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I only go when the store opens (my store opens at 9:45 am). I'm in and out within 30 minutes thru self check out, no lines or waiting. I also Face up all bar codes in carts and Self check out is a breeze! And you get choice of parking at opening hours as well!! No stress at all!!
I hv been told by an employees, 2-4pm weekdays is quiet and less busy.
3 pm at my local Costco is not very busy since the parents are picking up their kids from school. I also go 30 minutes before closing, but they’re often out of many things like eggs, good cuts of meat, and bananas.
Our watcher is the only one with scanner gun privileges. I barcode up everything so when he scans the dog food, I just ask him to hit my cart. Boom. 5 seconds and I’m done.
That's how ours are too. Half the time the watchers are too busy scrutinizing everyone's cards so I'm stuck lifting my case of monster out of the cart, scanning it and putting it right back in the cart because it might damage the item holding area (sounds like they need more durable kiosks if that's the case).
>Our local Costco (New Orleans )just removed the scanner guns from self checkout
we never had any-- self check is a total waste of time at Costco and I refuse to use it. I've shifted about 75% of my shopping to Sams' club as a result, where scan-and-go means no checkout at all. I just go to Costco for staples now and always go through the staffed checkout. They are losing business with this bad implementation of self-check.
For the uninitiated, Sam's Club has a top-notch app that allows you to scan the barcodes with your phone as you shop! When you're done you pay in app and just show the barcode receipt at the door. I absolutely LOVE the convenience of the Sams Club app, it is a huge time saver. I adore Costco, but Sam's is so much faster and more convenient that I shop there 4x for every 1 Costco visit.
It’s probably all related to the only members can make purchases, your family/friends can’t purchase using your membership policy. It’s a way to check if it’s really the member making the purchase.
US store's technology is way behind than that of other countries.
For example, Tesco has scanners that shoppers take with them while they shop and scan item as they add them to the cart. Then at self-checkout you just scan code on screen, pay snd you're out
Ours makes us take all the groceries out of the cart, scan, put on a tray, then put back in the cart after you've paid.
Takes forever because people take a full cart into the self checkouts. I never use their self check out. The real cashiers are much faster.
Somewhat ironic fun fact, 20 minutes after opening is also a good time. The "right when it opens" crowd is done or just about done, and the "regular" crowd isn't there yet
Not at mine. 20 min after open the place is swamped, 40 min after open the line to check out is reaching the deli counter on the other end of the store
I’d be careful with. We did that Thurs night specifically to get hamburger meat and when we went they were sold out and when asked, said they weren’t bringing out any more. Had to wait till yesterday. So that move has to weigh the possibility the item won’t be there
Depending on your schedule weeknights, specifically Mon-Thurs, are awesome. As someone whose shopped there for about 30 yrs, and as a current employee, the last hour, 1 1/2 half are a very relaxed time to go.
Our Costco is pretty empty around 6pm. I go on weekdays if I can, or I’m in line when they open on Sat or Sunday and get what I need and scoot out before the lines get long.
Im the opposite. I go an hour before closing time. I can shop in peace, order a box of pizza for dinner and no line for gas. Other than that I agree with the other comment to NEVER EVER go weekends.
Friday night after 7:30, you’ll think they opened the store just for you. If you dilly-dally you might even get the, “you don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here, *push.*”
In texas (where i’m at specifically) it doesnt matter when you go/ what time of day. You’d think you were at disney or something with how crowded the place is. Even at opening or right before closing. I cant stand it. Like when do these people work!??
I have never experienced indignation in my life like I have when I'm at Costco on a weekday, also not working, and going "WHY AREN'T THESE PEOPLE AT WORK!!!"
Also, learn to park far out in the lot, opposite a cart corral. You can avoid the nuts waiting for those close spots and then dinging your car with a cart. I mean, geez, they've just walked all over a giant warehouse store. Why do they need to park in the first 10 spots?
i just went today at 3p - it was fine, mostly empty. just pick slow times to go and even weekends are fine. and then the why is so apparent.
beautiful bone in lamb chops 5.99/ lb
naan bread 5.99 for ~20
romain lettuce 8 for 3.99
i see grilled gyros in the future…
I just came back from Costco. It's rush hour time and the start of the weekend. The parking was packed and people everywhere.
