Costco Wholesale — Local services in Vancouver

Before I begin this review, let me state for the record that I find no pleasure in leaving this negative review for a store chain that I have enjoyed patronizing for decades.

Here's the situation:

For the past several years, my wife and I have had a problem at this Costco store with one of the associates who works there. She is generally unpleasant whenever we have interacted with her and she rudely snatches the receipts from our hands whenever she is the assigned associate to check our cart as we exit the building.

When we have confronted this associate about her rude behavior, she feigns innocence and apologizes saying that she did not mean to snatch the receipt from our hands. However, when we have had the unfortunate experience of going through her line again as we exited the building, she again snatches the receipt from our hands.

So, the intent here is clear: this associate enjoys purposely aggravating us and then feigning innocence when we have confronted her about her rude behavior!

This is a classic gaslighting strategy that comes from bias that goes as follows:

The associate gently takes the receipts from the customers in front of us; When it's our turn, the associate purposely snatches the receipts from our hands; When we confront her about her behavior, the associate lies and tells us that she did not mean to snatch the receipt from our hands; When we leave, the associate gently takes the receipts from the customers behind us; As we leave, the associate proclaims her innocence to her fellow associate who is working across from her; This is all done with the intent of aggravating us while also hopefully labeling us as "having a chip on our shoulders" or being "too sensitive;"

So, what else have we done about this problem since telling the associate directly to stop hasn't worked?

Recently, I reported this associate's behavior to one of the managers on duty (Lindsay). Lindsay explained that the behavior that I described was not what Costco was about and she said that she would talk to the associate. While I believe Lindsay did speak to the associate, it's obvious that the associate cares little about whatever discussion the two of them had because today the associate once again snatched the receipt from my wife's hand as we exited the building. I asked the associate why she was snatching receipts from my wife's hand and I told the associate that I had already lodged a complaint about her behavior on this matter. I then told her that I wanted her to stop snatching receipts from my wife's hands.

The associate once again brought out the same gaslighting strategy as the customers behind us and her fellow associate across from her looked on. We left the store and my wife was very upset that this associate was still blatantly snatching receipts out of her hand.

Here's the problem with this associate's behavior: it's differential and we know this is true because over time we have watched her interactions with other customers as they exit Costco (including today).

Here's what we have observed about how this associate treats other customers: she never snatches other customers' receipts from their hands; instead, she gently takes their receipts to check the items in their cart and then she politely returns the receipt to their hands.

We have shopped at different Costco stores for 32 years and literally spent thousands of dollars over that time. In all this time, we have never encountered such immature and biased behavior from a Costco employee.

Whatever discussion Lindsay had with Pam, it obviously had no impact on Pam's behavior. I don't know if this is an issue just with Pam in particular or an overly permissive management environment in general for this specific Costco store. I do know that it is unfortunate that an employee of Costco takes pleasure in being biased and spiteful and then hiding her actions behind a feigned mask...

I was visiting from out of state at Costco on 4/5/25 at roughly 7:30pm. My husband was so exited to visit because we had driven by so many times that week and finally went to Vancouver Costco. We went to Portland Costco earlier in the week.

We were at Costco getting gas and were asked to pick up pizza on the way back for dinner. When we walked in the young member service guy at the door asked to see my husbands membership card. He ASKED to see it and did not ask to SCAN the card. So my husband shows him the membership card. The member service guy says aggressively he needs to scan the card. My husband turns it for him to scan and we all process to the food court.

While waiting for our pizza a group of men entered just like we did to get pizza at the food court. A front end supervisor ran up to the group and very loudly and rudely asked if they showed their card at the door. Here again they said did not saw scan the card. Not scan the membership card. The men said yes we showed them our card at the door. Then the supervisor asked to see the card. The men were kind and did not cause a distribution to the business. The supervisor started the distribution and caused an unnecessary scene. The men didn’t get a chance to order. When they asked the food court to order. The person behind the counter told them to use the kiosk to order. But then goes and takes the next customers order instead at the counter. The men go to order at the kiosk and the same supervisor in the red vest comes back and ask them to leave. Unable to handle the situation he tries to call a manager over to help him. The manager continues about his business as he was holding a bunch of tills from member services. Without the manager he asked the men to leave because they were not members. He allowed them to order the first time, then without ordering within minutes and watching them like a hawk asked them to leave. The men ask if he was the manager and the supervisor said yes I am. Clearly he is not a manager.

