- Costco membership can go to some people’s heads, according to workers.
- Business Insider reached out to 49 Costco employees to find out what they wish they could tell shoppers but can’t.
- Common requests were to control your kids, hang up your phone, and help unload the cart.
Costco membership comes with some obvious perks – namely, access to the retail chain and its food court.
But according to dozens of Costco workers who spoke with Business Insider, being a member doesn’t entitle you to do whatever you want.
While Costco made Glassdoor’s list of best places to work in 2017, employees still had several complaints about shoppers’ rude and inconvenient behavior.
Business Insider spoke to 49 Costco employees about the things they want to tell members but can’t. Some of their responses focused on obvious problems, like members being mean and inconsiderate. But some of the tips were more instructive.
Here's what they had to say.
Have your membership card ready at the door. "Concentrate on handing me your membership card instead of telling me a story," a Costco employee in Minnesota told Business Insider.
Don't trash the warehouse. A Costco employee from Arizona told Business Insider that they wanted to tell members to stop leaving "sample cups all over the floor." "Don't be rude," the employee said.
Put back items you've picked up. "Please put back that item that you just threw there," a Costco worker from California told Business Insider.
That sale price might not be the best price. Want to know you're getting the best deal possible? Learn to read Costco's price tags. Asterisks indicate that an item isn't going to be restocked.
Produce might not be the best deal for everyone. A total of six Costco employees told Business Insider that they tend to avoid buying produce at the store.
Don't be gross. Nine Costco employees told Business Insider that they judge customers who exhibit unhygienic behaviors like putting their membership or credit cards in their mouth or failing to wash their hands in the restroom.
Drop your sense of entitlement. "I'm an executive member too. It doesn't make you more special than me," a Costco employee from Ohio told Business Insider.
Don't blame employees for things they can't change. "What you're complaining about is likely above the pay grade of everyone in this building," a Costco worker in California told Business Insider.
"Please be patient, especially on the weekends!" A Costco employee in Illinois told Business Insider. "We can only move so fast. And there are far more members than employees."
Are you a Costco employee with a story to share? Email [email protected].