Costco Lacks One Shopping Feature That Lets Customers Skip The Lines

Trips to the supermarket have drastically changed as technology has advanced over time. From mindfully using self-checkouts to taking advantage of curbside pick-up orders, some would say shopping has never been easier. One of the most recent technological additions some retailers have implemented is scan-and-go. This allows customers to skip the lines and leave the store in a hurry ... but it's not an option at Costco.

To utilize scan-and-go payment systems at stores like Sam's Club, customers typically download an app onto their phone and scan items they intend to purchase as they load them into their shopping carts. After they have everything they need, the customer enters their payment details into the app and pays for their bounty right from their phone. Then, they receive a digital receipt to show store staff on their way out. No cashiers, no standing in line to wait for the self-checkout — just get what you need and be on your way.

While some stores have had success putting these payment apps into action, others, like Costco, have been reluctant to get on board. Why Costco has balked at scan-and-go is anyone's guess. Customers who use the technology rave about how much simpler it makes their shopping experience, but not all folks think it is necessary.

Some Costco customers are indifferent to the lack of scan-and-go availability in the membership warehouse. On the subreddit r/Costco, patrons of the store have gone back and forth over whether the retailer should embrace the customer-friendly payment system. One was against the move "Because it would do away with jobs of actual people." Another shopper was concerned about the price of implementing scan-and-go technology, saying, "Costco is pretty low tech and the investment cost would be passed on to members. No thanks, I don't want my membership fee going up for this."

Others, however, have switched their allegiances to the store's competitors solely for the ability to pay for their goods with their phone. On the same subreddit, one Redditor who claimed to have once been a card-carrying Costco member indicated they now go to Sam's Club because of the scan-and-go option, despite the shortcomings of the latter retailer. They said, "Being able to scan my items into my phone as I shop and then pay for them and walk out of the store while bypassing the hassle of the checkout lines is the GREATEST THING EVER. It is totally worth the longer drive and inferior selection of products." Only time will tell if Costco makes a change and incorporates this new payment option in at least some of its warehouse stores.