Costco is America’s third-largest retailer, best known for offering the nation’s favorite brands at discount prices.
So if you’re looking for ways to skip lengthy queues, you may wonder: Does Costco have a scan and go? Here’s what you need to know!
Does Costco Have Scan And Go?
Costco does not have scan and go but instead, offers numerous self-checkout lanes in-store. Since Costco encourages customers to purchase items in bulk, it does not make sense for Costco to implement scan and go functionality for its customers.
Keep reading to find out whether scan and go is coming to Costco and other retailers that facilitate the system!
Why Doesn’t Costco Have Scan And Go?
Unlike many of its competitors, Costco never invested in a scan-and-go system that essentially cuts out the middleman on the main checkouts.
Costco is a retailer where customers purchase high volumes of products in bulk. In contrast, the scan and go system often reduces the number of merchandise consumers buy with scan and go.
For this reason, Costco has avoided the checkout system and believes it works better in smaller stores.
Will Costco Get Scan And Go?
Although Costco operates a fully functioning app, the company does not have plans to install a scan and go feature in the foreseeable future.
However, as stated in a recent report, Costco values its time personally dealing with customers at regular checkouts.
Additionally, Costco questions whether scan and go is really quicker, claiming checkout periods take less than 2 minutes regardless of the volume of items you are purchasing.
Does Costco Have A Self Checkout System?
Yes, Costco offers several self-checkout lanes in its stores across the nation.
In addition, warehouses that experience higher numbers of guests tend to facilitate more self-checkout lanes to redirect large queues away from the main checkouts.
Like scan and go, customers can still checkout independently without much intervention from cashiers.
Furthermore, self-checkouts aim to ease card users’ process, particularly those who pay with a credit card.
Other Ways To Checkout Quickly At Costco?
It is now quicker than ever to place an order online with Costco’s express checkout. First, enter your Costco.com account and head to payment methods.
You can then save the details of the card you preferably use for most purchases as default. Next, select the address book and insert your regular shipping address.
Express checkout will automatically apply your default payment and shipping settings to quicken the online checkout process.
Does Costco Have A Shopping App?
Yes, all members with an Apple or Android smartphone can download the free Costco app from the App Store or Google Play.
Once installed, you can enjoy benefits such as easy access to each store’s latest offers and opening hours, including during the holiday seasons.
The app will help you navigate Costco’s large warehouses, allowing you to create a digital shopping list.
You can even track the stock levels of these items before entering the store. Along with this, you can all Costco.com has to offer.
Which Stores Use Scan And Go?
Costco’s key wholesale membership club competitors BJ’s Wholesale and Sam’s Club provide scan and go services.
The system is initiated by either an app or your membership card; scan and pack items as you navigate your way around the store.
Head to the pay station once your shop is completed, where a cashier may scan a few items to ensure everything is counted, process the payment, and you’re good to go!
Many additional retailers across the US also provide scan and go; here are a few of them:
- Walmart
- 7-Eleven
- Meijer
- Kroger
- Amazon Go
To learn more, you can see our related posts on whether or not Costco accepts Apple Pay, where to buy Costco gift cards, and if Costco accepts Visa gift cards as payment.
Conclusion
Costco does not offer scan and go as customers tend to purchase less merchandise in one shop. Additionally, cashiers connect with customers at the checkout to improve their overall shopping experience.
Instead, Costco offers several self-checkout lanes. You can find scan and go at BJ’s Wholesale, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Meijer, Amazon Go, and 7-Eleven.