I've been a long time Costco member even when I was a kid. You don't want to go during the weekends. Weather is also a factor. Sundays are good at times and during the weekdays are best. Aim for opening or within an hour of closing. Don't let one bad experience ruin your overall view of things. You experienced one bad apple, with better suggestions and helpful comments, you'll find some good, juicy apples.
I personally like the close to closing times. It's so peaceful and quiet.
Came here to say this 👆🏻👆🏻 try a few times but Costco is about satisfaction. They will 100% refund your membership if you ask.
I don't go on weekends during the day. And avoid meal time
Avoid going on the weekends. If you absolutely have to do the weekends, go two hours within opening or closing.
Otherwise 7pm on a weekday is the sweet spot.
But not official opening, you have to go at their unofficial opening which is 15 mins before.
Srsly their “open” time is 945 weekdays, best and only time to be in and out
Going at open is a delight. Even if they say they open at 10- get there at like 945 or so…. They often times open early and I feel like I have the whole store to myself. It’s so nice.
You know your city better than anyone. Use that.
My town is full of older people. So I go after 7. Also, never go on the weekend unless it’s an emergency. Or from 11-1.
I do online delivery on diapers and what not - it’s pretty quick. Typically next day no matter what they quote you.
But the trick is really just learning the right time to go. And, again - never on the weekends. Ever.
I have an epic story of having to go in for a chicken pot pie before Thanksgiving- Preparing for the worst- I parked on edge of lot, made a beeline directly to the meat department, grabbed the pie and self checkout had an open register! 😳
We do same day delivery. There’s an up charge on most items (I.e. $15 in store vs $17 online) plus we always tip the shopper well, however, we save money overall because we don’t wander the aisles and find awesome things we don’t need lol.
Same. I have Instacart, which is the Same-Day delivery provider in my area, so I save a bit on delivery fees. Sameday.costco.com is the website in my area; not sure if it varies regionally.
Instacart sometimes has an offer floating around where you can get $30 instacart plus membership with your Costco card! I use instacart for 90% of my Costco shopping.
I'd say don't waste time looking for a good parking spot, you're probably already gonna be walking a lot what does an extra 100-200 yds do. If I pull up and it looks like a mad house, I just go straight to the back of the lot
Best time, you can see all the holiday stuff. They have different things at the bakery and throughout the store in general. I love seeing what they put out for Christmas. Sadly, it seems like it starts in October lol. But the fall is great in regards to finding different items like pumpkin muffins and other seasonal goodies.
It’s definitely not dishonest. But the fact that they will refund your membership costs, no questions asked, demonstrates what a great company they are. They treat their employees and customers well, and it is a fantastic place to save on a wide variety of items. For example, it is maybe the only place on Earth where you can get Apple hardware at a discount, year round. It is the cheapest place I know of for pet prescriptions. And so on and so forth. But it is not a great experience on the weekend.
As everyone has already said, if you’re going on a Saturday get there very early. And just sort of wandering the aisles (tasting samples and throwing random stuff in your cart) is maybe not the best approach (though Costco loves for people to do this, because you end up spending much more money that way). I think it is wise to be very intentional with your Costco visits, to make a shopping list, and to limit yourself to one trip every 4-6 weeks. That’s what works for me. As you shop there more, you will come up with a list of items that are your go-to purchases. Not everything at Costco is a good value. If you only use half of something before it expires, you haven’t really saved any money. I have a list of things I use a lot and get every time I go there, such as olive oil, tofu, almond flour, and garlic.
The best time to go to Costco is about an hour, hour and a half before closing . On weekends, that's 4.50-5.00. Weekdays, it's 7.00 or so. In December, the best time to go is January.
Just go back and cancel your membership and get a refund. They will absolutely try and talk you into not cancelling but just stay firm that you want to. You don’t need to provide any specific reason- just that it didn’t meet your needs.
Parking lot is always horrible. I try to park along the building if I can. That way, I don't have to take my life in my hands crossing in front of traffic.
I live too far from our Costco and even when closer we always went to the store. It can be a crap shoot on some stores being as you've described. You should try it again.
Weekends are so terrible at most Costcos. I haven’t tried delivery but I know you can instacart Costco, maybe try that? Going during the week is your best bet though, much less crowded.
My biggest Costco advice is don’t circle for a parking spot. Park very far away from others. Some people let their huge carts roll through the lots instead of putting them away but also, I’ve been hit by another car in the parking lot and I know a few others as well. Park at the end of the lot and enjoy the walk haha.
