6 Easy Ways to Be a Less Annoying Illinois Costco Shopper

This all started with something like, “Don’t even get me started on the people who make Costco shopping a full-contact sport.” If you’re a regular Costco shopper, you’ll probably relate.

I've Learned How to Be Less Annoying to Other Costco Shoppers

I joined the club (literally) when the Loves Park location opened in 2019, and while I was a Sam’s Club regular before that, I now have a whole new list of pet peeves about shopping in a giant membership store.

Yes, I was once the person holding up the free sample line (sorry to all the Sam's Club veterans I unknowingly annoyed). In my defense, it’s practically a buffet if you time it right.

But now, the tables have turned—I find myself cringing at the parade of giant carts clogging up every aisle around the free sample stations. That one annoyance alone opened the floodgates of what could only be described as Costco’s unwritten rules.

The Unwritten Rules of Shopping at Costco

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I would like to point out that nobody in my conversation was a current or former Costco employee, however, I secretly wonder what we do that aggravates them.

1. Get out your membership card BEFORE you get to the door. You aren't ever getting in without showing that card, so get it ready.

2. Take just one free sample. I once saw an employee do exactly what I once asked my wife to do to me when I was on a diet, slap the food I shouldn't be eating right out of my hand. Ok, that's not really true. I did ask my wife to do that but I've never seen a Costco employee do that, but it sure would be funny to see.

3. That food menu hasn't changed much over the years so know your order before getting in line. Now that I've had Costco's hot dog and pizza, I understand why the regular shoppers aren't very patient in this line.

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4. Always have your membership card and payment method ready if you're checking out with an employee. They are super fast with this process and you will hold up a line.

5. Get off that couch and let someone else try it out. This is another unwritten rule I struggle with because I know I still tend to overstay my welcome on some of those comfortable pieces of furniture.

And, this last unwritten rule of shopping at Costco:

6. Push your carts around the store like you learned to do with a car when you were 16. The carts are almost the size of a small car, so this would really be helpful. Do you remember all the tape on grocery store floors during the covid pandemic, directing shopping traffic flow? I miss those.

Everyone is a rookie at some point, so a little extra patience and kindness wouldn't hurt, either.

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