Many love Costco for its wide variety of quality products, bulk deals, and tempting free samples. However, one aspect that frustrates members across the board is the long checkout lines.
From busy weekends to midweek rushes, lines often stretch far back, sometimes to the dairy section, leaving customers eager for faster ways to get through checkout.
Recently, a frustrated Costco shopper posted a photo of a seemingly endless line in a Texas Costco warehouse to Reddit. They shared that the line ran nearly to the back of the store and voiced their intent to try out a nearby Sam’s Club as an alternative.
This post sparked a conversation among Costco regulars, who shared their best strategies for dodging those time-consuming queues. Here are some of the most practical tips shared by savvy Costco members.
1. Time Your Trip Right: Avoid Weekends if Possible
- Why Weekends Are a No-Go
- Most Costco members agree that weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, are peak times for long lines. The combination of weekend shoppers, people stocking up for the week, and families with limited weekday shopping hours means stores tend to be packed.
- Best Times to Go
- If your schedule allows, plan your visit for a weekday, ideally in the late evenings or early mornings. According to one Reddit user, Friday evenings after 7 p.m. are tranquil. Other members suggest going right at opening or close to closing on weekdays when most people are either at work or wrapping up their day.
2. Take Advantage of Major Events
- Why Events Matter
- If weekends are your only shopping window, try aligning your trip with a significant event like a big football or basketball game. The theory is that large groups will be at home or in bars watching the game, leaving the store less crowded.
- Results from Other Shoppers
- “Weekends are fine, just go during the game,” one Reddit commenter wrote. According to these Costco fans, you’ll find fewer crowds, and the shopping experience will be much less stressful.
3. Consider Shopping During Less Busy Holidays
- Holidays Can Be Surprisingly Quiet
- While major holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving will certainly bring crowds, more minor holidays, like Columbus Day or Presidents’ Day, might be quieter. People often travel, relax, or have other plans, leaving Costco slightly less busy.
- Be Aware of Holiday Hours
- Some Costco locations may have modified hours on certain holidays, so check your local store’s schedule before you go.
4. Skip Self-Checkout for Regular Registers
- The Self-Checkout Trap
- Self-checkout might seem faster, but many Costco members find the regular cashier lines are quicker. Shoppers often line up automatically at self-checkout without realizing there might be open registers nearby.
- What Other Shoppers Say
- “People aimlessly follow the line to the self-checkout like zombies. Just go around and use the registers,” one Redditor pointed out. This method might feel counterintuitive, but regular registers often move faster, especially if there’s an experienced cashier on duty.
5. Use Costco’s Mobile App and Digital Membership Card
- The Convenience of Going Digital
- The Costco mobile app can make your shopping experience smoother in several ways. For one, you can use the app to check your local store’s current hours and holiday closures. Additionally, the app features a digital membership card, which is convenient for members who often forget their physical card.
- Plan Your Trip with the App
- You can also use the app to get an idea of your store’s layout if you’re new to Costco or visiting a different location. This can help streamline your shopping experience so you can get in and out faster.
6. Consider Non-Peak Locations
- Costco Location Differences
- Costco locations in suburban or less densely populated areas may have shorter lines than stores in major cities or popular areas. While this will only be an option for some, it’s worth considering if you live near multiple Costco stores.
- Member Advice
- Some Redditors noted that simply choosing a less busy location saved them time. “We found a smaller Costco 15 minutes away. Lines are half as long,” shared one member.
7. Be Ready with Your Membership Card and Payment
- Efficient Checkout Preparation
- Make sure to have your membership card and payment method ready to avoid any delays at checkout. Many people need to remember these small details, which can slow down the process when multiplied by several shoppers.
- Use Costco’s Digital Membership Card
- If you frequently need to remember your physical card, try using Costco’s mobile app, which has a digital membership card feature. This small hack can save you time and effort.
8. Try Curbside Pickup for Non-Grocery Items
- Limited Curbside Options
- Although Costco doesn’t offer curbside pickup for groceries, they have this option for select non-grocery items. This feature may be available for items like electronics, furniture, or other high-ticket goods in your area.
- Consider Alternatives for Quick Purchases
- For bulkier purchases, curbside pickup can save you a trip through the entire store and a wait at checkout.
Summary of Tips to Avoid Long Lines at Costco
TipExplanation
Avoid Weekends Shop during weekday evenings or mornings for fewer crowds.
Shop During Events Head to Costco during major sporting events on weekends.
Skip Self-Checkout Regular cashier lines can be quicker than self-checkout during peak times.
Use the Mobile App to Access digital membership, plan trips, and check store hours with the Costco app.
Choose a Less Busy Store If possible, visit a Costco in a less populated area for shorter lines.
Use Curbside Pickup For non-grocery items; curbside pickup can save time and entirely avoid the need for checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the best days to shop at Costco?
A: Weekdays are usually the least crowded, especially Tuesday through Thursday. Late evenings or early mornings are ideal times.
Q: Is self-checkout faster at Costco?
A: Only sometimes. Regular registers can sometimes be faster, as many shoppers automatically head for self-checkout, creating a longer line.
Q: Does Costco offer curbside pickup for groceries?
A: No, Costco’s curbside pickup is typically limited to select non-grocery items, but it’s still an excellent option for avoiding lines on large purchases.
Q: Are all Costco locations equally busy?
A: No, some locations, especially in urban areas, tend to be busier. Visiting a less popular location might help reduce wait times.
Q: Can I use a digital membership card at Costco?
A: The Costco app offers a digital membership card that you can use at the store. This is convenient if you often forget your physical card.
By following these strategies, Costco members can shave valuable minutes off their shopping trips and reduce the hassle of long lines.
While finding the ideal time for your local store might take some trial and error, these tips offer practical solutions that can make your next Costco run more enjoyable.