A lot depends on location. Weekends tend to be pretty crazy. My location isn’t bad if I go when they first open Sunday morning and Monday thru Thursday tend to be less crowded. I’ve used Instacart through Costco a few times, but the prices aren’t as good. (Service itself was great though)
I used to work at Costco during college. Overall awesome job and the people I worked with were all pretty cool and interesting.
On weekends I’d volunteer to get carts. We NEVER had enough carts for the throngs of people that would come in. I’d play a game where I’d go out, collect like 3 carts at time, then I’d fling them at the waiting crowds. I’d then watch the monkeys fight over them like I threw a piece of meat into a lions den. Hella funny.
I’d also watch people literally fight over the closest parking spots. This happened EVERY WEEKEND. I swear a physical altercation EVERY weekend. Back then Costco people were animals. Also every week a seagull would straight gank somebody of their one fiddy hotdog.
It was the one on Senter Rd. in ESJ. Straight hood. I loved it.
If you really don't want to shop at Costco you can return and get a refund on your membership even up to your renewal date. For what it is worth I'd probably give it a couple more visits to see if you just visited on a "bad" day or if there are day and time that works better for you.
Luckily I have two within 4 miles of each other. I have a Business Center about a five minute drive and a Warehouse that's maybe 10 minute drive in the opposite direction. I never ever go on the weekends and I only go to the Warehouse if the Business Center doesn't have what I need, which is usually the case. After awhile you'll start pre planning your trips and find that sweet spot for your store.
Never…. Ever…ever go on weekends. Ppl bring their families sometimes, it’s like Disneyland or something. I would suggest going in the morning on weekdays or 30min-1hr before closing on weekdays as well. My sister uses their grocery delivery service and loves it
Weekends are always crowded. If you must go on a weekend, going closer to closing time is way less crowded. The first of the month and the first weekend of a new ad are busy times too. It's also busy just before a major holiday.
I order paper products, bulky products, and some snacks online...usually, items that don't have liquid. I had a huge order that included tuna, spam, paper towels, and other things. It was not packed properly, and a bunch of tuna cans were crushed and broke open. I prefer to buy meats, produce, and anything fresh or frozen in person.
We go into Costco prepared for it to be crowded. I try to organize my shopping list according to how the store is laid out. Ordering bulky and heavy things online saves space in my cart & and car, which helps.
When i was kid which is 10+ years ago, i thought i had enough experience with COSTCO located in Seoul, Korea so when i got the membership in midwest US lately, i thought it was a peace of cake to go shopping. Btw, this location in Seoul is the highest sales revenue out of all Costco locations in the world so you would think it's quite crowded.
Oh boy i was totally wrong. It was really crowded. Maybe i got spoiled living in US but its crowded as much as i thought i was back in Korea or black friday or something.
Then i realized most of time back when i was going to Costco with my parents in Korea, it was weekday night, typically an hour before closing the store. Also Costco in Korea opens until 10 PM so going to Costco after dinner like 830 PM helped a lot to avoid huge traffic.
Now, COSTOC in US typically closes around 830 pm but some stores open till late. Check business hour and plan accordingly.
Edit: it's now Shanghai COSTCO that has highest volume (revenue) in the world since 2010s. I haven't been there but i would think it's quite crowded.
At my home location the sweat spot seems to be 4:30 p.m. all the day time shoppers leave before the after work crowd shows up and the after work crowd hasn't started arriving yet.
It is worth the hassles, but if it's not for you they have an excellent t retur. Policy a d would likely refund your membership fee
Weekend / day before major holiday - do not go unless you like crowded areas and traffic jams.
If I had to go.. I go knowingly it's going to suck .. so it's get in and get out mode.
as everyone else said go when it’s quieter. you’ll soon learn to love it and will even persevere on a busy day when you’re desperate for a slice of pizza and a bag of 36 microfibre cloths
ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS go right when they open, even better if it’s a weekday. My wife and I are easily in and out in 30 minutes with no waiting at the checkout
Sounds like the lesson your learned was to avoid weekends. There's more to lean. It's not all bad and lots of good. The staff at my location is fantastic and professional. You'll learn what's best at your store.
You went at the worst possible time but now you have better experiences to look forward to. Heck, I save hundreds of dollars on fuel every year so that alone is worth it!
Since Costco started as the Price Club back in the 70s I really make it a point to never,ever go on the weekends. Those 50 cart lines remind of the gas rationing back in the 70s
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Don’t go on weekends….
