Costco is the third largest retailer in the US and is known for its huge warehouses and wide selection of bulk items.
According to a recent report, the average American family spends $4,000 a year at Costco. That’s a lot of money! So it’s no wonder that people are always looking for ways to save time and money at the warehouse club.
The company has been working hard to keep up with the competition and offer customers more convenient shopping options.
So, the question arrives:
Does Costco Have Scan and Go?
Unfortunately, As of 2022, Costco does not have the feature of scanning and going. Instead, they offer self-checkout, which is similar but not as convenient. With self-checkout, you still have to wait in line and scan each item yourself.
Costco also has a mobile app where you can order items for pick-up. This is a great option if you know what you want and don’t want to deal with the crowds.
Related: Costco Gas Hours – What Time Does Costco Gas Open & Close?
Why doesn’t Costco have the scan and go?
Here are some potential reasons:
Reason #1: The Checkout Process is Fast and Efficient
One of the main reasons why Costco doesn’t have a scan-and-go feature is because its traditional checkout process is already very fast and efficient. When you consider that the average Costco shopping trip lasts about an hour and involves buying around 30 items, it’s clear that having to wait in line at a traditional checkout lane wouldn’t be practical. Thanks to its efficient layout and a large number of employees manning the checkout lanes, Costco can get shoppers through the line quickly so they can get on with their day.
Reason #2: It Would be Costly to Implement
Another reason why Costco has resisted implementing a scan-and-go system is that it would be quite costly to do so. Not only would the company need to purchase new scanners for all of its stores, but it would also need to train its employees on how to use the new system. Additionally, there would likely be some trial and error involved as the company works out any kinks in the system. When you factor in all of these costs, it’s no wonder why Costco has been reluctant to make the switch to scan and go.
Reason #3: It Might Encourage Shoplifting
Some people believe that one of the reasons why Costco doesn’t have scan and go is because it might encourage shoplifting. With a traditional checkout system, there are multiple opportunities for employees to spot potential shoplifters and stop them before they leave the store. However, with a scan-and-go system, it would be much easier for shoplifters to sneak items out of the store without being detected. Consequently, this could lead to significant losses for the company if shoplifting becomes more prevalent.
Reason #4: It Could Lead to Job Losses
Another potential downside of implementing scan and go at Costco is that it could lead to job losses. If customers can scan and pay for their items, there would be no need for as many employees manning the checkout lanes. This could lead to layoffs or reduced hours for many of Costco’s workers – something that the company would likely want to avoid.
Reason #5: It goes Against Costco’s Culture
Perhaps one of the most important reasons why Costco doesn’t have a scan-and-go is because it goes against the company’s culture. Since its founding in 1976, Costco has been built on the idea of providing quality goods at low prices while treating employees fairly. That commitment to its employees is evident in things like its above-average starting wages, comprehensive health insurance plans, and generous retirement benefits. Introducing a system that could potentially
lead to job losses would run counter to everything that Costco stands for as a company.
Related: Does Costco Have Curbside Pickup in 2022?
Does Costco Have A Self Checkout System?
Yes, Costco uses self-checkout machines in all of its stores, and they are very efficient. The customer does not need to wait in line for a long time, and the system is easy to use. There are several payment options available, including cash, credit, and debit.
Which Stores Use Scan And Go?
Which stores are using this new technology? Below, we’ve put together a list of some of the most popular stores that have fully embraced scan and go.
Walmart:
One of the most popular stores in America, Walmart, has been using scan-and-go technology since 2018. To use it, customers simply need to download the Walmart app and then link their credit or debit card to their account. Once they’re in the store, they can begin scanning items and placing them in their virtual shopping cart. When they’re finished shopping, they can pay directly from the app and then head on out.
7-Eleven:
convenience store 7-Eleven was one of the first retailers to adopt scan-and-go technology back in 2016 when it launched its app called 7-Eleven Now. To use it, shoppers need to download the app and then create an account. Once they’re in the store, they can start scanning items and adding them to their digital cart. When they’re finished shopping, they can pay directly from the app and then head out.
Amazon Go:
It’s no surprise that Amazon, one of the leading innovators in retail, would be at the forefront of scan-and-go technology. The company debuted its Amazon Go store in Seattle back in 2016, and it has since expanded to several other locations. To use it, shoppers need to download the Amazon Go app and then link their credit or debit card to their account. Once they’re in the store, they can start scanning items and adding them to their digital cart. When they’re finished shopping, they can pay directly from the app and then head out.
Kroger:
Kroger, one of the largest grocery chains in America, started rolling out its scan-and-go technology in early 2018. The system is similar to the ones used by Walmart and Amazon Go. Customers need to download the Kroger app and then link their credit or debit card to their account. Once they’re in the store, they can start scanning items and adding them to their virtual cart. When they’re finished shopping, they can pay directly from the app and then leave the store.
Meijer:
Meijer, another large grocery chain, started testing out scan-and-go technology in 2017. The system is similar to the ones used by Walmart and Amazon Go. Customers need to download the Meijer app and then link their credit or debit card to their account. Once they’re in the store, they can start scanning items and adding them to their virtual cart. When they’re finished shopping, they can pay directly from the app and then leave the store.
Conclusion:
Scan-and-go technology is becoming increasingly popular, and it’s being adopted by some of the biggest retailers in the world. While Costco doesn’t currently have a scan-and-go system in place, it’s possible that they could introduce one in the future. For now, shoppers can use self-checkout machines to avoid long lines and make their shopping experience more efficient.
