The first time I walked into Costco’s warehouse style supermarket, it felt a bit inexplicable. Especially when you have become accustomed to regular grocery stores or large warehouse style stores. Many people are talking about it, and it exudes a mysterious atmosphere. Enthusiastic fans often praise everything there, from prices to products. Before this, I had never been there. I am concerned about the need to pay membership fees. This expense is like a gatekeeper for this bulk purchasing point. I will still go to places I am familiar with, such as Target, Meijer, and Kroger.
But curiosity and the temptation to save money ultimately conquered me. I have decided to personally experience the membership fee. I plunged into Costco’s large warehouse style supermarket. I immediately realized that this shopping trip was completely different. This is no longer an ordinary grocery store shopping. It’s more like an exploration of different worlds. It has its own rules and also hides some surprises. Or, in other words, there are surprises hidden around every huge product tray you see.
From the moment I stepped into the door, everything seemed incredibly huge. This is built for stockpiling. Absolutely suitable for large-scale procurement. Members say that they can also buy things they never thought they needed before here. My first visit gave them an interesting understanding of the operational methods. They showcased the uniqueness of Costco shopping. Start with the most important thing.
1. **You Must Be a Member**: The most important thing about entering Costco is the membership system. This is different from regular supermarkets, you need to get your membership card at the doorstep. This is their main barrier to entry into Costco. Cost is often the first thing people think of.
The basic annual fee for Goldstar membership is $65. The annual fee for Goldstar Executive membership is $130, and customers can enjoy a 2% cashback on purchases. The maximum cashback amount is $1250 per year. Both membership qualifications can provide one card to the main cardholder. In addition, an additional card can be provided for another family member aged 16 and above. The family member must reside at the same address as you. Business owners can also choose, with an annual fee of $65. Additional fees will be charged for each additional cardholder added. Administrative membership is suitable for personal and corporate use.
2. **It Closes Only 7 Days a Year**: I noticed a sign. The sign shows the detailed list of the store’s closing dates. Costco only closes for 7 days a year. This sign is posted near the entrance and is worth remembering. If you need to urgently purchase items near holidays, this sign is very useful.
This small detail demonstrates their efficient operation and also reflects their focus on customer needs with a warehouse concept. Open 24/7 to ensure easy and convenient access for members.
3. **There’s One Service Desk to Handle Everything**: Entering the store, especially when registering as a new member, you will be guided there. You are likely to be directed directly to the service desk near the exit. This service desk is a center that meets the needs of many members. For new members, the registration process is completed here. The registration process includes taking photos for the back of the card.
The staff at the service desk are friendly and efficient, and the registration process is fast and smooth. They completed the entire process on the spot. In addition to registering as a new member, this is also a place for handling returns. Costco is known for its very comprehensive return policy. This service desk can easily handle the entire process. If you encounter any problems or need to make changes, this is your primary processing location. No matter what products you purchase or membership information, we can provide you with assistance here.
Multiple customer service centers are centralized in one place, making everything simple. Although sometimes it is necessary to queue up, especially during busy periods. However, it is feasible to concentrate member assistance, returns, and other issues in one area. This is a practical part of store layout and operation methods.
4. **Almost Everything Is in Bulk**: A major feature of shopping at Costco is the large packaging. You cannot find individual items or small batch products here. From groceries such as food and meat, to household items such as paper products and diapers, and even office supplies, everything is available. All products are sold only in large packaging. This large packaging sales method is the key to the warehouse style store model. It can save people money.
This sales approach means that Costco is no longer just a place to buy an orange or a piece of bread for tonight’s dinner plan. Costco has a large quantity and is suitable for long-term consumption. Usually used by one person or the whole family. This model is particularly suitable for large families. Or those who have storage space and can use large items in large quantities. Before the item deteriorates or deteriorates.
The secret to saving money is to have a lower unit price but a larger quantity. But this requires you to have the ability to store and actually use all purchased goods. Whether Costco membership is suitable for you is an important factor in determining your suitability. Is it suitable for your current shopping style and living conditions.
5. **You Take Products Right Off the Pallets**: Reflects the warehouse atmosphere and product size of the store. Many displayed products are directly picked up and sold from pallets. These goods were initially shipped on pallets. This approach helps to save time and energy. Minimize the need to move goods to regular shelves as much as possible, thus saving workload. The shelf aisle is very spacious, and you can easily notice this. Of course, this is for the convenience of members using large shopping carts. In addition, after closing the door, the forklift will also come over to restock and rearrange the goods there.
Directly picking up goods from the pallet adds practicality. The interior of this warehouse is simple and beautiful. Products are usually piled high, sometimes even to the ceiling. This further highlights the size of the warehouse. Although the overall environment may not look as meticulously decorated as a regular grocery store. But the efficiency of this warehousing method is obvious and effective.
Carrying palletized goods through wide aisles is Costco’s unique way of shopping. I didn’t see the staff directly helping me put things into my shopping cart. However, based on the context, it can be inferred that if you seek help from them, they may provide assistance. Especially for very heavy or difficult to lift items, such as large pet food bags. This system prioritizes efficient handling of large items. From delivery to your shopping cart, everything is like this.
6. **You Might Want to Grab a Flatbed Cart**: Products sold in bulk are usually large in size or heavy. So it is important to choose a shopping cart when entering. Costco provides members with multiple options for convenient shipping of purchased goods. In addition to the large standard shopping cart, you can also choose a tablet shopping cart.
Always consider the typical product size and weight of Costco. It would be helpful to take some time at the entrance to check your list. Choosing the right shopping cart is a simple and wise plan. Although it is a small matter, it will affect your shopping experience. Passing through the huge shelf passage in the warehouse.