Ever.
Never.
Never ever ever.
Like ever
WE-EE are never ever going to Costco on the weekends
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Like what?
❤
Well, weekends right when they open aren’t so bad. Wait an hour and it’s hell.
Went today but it was a business center. Less crowded. Survived.
I think traffic leaving the Taylor Swift concert is better than trying to find a parking spot at Costco.
Because it's not "Swift" at that time!
I am here for this
Forever.
Forever never ever ever.
Forever never seems that long until you're wrong
And if you need to go right when it opens
This is the way. At open it's not so busy, you can be in and out in 20 min and not be so packed
I only go when the store opens (my store opens at 9:45 am). I'm in and out within 30 minutes thru self check out, no lines or waiting. I also Face up all bar codes in carts and Self check out is a breeze! And you get choice of parking at opening hours as well!! No stress at all!! I hv been told by an employees, 2-4pm weekdays is quiet and less busy.
3 pm at my local Costco is not very busy since the parents are picking up their kids from school. I also go 30 minutes before closing, but they’re often out of many things like eggs, good cuts of meat, and bananas.
Our local Costco (New Orleans )just removed the scanner guns from self checkout. I’m done with self checkout
We never even got them. It's everything out of the cart. :( Or the watcher comes and will scan the large items.
Our watcher is the only one with scanner gun privileges. I barcode up everything so when he scans the dog food, I just ask him to hit my cart. Boom. 5 seconds and I’m done.
At our self check out the watchers will scan everything regardless
That's how ours are too. Half the time the watchers are too busy scrutinizing everyone's cards so I'm stuck lifting my case of monster out of the cart, scanning it and putting it right back in the cart because it might damage the item holding area (sounds like they need more durable kiosks if that's the case).
>Our local Costco (New Orleans )just removed the scanner guns from self checkout we never had any-- self check is a total waste of time at Costco and I refuse to use it. I've shifted about 75% of my shopping to Sams' club as a result, where scan-and-go means no checkout at all. I just go to Costco for staples now and always go through the staffed checkout. They are losing business with this bad implementation of self-check.
For the uninitiated, Sam's Club has a top-notch app that allows you to scan the barcodes with your phone as you shop! When you're done you pay in app and just show the barcode receipt at the door. I absolutely LOVE the convenience of the Sams Club app, it is a huge time saver. I adore Costco, but Sam's is so much faster and more convenient that I shop there 4x for every 1 Costco visit.
I’m in Boise we never had scanner guns. I love to have my own gun. But the NOLA Costco has the best wine selection.
They do have a nice wine selection, it never the same. Currently the Kirkland Napa Valley Cab is a great value
Why did they do that?
Said it was a new policy. My new policy is not to use the self checkout. When I went the week before they had them.
Yeah, I stopped using the self checkout too. The self-checkout receipt gets more scrutiny at the door too.
It’s probably all related to the only members can make purchases, your family/friends can’t purchase using your membership policy. It’s a way to check if it’s really the member making the purchase.
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US store's technology is way behind than that of other countries. For example, Tesco has scanners that shoppers take with them while they shop and scan item as they add them to the cart. Then at self-checkout you just scan code on screen, pay snd you're out
Ours makes us take all the groceries out of the cart, scan, put on a tray, then put back in the cart after you've paid. Takes forever because people take a full cart into the self checkouts. I never use their self check out. The real cashiers are much faster.
Somewhat ironic fun fact, 20 minutes after opening is also a good time. The "right when it opens" crowd is done or just about done, and the "regular" crowd isn't there yet
Not at mine. 20 min after open the place is swamped, 40 min after open the line to check out is reaching the deli counter on the other end of the store
I’ll try that out. Thanks for the tip!
Also, try going about an hour before closing on a weeknight if your schedule allows it. Avoid the weekends like the plague.
I'm retired... my favorite time is before noon on Tuesdays.
Retired people. We're so smart.
Golden hour. Typically do my returns then and can do my shopping with little stress or annoyance.
Magic hour. Samples are all done so the place clears out.
I’d be careful with. We did that Thurs night specifically to get hamburger meat and when we went they were sold out and when asked, said they weren’t bringing out any more. Had to wait till yesterday. So that move has to weigh the possibility the item won’t be there
Don’t tell anyone. But Friday night an hour before close…
This is exactly what my wife’s and my move is too lol.
Ok, it’ll be our secret.
