We all love a Costco run – the giant carts, the bulk deals, and those magical free samples.
But while shoppers are piling up on snacks and household goods, the employees behind the scenes are quietly dealing with some truly frustrating behavior. And now, they’re finally speaking out.
In a viral Reddit thread that caught fire online, Costco staff have been opening up about the customer habits that drive them up the wall.
And let’s just say, it’s not just about leaving carts in the wrong spot.
From Trash Dumping to Food Aisle Potty Breaks
Some of the stories are enough to make you do a double take.
One employee described a mom who set up a portable potty in the middle of a food aisle for her kid—yes, really.
Others shared how customers leave perishable items in random places, like a tub of ice cream melting next to the towels.
And apparently, used sample cups are frequently tossed behind pallets, even when there are trash cans just a few steps away.
“I don’t get it,” one worker posted, “we literally have a trash can right next to the sample stand!”
Aisle Blockers and Backwards Drivers
Another huge complaint? People who just stand in the middle of busy aisles, totally oblivious to anyone trying to pass.
One employee also vented about drivers who enter the gas station from the wrong direction, ignoring the flow of traffic and creating unnecessary chaos.
There’s also the issue of customers opening up packages of fruit to create their own “perfect” mix—leaving half-open containers and mess behind.
“People open grapes and mix and match them like it’s a fruit salad bar,” one baffled worker wrote.
Pets, Produce, and Peak Frustration
Some employees are fed up with the growing trend of people bringing pets into the store, despite clear policies about service animals.
One worker said it’s gotten “out of control,” with pets sometimes misbehaving in the food aisles.
Another quirk that’s become a major nuisance? Shoppers tampering with sealed packages to create new bundles of apples or berries they find more appealing—never mind the waste or hygiene issues that causes.
Is All This Affecting Costco’s Reputation?
Turns out, the bad behavior may be more than just an internal annoyance.
Costco recently took a hit in its customer satisfaction rating, falling from the number one spot all the way to seventh in the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
The drop, which reflects a nearly 5% dip since 2024, has raised some eyebrows.
Retail expert Neil Saunders believes it’s due to a mix of things—not just unruly customers, but also crowded parking lots, slow checkout lines, and a weak online shopping experience.
Membership Prices Are Climbing Too
Adding to the mix, Costco raised its membership fees in September.
The basic membership now costs $65 per year, up from $60.
The Executive membership, which includes a 2% annual rebate on purchases, jumped from $120 to $130.
Even with the fee hike and recent complaints, Costco still draws millions of loyal shoppers—and they’re especially obsessed with its Kirkland Signature brand, known for standout items like its award-winning cheddar cheese.
Nostalgic Products Still Pulling in Fans
There’s still plenty of love for Costco, especially when it brings back throwback items.
Shoppers recently spotted Slice Soda—the lemon-lime classic that once rivaled Sprite—on shelves again for the first time in 15 years.
But despite the cult favorites and loyal fan base, Costco lost its title as the nation’s favorite grocery store to southern chain H-E-B this year.
The Bottom Line
While Costco remains one of the biggest and most beloved retailers in the country, it’s clear that customer behavior and growing frustrations from staff are becoming hard to ignore.
With rising prices, shifting policies, and mounting messes in the aisles, the wholesale giant might be feeling the pressure to clean things up—literally and figuratively.
So next time you’re grabbing a jumbo box of snacks or a tub of laundry detergent, maybe give a little extra kindness to the people making it all happen.
And definitely, don’t set up a potty in the produce section.