12 Rules Shoppers Must Follow At Costco

Costco is a magical kingdom filled with bargains, but if you want to be permitted entry, there are rules you have to follow. Most of them are very reasonable — Costco offers big discounts, but some might be a little more surprising. And some make you wonder how many people pushed their luck before deciding to put that rule into writing. For instance, Costco has a strict no shirt, no shoes, no service rule.

If you've ever ventured into Costco's treasure trove of deals and delights, you know that it's not just your average shopping experience. From towering shelves stacked with oversized products to free samples that seem to appear around every corner, there's a unique rhythm to navigating the aisles of this membership-only warehouse wonderland.

But hold on to your oversized shopping carts, because in this article, we're diving into 12 rules that every Costco shopper must follow. Whether you're a seasoned Costco pro or a first-timer looking to master the art of bulk buying, we have tips to help you conquer your next shopping spree like a true Costco connoisseur. This will give you the confidence to stalk the aisles like you know what you're doing — there'll be no surprises and nobody threatening to revoke your membership.

Here's one rule you might not know unless you're already initiated into the Costco club — you've got to have a photo on your membership card. Yes, that's right, when you get your membership card, you'll have your picture taken in the store, and they'll print it out with your face on the back. Or, if you apply for membership online, you may be able to upload your own photo.

I know what you're thinking: "Do they really need a picture of me? Am I joining a secret spy organization or just trying to buy some snacks in bulk?" It might seem like Costco is going overboard, but it's a way of ensuring nobody else can use your card to get those sweet, sweet discounts. Think of it as your way of saying that you're part of the Costco crew and you're ready to get lost in those endless aisles of savings.

Now, if your card doesn't have your picture on it for some reason, be prepared to show an official form of photo ID. This must be either a passport or a photo ID issued by U.S., Puerto Rican, or Canadian federal, state, or provincial governments. Frankly, it's much simpler to just make sure your photo is on the card. So, treat it like photo day when you hit the Costco membership desk and remember to brush your hair.

You know that thrill of scoring epic deals and loading up your cart with goodies? Well, it turns out that the name on your payment method needs to match the name on your Costco account. In other words, you can't flash your buddy's credit card at the checkout and expect to walk away with those amazing bargains.

Imagine this scenario — you and your bestie are on a shopping spree, tossing gigantic packs of paper towels and family-sized cereal boxes into your cart with glee. When you finally reach the checkout, your friend hands over their credit card to pay for your haul. Seems harmless, right? Because of Costco's policy, you might be turned away at the register or left footing the bill.

You need to pay using a credit or debit card in your own name, a check in your name, or cold, hard cash. This rule might seem like a bummer, but it's part of what keeps Costco so cheap — only members can buy from it.

There's one rule that seems like it should be common sense, but somehow, it still needs to be said: the policy that says shirts and shoes must be worn at all times. Yes, we're for real — when you step into a Costco, you'd better wear some clothes on your upper and lower extremities.

We know what you're thinking. Who in their right mind would show up at a store without a shirt or shoes? Well, apparently, there are some brave souls who like to challenge the norms of shopping attire. And, while we might chuckle at the thought of someone strolling down the bulk food aisle in their birthday suit, you've got to hand it to Costco for setting some ground rules.

Costco isn't exactly the place you'd expect to see someone walking around like they're in a tropical paradise. And while we're all for embracing your inner free spirit, Costco is all about embracing your inner bargain hunter while keeping things, you know, appropriately clothed.

So, next time you're heading for those towering shelves of snacks or contemplating whether you really need that industrial-sized bag of dog food, remember to throw on a shirt and slip into some shoes. It's a rule that might make you laugh, but it's a reminder that even in the world of massive savings, there are a few lines we shouldn't cross. Stay clothed and classy, Costco connoisseurs.

It might seem like a rule that goes without saying, but the world is a crazy place. So, Costco's rules have to state in plain terms that no weapons are allowed. The one exception to this is where weapons are carried by members of law enforcement agencies. Yes, this includes carrying guns in open-carry states. Even if your state laws allow you to carry guns in stores, they're not welcome at Costco.

This rule is here to help keep staff and shoppers safe. Costco believes that there's no need to carry weapons in its warehouses. Since it's a private membership club and not a public space, it has the right to enforce its own rules, even when they differ from state laws. Of course, this extends to more than just guns, so you should keep your broadsword at home, even if you're a knight in training. And, while you're at it, leave your bow and arrows in the car. Costco is a place of peace — and bargains.

Scouring newspapers, clipping out deals, and triumphantly handing them over at the checkout is a certain kind of triumph. But before you grab those scissors, you should know Costco doesn't accept manufacturer's coupons or any coupons other than the ones it distributes. Imagine you're cruising through those enormous aisles, snagging bulk-sized boxes of cereal and family packs of toothpaste, when you decide to present a handful of manufacturer's coupons at the register. It might seem a clever move, but you'll be disappointed when these coupons get rejected. It's not about Costco being mean, however. It just has its own way of doing things.

Costco offers unbeatable wholesale prices from the get-go without needing extra hoops to jump through. It also distributes its own coupons and deals to its members, so it doesn't feel the need to accept coupons from manufacturers. In fact, it states that companies often price their products to take into account the cost of their coupon programs, ultimately giving consumers worse deals. Rather than clipping coupons, just head to Costco for excellent deals while saving yourself some effort.

If you often crumple up your receipt and shove it deep in your backpack or toss it in the nearest trash can when you're done at the register, you might be in for an unpleasant surprise when you leave Costco. Before you march out of the door with your cart full of savings, you might be asked to flash that receipt. It might seem strange, but there's a method to this receipt-checking madness.

Costco's all about keeping things legit and ensuring you're walking away with exactly what you paid for. According to Costco, it's all about ensuring that your purchases were rung up properly by the cashier and that you're being charged correctly for what you bought. However, this is Costco's polite way of saying that it's checking that people aren't walking out with items they haven't paid for — whether accidentally or intentionally. The fact is, it's working. Costco has low rates of shrinkage — an industry term for profit lost due to theft and fraud — compared to other grocery retailers.

Having your receipt checked when you leave the store isn't personal. Costco does it to everyone. Ensure you have your receipt in hand and factor in a few extra minutes to get out of the door. It's well worth the small inconvenience when you consider the savings.