Some people love shopping while others hate it, or it is simply just another task. Regardless of which group you belong to, nobody likes standing in line at the supermarket, especially when you are hungry. The same happens when shopping at Costco; some enjoy wandering through its aisles and having a bite at its food court, while others want to get out as soon as possible. However, due to the high influx of customers, Costco is often one of those places with long lines. What many people don’t know is that there is a trick to not wait as long.
Some tools are already available to speed up the lines at checkout, such as self-checkout stations and membership scanners at the entrance of stores. But, despite their usefulness, they don’t solve the problem. The trick in question is the following: place your food order while you are in line, even before paying. Some Costco kiosks have self-service and QR codes to place orders while you are still shopping. This way, when you finish in line at the supermarket, you will only have to pick up your order without making a second line. Another option is to ask your companion to place the order while you wait in the payment line, thus saving 15-20 minutes.
Another tip from Costco is to take advantage of less crowded days (Tuesday and Wednesday mornings), thus avoiding lines. They also recommend using the membership card at the entrance scanners of the establishment. If there is any problem with it, it can be resolved on the spot, and not in the payment line, further increasing the wait time.
Costco
Founded in 1983 by James Sinegal and Jeffrey Brotman, Costco Wholesale Corporation first emerged in Seattle, Washington, United States. It was conceived as the idea of offering quality products only for members, at lower prices. Over time, it grew and established itself in the market as one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States. Today, it operates as a ‘warehouse club’ type supermarket. To shop there, a suitable membership for individuals is required. It specializes in offering its own brand products, in addition to well-known brands at low prices. It has more than 900 stores worldwide, according to the latest data collected in April 2025.
Endless lines at Costco
Going to the supermarket is not always a quick and pleasant experience. You may like it more or less, but no one likes to wait in endless lines at the checkout. This is one of Costco’s main concerns: to improve the user experience regarding wait times. That is why it has made several very useful tools available to customers to reduce these waits.
On one hand, it has set up scanners at the entrance of the stores for membership cards. It is recommended to scan it upon entering, to resolve any possible issues with it right then at Customer Service. Otherwise, it would have to be resolved at the checkout, increasing the wait for the other customers. On the other hand, consumers have access to self-checkout lanes, through which it is not necessary to stand in line.
Let´s get cracking
There is a trick to reduce the waiting time that many customers ignore. It involves placing your food order while still in the payment line or even before paying. Many food kiosks in the Costco food court are self-service or allow orders through QR codes. This way, when you pay in the purchase area, you only have to pick up your order without having to make a second line.
Another idea is to ask your companion to stand in line and place the food order while you stand in line to pay for the groceries. Costco also advises visiting the store on less busy days, such as Tuesday and Wednesday mornings. By using these tips and the tools already available, you’ll see how you can reduce your waiting time when it’s your turn to shop at Costco.