What Costco Workers Are Looking For When They Check Your Receipt

Confirming you got what you paid for

Costco has been verifying receipts since it opened its first warehouse in 1983. Contrary to what some members may believe, the employees conducting these checks are not trying to catch you out. Instead, the staff at the exit are often on the lookout for items that the cashier may have overlooked, as stated on the company's website. After all, errors can occur. By monitoring for these mistakes, the retailer can effectively manage its inventory and help you avoid unnecessary expenses.

The exit greeters are impressively skilled at tallying the items in your cart, comparing the total number of items on your receipt with what you are taking out. This practice not only aids in loss prevention but has also been highlighted in the company's annual report as a key factor in maintaining low inventory loss. Moreover, it ensures that you are charged accurately for your purchases. For instance, many of Costco's bakery items, like danishes and bagels, are sold in pairs. If you only take one, the receipt checker will alert you to pick up your second item. Additionally, if you have been incorrectly charged for the same item twice, a quick review of your receipt can help identify and rectify the mistake.

Initials, codes, and other receipt secrets

What you purchase at Costco can influence what receipt checkers are on the lookout for as well. According to Costco employees interviewed by Business Insider in 2019, specific items such as jewelry, stamps, and electronics require a supervisor's initials. This also applies to any item priced over $300. Additionally, large items like toilet paper or cases of bottled water are marked with special indicators. When a worker scans your receipt and sees these markers, it serves as a reminder to check for bulky items at the bottom of your cart.

There are also measures in place to prevent receipt reuse. Employees look for a unique code located at the top and bottom of your receipt. This code, which consists of a letter followed by a number (for example, J6), changes daily to signify the date the receipt was printed. This provides a straightforward way to verify that your purchase and receipt correspond to the day you present them at the exit. You may have also noticed that before the exit greeter returns your receipt, they draw a line on it. This action ensures it cannot be used as a pass for another visit to the store.

While you might be eager to escape the hustle and bustle of the warehouse, having your receipt checked by a Costco employee is simply part of being a member of this exclusive store. It may not seem as significant as stopping for free samples, but this brief moment before you head home guarantees that you’re leaving with everything you’ve paid for.