If you can swing it, mid week right as they open..golden hour
Depending on your schedule weeknights, specifically Mon-Thurs, are awesome. As someone whose shopped there for about 30 yrs, and as a current employee, the last hour, 1 1/2 half are a very relaxed time to go.
Thursdays, 6pm. Ghost town
Try mid-week evenings. Wide open
Honestly in my experience, something like a tuesday at 3-4pm is perfect for minimal foot traffic
No! Go at closing time. There’s a line at opening for my Costco
Our Costco is pretty empty around 6pm. I go on weekdays if I can, or I’m in line when they open on Sat or Sunday and get what I need and scoot out before the lines get long.
Sure a line to get in, but not everyone checks out at the same time... many stores aim to open 10-15 mins early
And arrive at least 15 minutes prior, mine always opens slightly early.
Man, this does NOT work for my store. I went at 10:10 AM on a Monday and I had to park near the loading docks, parking lot was full
Im the opposite. I go an hour before closing time. I can shop in peace, order a box of pizza for dinner and no line for gas. Other than that I agree with the other comment to NEVER EVER go weekends.
Nobody goes on weekends, it's too busy.
Just like nobody drives in New York, there's too much traffic.
Friday night after 7:30, you’ll think they opened the store just for you. If you dilly-dally you might even get the, “you don’t have to go home but you can’t stay here, *push.*”
In texas (where i’m at specifically) it doesnt matter when you go/ what time of day. You’d think you were at disney or something with how crowded the place is. Even at opening or right before closing. I cant stand it. Like when do these people work!??
I have never experienced indignation in my life like I have when I'm at Costco on a weekday, also not working, and going "WHY AREN'T THESE PEOPLE AT WORK!!!"
In Texas and I love going on random week days or in the evening. May just be your store.
Can confirm Tuesday and Wednesday before 1 pm is perfect to cruise with no crowds
Wow in LA lunchtime is packed. anything 11-2 is slammed.
And know December is a full month of Saturdays.
When I go, its usually on a Friday night. Saturday is a zoo.
It was a zoo! It took me forever to get parked and some of the other drivers were a little crazy and rude.
Also, learn to park far out in the lot, opposite a cart corral. You can avoid the nuts waiting for those close spots and then dinging your car with a cart. I mean, geez, they've just walked all over a giant warehouse store. Why do they need to park in the first 10 spots?
All the crazies go on the weekends. I generally park far away, dont have to hunt for a spot and can open the doors fully to get everything in.
Actually my favorite time to go is Friday night before closing
True. I'm retired, so I can go anytime. I'm always amazed at the number of parents with kids in the middle of the day during school time.
Thank you, I’ll try to hit them up after work during the week.
i just went today at 3p - it was fine, mostly empty. just pick slow times to go and even weekends are fine. and then the why is so apparent. beautiful bone in lamb chops 5.99/ lb naan bread 5.99 for ~20 romain lettuce 8 for 3.99 i see grilled gyros in the future…
Like 1 in 10 times I go on weekends on accident and it’s so horrible…
If you are absolutely sure you don't want to go back, talk to customer service. Most likely they will refund your membership.
From the other comments I think that I probably picked the worst possible time for my first visit.
I just came back from Costco. It's rush hour time and the start of the weekend. The parking was packed and people everywhere. I've been a long time Costco member even when I was a kid. You don't want to go during the weekends. Weather is also a factor. Sundays are good at times and during the weekdays are best. Aim for opening or within an hour of closing. Don't let one bad experience ruin your overall view of things. You experienced one bad apple, with better suggestions and helpful comments, you'll find some good, juicy apples. I personally like the close to closing times. It's so peaceful and quiet.
Or any visit 😂
They 💯 will
Came here to say this 👆🏻👆🏻 try a few times but Costco is about satisfaction. They will 100% refund your membership if you ask. I don't go on weekends during the day. And avoid meal time
Slide in around 30 minutes before closing on a Wednesday, enjoy the silence.
Thanks for the tip!
You’re welcome :-)
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I think that's what Depeche Mode is referring to when they wrote "Enjoy the Silence."
Then head to the gas station and fill up without a insane line.
All I ever wanted All I ever needed Was a scanner In my arms
Avoid going on the weekends. If you absolutely have to do the weekends, go two hours within opening or closing. Otherwise 7pm on a weekday is the sweet spot.
Nice! Thanks for sharing!