To think my husband was going to walk around and make a purchase that night. We said never mind after seeing what just happened right before our eyes. We just wanted to leave.

As a former employee from out of state AND always visiting Costco when traveling. This is the first time I’ve said I have never returning to this Costco because I did not want to be discriminated by the way I look and dress. These men were discriminated because they were not dressed like everyone else. And my husband was discriminated because we are young AND not white. Do better Vancouver Costco! You were NOT busy that night. Your employee did not need to start a scene that was not needed for other members to see how you truly are. You can handle the situation better.

These men actually ended up getting back in after most likely talking to the REAL manager while we were walking out. Mostly likely an AGM.

If you are traveling go to Costco in Portland. Do NOT go to Costco in Vancouver. Save your time and business because they don’t know how to teach their employees how to treat members. When we are members we want exceptional service. We are paying to come in to purchase and get serviced. Not get treated or see anything to make us not want to return to your store. It’s no wonder they don’t have any members shopping there. All other businesses have lines going out the door and at check out.

Former employee tip. Read the name tag of the employee talking to you if this happens to you. If it doesn’t say manger under their name then they are not a manger. Sadly we did not get the names of these...

Bulk Buys and Big Savings: A Rave Review of Costco Costco has become a one-stop shop for my family, and for good reason! Here's why I rave about my Costco membership:

Warehouse Savings: Bulk buying can be a lifesaver, especially for staples like paper towels, laundry detergent, and snacks. At Costco, the prices on these items are unbeatable. Plus, I find myself buying higher quality products without breaking the bank.

Treasure Hunt Shopping: Every trip to Costco feels like an adventure. They constantly rotate their stock, so you never know what hidden gems you might find. From top-of-the-line electronics to unique kitchen gadgets, there's always something new to discover.

Top-Tier Customer Service: The staff at Costco are friendly, knowledgeable, and always willing to help. Whether you have a question about a product or need assistance navigating the massive warehouse, they're there to make your shopping experience smooth.

Amazing Return Policy: Peace of mind is priceless, and Costco's legendary return policy delivers. They have one of the most generous return windows around, so you can shop with confidence knowing you're covered.

More Than Just Bulk: While bulk buying is a major perk, Costco offers so much more. Their food court is a delicious and affordable option for a quick lunch, and the selection of fresh produce and meats is fantastic.

Overall, a Costco membership is a smart investment for anyone who wants to save money on high-quality products while enjoying a unique shopping experience. I highly recommend it!

Bonus Tip: Be sure to check out the free samples! It's a great way to try new things before you buy them.

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Costco: Warehouse Wonderland or Oversized Odyssey? A Reviewer's Report As a seasoned shopper who thrives on deals and discounts, I ventured into the world of Costco, the land of bulk buys and overflowing shopping carts. Here's my honest take:

Bulk Buying Bliss: Costco delivers on its promise. From toilet paper castles to gallon-sized jugs of olive oil, bulk staples become ridiculously affordable. But beware, reviewer friends, this can be a double-edged sword. Impulse purchases of ten pounds of cashews are a real possibility (and a potential pantry avalanche).

The Thrill of the Hunt: Forget curated aisles; Costco is a treasure trove of the unexpected. One week you might find a discounted top-of-the-line blender, the next, a kayak that tempts you to become an impromptu adventurer. This constant product rotation keeps things exciting, but be prepared for some serious decision fatigue.

Customer Champions: The staff at Costco? Top notch. From patiently explaining warranty details to wrestling giant boxes of diapers into your car, they go above and beyond. Plus, those iconic yellow vests are beacons of assistance in the shopping wilderness.

Return Policy Royalty: Costco's return policy is legendary, and for good reason. Nervous about that fancy espresso machine? Rest assured, their window is expansive enough to ease even the most commitment-phobic shopper.

Beyond the Bulk: While bulk buys are king, Costco offers more. Their infamous food court is a budget-friendly lunch haven, and the quality of their fresh produce and meats is seriously impressive.

The Verdict: Costco is a win for savvy shoppers who can navigate the bulk and embrace the surprise. Just remember, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, make a list (and stick to it!), and you'll conquer the Costco experience with a cart full of savings and a heart full of...