I find myself at Costco quite often. It’s my go-to spot for about 90% of my grocery needs. Where else can I snag a gigantic ice cream for my kids at such a low price? Plus, I can order a delicious pizza that’s ready to devour right after I’m done shopping. Honestly, I love it there.
However, my affection for Costco doesn’t extend to many of my fellow shoppers. It seems that a good number of them are devoid of common sense, courtesy, and a basic sense of decency. So, I’ve put together a list of guidelines for those who might be a little self-absorbed, in hopes of easing the experience for the 10% of us who still remember how to behave. Here are the 10 Commandments of Costco:
- Always have your membership card ready as you approach the entrance.
- If you’re caught without your card, kindly pull your cart aside to avoid blocking others.
- When entering the refrigerated sections, please don’t leave your cart right in the doorway. It’s not a great spot for an impromptu roadblock.
- As you approach the free sample area, be mindful of those around you. If you see a mom with a couple of kids and only a few samples left, let the little ones take their share first. Especially if it’s those yummy torta rolls—kids love those!
- If you spot a mom managing more than two kids—let’s be honest, any mom with kids on a weekend—give her a smile. She’s pulling off a small miracle.
- If you’re the receipt checker at the exit and notice more than one child in a cart, please refrain from putting a smiley face on just one receipt. Instead, hand out individual smiley faces to each child. Trust me, it makes a big difference.
- When wheeling your cart back to your car, don’t stroll through the parking lot like you’re on a leisurely walk. Keep to the side and let others pass.
- Please return your shopping carts. It’s just common courtesy.
- As you’re exiting the parking lot, pause and let someone who’s been patiently waiting back out.
- And finally, when someone graciously allows you to back out of a tight spot, don’t forget to smile, wave, and say thank you. It goes a long way!
Anyone who follows these commandments and shares them will be considered great in the realm of Costco. As for the rest? Well, you may find yourselves in a never-ending cycle of Costco chaos—also known as the parking lot.
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In summary, these simple guidelines can make your Costco experience much more enjoyable. With a little consideration and common sense, we can all navigate the aisles and parking lots with a smile!