Overview
- Costco said on its latest earnings call that employee pre-scan and automated pay pilots are cutting the pay step to about eight seconds on average with strong member feedback.
- In the test, staff scan items in your cart while you wait so, at the pay station, you only show your membership and complete payment.
- The company is also trying a Scan & Go app that lets shoppers scan items on their phone, pay in the app, then show a QR code at the exit.
- Trials are running in select warehouses, with social posts showing an Issaquah, Washington test and users noting it works fastest for smaller baskets.
- Costco says the goal is faster flow without removing staffed lanes, and the effort follows rivals like Sam’s Club and BJ’s that already offer similar speed tools.