers with no carts. You might be tempted to hop behind a shopper who has no cart, thinking you’re home free. This can easily backfire, though, when that shopper pulls out a ticket for an item held in the cage. You’ll both be waiting for a manager to fetch the item from the cage and bring it back. You just lost your Costco race!
5. Look for the Cartmasters. Having worked as a cashier in a previous life, I know how to unload a cart. In fact, other shoppers have given me props for my cart-unloading prowess. While not everyone can be a Cartmaster like me, some are more adept than others. This, savvy shoppers, is the real secret to a speedy Costco checkout! Since Costco’s cashiers are battle-hardened and quick as a wink, most of your time will actually be spent waiting behind the guy unloading his eight separate bags of jumbo cheese puffs. Get in the line behind the shoppers who look like competent enough to successfully dribble a basketball, or at least capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time. They may not be Cartmasters but if they know their way around a cart they can save you loads of time.
So to break it down, the faster lines have shoppers who can quickly unload their carts and those lines will go even faster the bigger and bulkier the purchases. Got it?
Costco is one of the most efficient stores you’ll find, with a friendly staff who know their jobs well. With these helpful tips, you’ll be zipping through Costco’s checkout lines in no time!