10 Ways to Get an Empty Costco Checkout Lane

Obviously this is another “just for fun” post…but I do think they would work!

I have always been impressed by the speed with which Costco lines move. Even when customers have cartfuls of items, the system of having a speedy cashier scanning and a second employee helping to load the items back into the cart seems to create an efficient process. (Also, I am pleased that the majority of customers seem ready with their cards and money ready unlike many stores when the items are all scanned before the customer starts searching for his or her wallet…my dad is always tempted to say “did you expect it to be free?”) I know that Costco pays its employees well and hires individuals who work there as a career vs. teenagers looking for easy, part time work…and it shows.

Nevertheless, we can all be impatient at times and wish that the lines were empty…especially on those busy Sunday afternoons.

Here are 10 announcements you could make that are guaranteed to clear the line, leaving you to check out immediately…

1. That a new sample station opened in the back of the store. (Nothing gets people moving like the promise of four jellybeans in a paper cup!)

2. That the food court only has five hotdogs left, so you better get them while you can.

3. That gas will be free for the next five minutes.

4. That there is breaking news being shown on the huge TV in the electronics section.

5. That [insert person with a recent bestselling book] is signing books in the book section.

6. That there is a raffle in the auto section for a free car.

7. That the next 20 people in line at customer service will get a free membership renewal.

8. That all of the poorly parked cars will be towed if not moved immediately (I don’t know why Costco shoppers tend to be the worst parkers!)

9. That the toilet paper has been discontinued so all that will be sold is what is currently in stock. (because, really, who can resist the toilet paper at Costco?)

10. That the freezers are not working, so you can get 50% off all of the frozen goods for the rest of the afternooon.

Who wants to give these a try?

Any others?