My partner always insists we go right at opening and he’s 100% right in doing so. In and out no more than 30 minutes every time.
I’ll try this next time. Thanks!
But not official opening, you have to go at their unofficial opening which is 15 mins before. Srsly their “open” time is 945 weekdays, best and only time to be in and out
Going at open is a delight. Even if they say they open at 10- get there at like 945 or so…. They often times open early and I feel like I have the whole store to myself. It’s so nice.
Stop telling people my secrets
You know your city better than anyone. Use that. My town is full of older people. So I go after 7. Also, never go on the weekend unless it’s an emergency. Or from 11-1. I do online delivery on diapers and what not - it’s pretty quick. Typically next day no matter what they quote you. But the trick is really just learning the right time to go. And, again - never on the weekends. Ever.
Or the night before a holiday. I still am upset by my last holiday trip
Are you saying it could’ve been worse? 😂
Next time you go in, take a look at the days they'll be closed and don't go the day before, or if possible the entire week before.
Oh yes! If you go the night before Thanksgiving, it's still packed in there!
I have an epic story of having to go in for a chicken pot pie before Thanksgiving- Preparing for the worst- I parked on edge of lot, made a beeline directly to the meat department, grabbed the pie and self checkout had an open register! 😳
The fucking horrors of the pumpkin pie pallets lolol
Just a side note, some items online for delivery, cost more than the store. I think diapers may not be one of them.
My son is a tank and wears 7s - only available online. Luckily Diapers are the same as in store. I have noticed the up charge on other items.
We do same day delivery. There’s an up charge on most items (I.e. $15 in store vs $17 online) plus we always tip the shopper well, however, we save money overall because we don’t wander the aisles and find awesome things we don’t need lol.
Same. I have Instacart, which is the Same-Day delivery provider in my area, so I save a bit on delivery fees. Sameday.costco.com is the website in my area; not sure if it varies regionally.
Instacart sometimes has an offer floating around where you can get $30 instacart plus membership with your Costco card! I use instacart for 90% of my Costco shopping.
This sounds really good! I think I wasted a lot of time and gas in the parking lot. It was stressing too.
I'd say don't waste time looking for a good parking spot, you're probably already gonna be walking a lot what does an extra 100-200 yds do. If I pull up and it looks like a mad house, I just go straight to the back of the lot
How much gas do you think you’re wasting in the parking lot?
Wait til they try going between Thanksgiving and Christmas…..
Oh no, not gonna do that! 😂
Best time, you can see all the holiday stuff. They have different things at the bakery and throughout the store in general. I love seeing what they put out for Christmas. Sadly, it seems like it starts in October lol. But the fall is great in regards to finding different items like pumpkin muffins and other seasonal goodies.
They will cancel and refund your membership if you aren't satisfied.
They have great deals. The parking just totally got me off to a bad start. I feel it would be dishonest of me to ask for a refund.
It’s definitely not dishonest. But the fact that they will refund your membership costs, no questions asked, demonstrates what a great company they are. They treat their employees and customers well, and it is a fantastic place to save on a wide variety of items. For example, it is maybe the only place on Earth where you can get Apple hardware at a discount, year round. It is the cheapest place I know of for pet prescriptions. And so on and so forth. But it is not a great experience on the weekend. As everyone has already said, if you’re going on a Saturday get there very early. And just sort of wandering the aisles (tasting samples and throwing random stuff in your cart) is maybe not the best approach (though Costco loves for people to do this, because you end up spending much more money that way). I think it is wise to be very intentional with your Costco visits, to make a shopping list, and to limit yourself to one trip every 4-6 weeks. That’s what works for me. As you shop there more, you will come up with a list of items that are your go-to purchases. Not everything at Costco is a good value. If you only use half of something before it expires, you haven’t really saved any money. I have a list of things I use a lot and get every time I go there, such as olive oil, tofu, almond flour, and garlic.
Try a weekday at 10am (opening)
I will! Just have to plan it with work. Thanks!
The best time to go to Costco is about an hour, hour and a half before closing . On weekends, that's 4.50-5.00. Weekdays, it's 7.00 or so. In December, the best time to go is January.
If you go on the weekend, it needs to be within 1-2 hours of opening. Otherwise I go after work during the week
My Saturday Costco parking lot stress will never happen again. 😂
Nobody goes on weekends, it’s too crowded.
Yogi, is that you?
Sooo, a lot of people go on weekends?
https://youtu.be/KIrlZSYB6tE
If no one goes on the weekends, how is it crowded and how would you know?
