If you shop at Costco regularly, you’ve almost certainly experienced it: after loading your cart and heading for the exit, an employee politely asks to see your receipt. For many shoppers, this moment raises questions. Is it about theft prevention? Is it even legal? And why does Costco, in particular, insist on this step when most other retailers do not?
The answer lies in a mix of business strategy, accuracy, loss prevention, and customer protection—not just suspicion. Here’s a detailed look at why Costco reviews receipts at the door and what’s really happening behind the scenes.
1. It’s Part of the Costco Membership Agreement
Unlike typical grocery stores, Costco operates as a membership-based warehouse club. When you sign up for a Costco membership, you agree to certain terms and conditions—including receipt verification upon exit.
Because Costco is a private membership retailer, it has more leeway than non-membership stores. Receipt checks are not random or optional; they are a standard condition of shopping there, designed to protect both the company and its members.
2. It Helps Prevent Shrinkage (But Not in the Way You Think)
Yes, receipt checks help reduce theft, but not necessarily by accusing shoppers of wrongdoing.
Costco’s business model relies on:
- Very low margins on products
- High volume sales
- Membership fees for profitability
Even small losses from shrinkage (theft, fraud, or errors) can have a significant impact. The receipt check acts as a final verification point, discouraging intentional theft while also catching honest mistakes.
3. It’s Mainly About Catching Cashier Errors
One of the biggest surprises for many shoppers is this:
Costco receipt checks often protect customers, not just the store.
Employees are trained to look for:
- Items that were missed at checkout
- Items that were double-charged
- Expensive products that may not have scanned correctly
If a mistake is found:
- Customers may be refunded immediately
- Or directed to pay for an item that was accidentally missed
In many cases, shoppers actually benefit financially from the process.
4. Costco Uses Fewer Anti-Theft Measures Inside the Store
Have you noticed what Costco doesn’t have?
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