The Simple Solution To Aldi's Annoying Quarter Shopping Cart System

Aldi is an international grocery store chain with roots in Germany but which has since made its home in many different countries, including the United States. It features quality products at great prices, but like every store, it has its quirks. One is that Aldi shopping carts require a quarter to use, which you don't get back until you return the cart. It's a cost-cutting measure designed to ensure customers return their carts to their proper place so employees don't have to chase them down.

Thankfully, there is a way to get around the quarter requirement. You can use trolley tokens, which are actually small aluminum slugs that are the exact size and shape of a quarter instead of a genuine coin. They're far more convenient than having to remember a quarter each time you go shopping, since many are made to fit on your keychain. The tokens are also inexpensive and can be bought in packs of multiples, so you can get one for yourself and gift a couple to family or friends.

In a world where cash is becoming less and less prevalent, never mind change, keeping a spare quarter in your car or purse can prove to be a real annoyance. If you love Aldi's high-quality groceries but just don't keep coins on hand, something like this is practically an essential. Not only will you not have to remember a quarter, you don't have to worry about leaving it in the cart either since it could have your keys or at least a colorful keychain attached.

Of course, if you do use these cart tokens, be aware they come with their own challenges. The first is that it's common for Aldi customers to offer their carts to those coming in while they're leaving. Even if they don't ask for a quarter in exchange, it's widely considered polite to offer one ... but you may not have one if you habitually use a cart token. That's not to say the lack of a quarter is always a deal-breaker, but still, it's good manners to make any well-meaning fellow customers aware.

Another tip is that Aldi checkouts tend to operate on a system where you retrieve the cart from whoever is in front of you. This is obviously a problem if the cart has your keychain attached, so remember to tell the cashier you need your cart back. Of course, if you happen to be at the rare Aldi that has a self-checkout (most currently don't have this option), this issue may not apply.

Just like the original quarter system, using a trolley token has its pros and cons, so the decision is ultimately yours. If you shop at Aldi frequently for the best price on spices and other grocery staples, you may find it easier just to keep a quarter or two in your car's cup holder, especially if you find you frequently forget to get your own cart back during checkout.