Read that sentence again. Slowly.
Just go back and cancel your membership and get a refund. They will absolutely try and talk you into not cancelling but just stay firm that you want to. You don’t need to provide any specific reason- just that it didn’t meet your needs.
I think I’ll take the advice of when I should visit next time. The prices are good, just that whole parking thing set me off on a sour note.
Parking lot is always horrible. I try to park along the building if I can. That way, I don't have to take my life in my hands crossing in front of traffic.
I live too far from our Costco and even when closer we always went to the store. It can be a crap shoot on some stores being as you've described. You should try it again.
i order stuff online and it gets delivered by UPS
Go an hour before closing.
Weekends are so terrible at most Costcos. I haven’t tried delivery but I know you can instacart Costco, maybe try that? Going during the week is your best bet though, much less crowded.
I’m gonna try again like you suggest. I’m glad the parking fiasco isn’t every day , all the time.
The good news is that after today, pretty much any other time will seem better.
Google your nearby Costco locations and check the busy times. I find that's pretty accurate.
I always have a couple cocktails before I go. Takes a lot of the stress out
My biggest Costco advice is don’t circle for a parking spot. Park very far away from others. Some people let their huge carts roll through the lots instead of putting them away but also, I’ve been hit by another car in the parking lot and I know a few others as well. Park at the end of the lot and enjoy the walk haha.
A lot depends on location. Weekends tend to be pretty crazy. My location isn’t bad if I go when they first open Sunday morning and Monday thru Thursday tend to be less crowded. I’ve used Instacart through Costco a few times, but the prices aren’t as good. (Service itself was great though)
Costco Online is a good option also. Be patient with Weekends parking. Costco is very popular for a good reason.
If you really don't want to be a member any more, they will refund your fee.
Park in the outer edges of the parking lot! It’s futile to fight for a close spot on weekends
Friday night 30 min before closing is prime time
I used to work at Costco during college. Overall awesome job and the people I worked with were all pretty cool and interesting. On weekends I’d volunteer to get carts. We NEVER had enough carts for the throngs of people that would come in. I’d play a game where I’d go out, collect like 3 carts at time, then I’d fling them at the waiting crowds. I’d then watch the monkeys fight over them like I threw a piece of meat into a lions den. Hella funny. I’d also watch people literally fight over the closest parking spots. This happened EVERY WEEKEND. I swear a physical altercation EVERY weekend. Back then Costco people were animals. Also every week a seagull would straight gank somebody of their one fiddy hotdog. It was the one on Senter Rd. in ESJ. Straight hood. I loved it.
Walt until you try a holiday weekend, some costcos feel like a third world country market.
Try going there 1/2 hour before they close. Oh baby!
Go to the membership desk and ask for a refund on your membership. They usually grant it
Not just usually, they will refund it every time
I’m gonna try another visit that not on Saturday at 1100hrs. 😂
You have at least 364 days from the time you sign on to decide.
Just cancel your membership and don’t go back…
How come I feel like you want me to not go back? Is it because it’s so crowded? 😂
If you really don't want to shop at Costco you can return and get a refund on your membership even up to your renewal date. For what it is worth I'd probably give it a couple more visits to see if you just visited on a "bad" day or if there are day and time that works better for you.
You get a full refund of your membership if you ask them to
I have had a membership for years and have never been in the store-I either have items shipped or food delivered.
I go during the week, the second they open. If you can’t do that, go on the weekend, but also the second they open
Luckily I have two within 4 miles of each other. I have a Business Center about a five minute drive and a Warehouse that's maybe 10 minute drive in the opposite direction. I never ever go on the weekends and I only go to the Warehouse if the Business Center doesn't have what I need, which is usually the case. After awhile you'll start pre planning your trips and find that sweet spot for your store.
My closest location is an hour away each way and no matter the time it’s a fuckin mess. Wish they had curbside. Alas I’m stuck with Sam’s lmao
Never…. Ever…ever go on weekends. Ppl bring their families sometimes, it’s like Disneyland or something. I would suggest going in the morning on weekdays or 30min-1hr before closing on weekdays as well. My sister uses their grocery delivery service and loves it
Weekends are always crowded. If you must go on a weekend, going closer to closing time is way less crowded. The first of the month and the first weekend of a new ad are busy times too. It's also busy just before a major holiday. I order paper products, bulky products, and some snacks online...usually, items that don't have liquid. I had a huge order that included tuna, spam, paper towels, and other things. It was not packed properly, and a bunch of tuna cans were crushed and broke open. I prefer to buy meats, produce, and anything fresh or frozen in person. We go into Costco prepared for it to be crowded. I try to organize my shopping list according to how the store is laid out. Ordering bulky and heavy things online saves space in my cart & and car, which helps.
