THE 10 COMMANDMENTS OF COSTCO ETIQUETTE

Please consider these as the Unwritten Socially

Accepted protocols for all Costco Shoppers:

1. No Parking Lot Racing to Get the Best Spot–It takes longer to find the perfect spot that is does to simply park far away and walk.
2. The Costco “Attitude”–Don’t expect to get in and out in 5 minutes…This is an outing and a process not  an In & Out Burger run…Breathe and relax.
3. Greet the Greeter–-They are folks just like you who appreciate a smile and a Hello. Remember the Golden Rule.
4. Costco Cart Traffic Violation #1. –Keep moving.  If you MUST stop: park your cart on the right side.  Not everyone wants to stop and peruse the deals as thoroughly as you. Keep it moving Chief.
5. Food Sample Violation#1. –Under NO circumstances are you to stop in the middle of the aisle and wait 5 minutes for the burrito sample to heat. Is this really your last meal?
6. Food Sample Violation#2. –Keep your sampling to one ONLY.  It’s a sample not an entrée. Take your sample and move on Chief.
7. Costco Cart Traffic Visiting Violation #2.--Don’t stop mid-aisle and visit with that friend you haven’t seen for so long. If you must stop (See Rule #4.) or go off to the Paper Goods section and chat. You can catch up uninterrupted  there.
8. Don’t Over-think the Best Check-out Line to go Through– Pick one Captain!  If Costco is busy they will all be about the same time in getting you through and out.
9. Don’t Ask for the Runner to get the 5 Items you Forgot–Get them while in the warehouse. Utilizing a runner delays all behind you.  BTW: they do not actually run!
10. Have your Payment Ready for the Checker Early–You have the time, money, and the conclusion of the Costco run is the exchange of currency…Be prepared to Pay up.
11. (Bonus) Greet the Greeter on the Way Out--Load your stuff out of traffic and drive safely out of the Costco lot…people are really clueless when in parking lots–both drivers and walkers. Thanks for shopping at Costco!

THE COSTCO DATE

What kind of life do I have when the highlight of my week is a date with my wife at Costco?

With 9 kids, you can imagine it’s difficult to have any quality time to talk, reflect, communicate, or simply get on the same page with your spouse. My premise here is to show just how spending time together, no matter where it is, is the key to a great marriage.
I’ll tell you about the story of our Costco date, the benefits of our time away, and the satisfaction it brings me to be with my wife.

We start with a list. We must do an inventory of what we need to buy at Costco—paper products, cereal, refried beans, milk, eggs, frozen items, etc. etc..

Then comes the drive, where we catch up with on the week’s activities and just generally talk about life.
Here is where we set the stage for some time of good communication and quality time together.

Going into Costco is always fun, as there are several regulars who are colorful, wonderful, and friendly.
I do have to pull myself away from the high-definition televisions that my wife will not let me own.
We inevitably see other couples on their Costco date as well.

One of the highlights is the tasty samples, and of course looking for the great deal.
I just found some really cool Docker sweats for only nine dollars!

We grab our food at the food court, where Judy always asks about our kids and if indeed we’re on another date. We say yes, of course, and exchange pleasantries.

Now comes the time to carefully load up our catch and drive to the selected spot of the day to enjoy our quiet dinner-a sumptuous repast par excellent!
Here’s where we talk about the deeper things; kids, goals, schedules, God, the upcoming week, and life in general.

Time for the drive home. Sometimes we stop at Starbucks, which always is a great way to end a Costco run. We get home now, and the kids unload the Costco booty and are delighted to see stuff that they wanted. And we needed.

I discover that I do have a life when the highlight of my week is a Costco run/date with my wife.
Life is good. When I have time away with my best friend to shop, have dinner, go to Starbucks, and just have fun.

What am I lacking at this time?
Nothing.