The Absolute Worst Thing About Shopping At Costco (It's Not The Rush For Rotisserie Chicken)

If the powers that be at Costco ever dropped in on their members' social media conversations, they would know Kirkland Signature extra-crispy fries are beloved, the bakery muffins tend to get returned, and pretty much everyone dislikes the pushy salespeople sprinkled around seemingly every location. Reactions to their presence in-store range from mild frustration to fury, depending on the product being hawked. However, it gets more specific: the main focus of customer complaints has been the phone kiosk salespeople.

Most people understand that these workers have a job to do, and for some, their reps are friendly without being aggressively pushy. What customers do have a problem with is how they are socially pressured into engaging with cell phone reps when they don't want to. Phone kiosk salespeople were denounced on Reddit for "preying on other's politeness and agreeability with social pressure," while other commenters likened their experiences with similar sales behavior to harassment.

It's not just card-carrying members who are irritated. Employees also declared the cell phone kiosk to be unquestionably the worst part of the Costco shopping experience. One staff member even claimed they could sit next to a phone salesperson during a break and still be approached as if they were a random member of the public, rather than a work colleague.

It's important to remember that Costco's phone kiosk salespeople are just like everyone else who's paid to showcase products. No, they're not silently reminding us not to break the etiquette rules for free samples; in fact, they're actually not employed by Costco. Instead, they work for third-party companies and are brought in to boost their own and the store's bottom lines. Many of them are paid on commission, so it's in their interests to make lots of sales. Moreover, not every Costco has a cell phone kiosk located at the entrance. One online shopper said theirs was "tucked away in a corner," but if your local Costco isn't laid out the same way, there are a few tricks you can use to avoid unwanted interactions and potentially prevent your trip to Costco from being spoiled.

First, do the research and find the best time to visit your local Costco. A slightly busier period could mean a better chance of sidestepping contact with overzealous salespeople. You could also go full moody teen and plug in your headphones or, like some shoppers, plan your route in advance so your cart goes nowhere near the cell phone kiosk. Members who shop with their kids have also said they focus on talking to them rather than making eye contact with a salesperson, while others rely on giving out a cheery greeting while they resolutely continue to walk, balancing basic politeness and simply continuing with their day.