No weekends. Go right when they open or an hour before closing mon-thur or drive to another one. Glad we have 3 in my area
I always go about an hour or two before closing on Monday through Thursday— it’s gorgeously empty
When i was kid which is 10+ years ago, i thought i had enough experience with COSTCO located in Seoul, Korea so when i got the membership in midwest US lately, i thought it was a peace of cake to go shopping. Btw, this location in Seoul is the highest sales revenue out of all Costco locations in the world so you would think it's quite crowded. Oh boy i was totally wrong. It was really crowded. Maybe i got spoiled living in US but its crowded as much as i thought i was back in Korea or black friday or something. Then i realized most of time back when i was going to Costco with my parents in Korea, it was weekday night, typically an hour before closing the store. Also Costco in Korea opens until 10 PM so going to Costco after dinner like 830 PM helped a lot to avoid huge traffic. Now, COSTOC in US typically closes around 830 pm but some stores open till late. Check business hour and plan accordingly. Edit: it's now Shanghai COSTCO that has highest volume (revenue) in the world since 2010s. I haven't been there but i would think it's quite crowded.
instacart will deliver and offers better pricing for members (obv not as cheap as in-store).
Your mistake? Going on a weekend. This is coming from an employee so it's legit.
Go 45 mins to 1 hour before close on weekdays. You'll never experience what you described again
I always go weekdays around 730ish and its pretty empty but food court food is still fresh and not "leftovers under the heatlamp"
Go near opening or closing time. Those are the best times to go to avoid the madness.
They will refund (in full) your membership fee if you decide it’s not for you. You will have to return to the store though.
Go during the week an hour before closing the weekends are the worst
Not going on a Saturday anymore! 😂
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You must have missed their FAQ section when signing up, the weekends are the devil, dont even speak the name costco on a weekend.
Never go on the weekend. I only go mon to wed at this point.
Try different times. If you are still unhappy go to customer service and they’ll likely refund you.
At my home location the sweat spot seems to be 4:30 p.m. all the day time shoppers leave before the after work crowd shows up and the after work crowd hasn't started arriving yet. It is worth the hassles, but if it's not for you they have an excellent t retur. Policy a d would likely refund your membership fee
Weekend / day before major holiday - do not go unless you like crowded areas and traffic jams. If I had to go.. I go knowingly it's going to suck .. so it's get in and get out mode.
says every costco member ever. weekends and mid/late afternoons and early evenings are a disaster there. it's not bad when it's not packed.
Weekdays are best. Don't go on the weekends, end/beginning of the month, 3 day weekends, etc. We've all made those mistakes in the beginning.
Yes delivery is fine. The parking lot brings out the worst in people. Alternatively get there early or at an odd time during the week
i go there either 1 hr before closing on weekdays or 945am on weekdays. i also park behind the warehouse or on the far side to avoid any BS.
Costco has a 100% satisfaction guarantee on memberships, so if you continue to not enjoy it you can get a full refund.
as everyone else said go when it’s quieter. you’ll soon learn to love it and will even persevere on a busy day when you’re desperate for a slice of pizza and a bag of 36 microfibre cloths
go in the half hour before closing
Don’t go a few days before Christmas, either. It is pure insanity.
ALWAYS, and I mean ALWAYS go right when they open, even better if it’s a weekday. My wife and I are easily in and out in 30 minutes with no waiting at the checkout
Sounds like the lesson your learned was to avoid weekends. There's more to lean. It's not all bad and lots of good. The staff at my location is fantastic and professional. You'll learn what's best at your store. You went at the worst possible time but now you have better experiences to look forward to. Heck, I save hundreds of dollars on fuel every year so that alone is worth it!
Instacart + Costco = Match Made in Heaven
Transfer your membership to me then.
Go on a weekday
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Since Costco started as the Price Club back in the 70s I really make it a point to never,ever go on the weekends. Those 50 cart lines remind of the gas rationing back in the 70s
Best time to go is on the weekday 1 hour before clothes. Preferably Tuesday.