Last month, I walked through my local Costco with a shopping list that included a specific Korean chili paste I’d seen raved about on social media. After wandering every aisle twice, I finally asked an employee where to find it. “We don’t carry that here,” she said with a sympathetic shrug. “Maybe try the Costco across town?”
That familiar disappointment hit me again – the same feeling I get when I see amazing products online that somehow never make it to my warehouse. You know the drill: someone posts about incredible frozen dumplings or specialty cheese, and you rush to Costco only to find empty shelves where those items should be.
Turns out, I’ve been doing this all wrong. There’s actually a simple way to influence what products your local Costco carries, and most of us walk right past it every single time we shop.
The Hidden Power of Customer Feedback
Here’s the secret that’s been hiding in plain sight: Costco actually wants to hear from you about what products you’d like to see in their stores. Near the exit of every warehouse, there’s a small station with a sign that reads “We value your opinion.” Most shoppers barely glance at it, assuming it’s just for general complaints or compliments.
But according to Costco employees and savvy shoppers who’ve discovered this hack, those feedback cards are your direct line to influencing product selection. The warehouse genuinely considers customer requests when making stocking decisions, especially when multiple people request the same items.
“I’ve seen products appear on our shelves within a few months of getting repeated customer requests,” shares one former Costco employee on Reddit. “Management pays attention to those cards more than people realize.”
The process works because Costco’s business model depends on member satisfaction. Unlike traditional grocery stores, they need to keep their paying members happy to maintain their membership base. When members consistently ask for specific products, it signals genuine demand that could drive sales.
How to Make Your Product Requests Actually Work
Simply scribbling “more organic stuff” on a feedback card won’t get you far. Costco product requests need to be specific and detailed to catch attention from buyers and management. Here’s what actually works:
- Include exact product names and brands – Write “Bibigo Korean BBQ Beef Bowl” instead of “Korean food”
- Mention where you’ve seen it – “Available at other Costco locations” or “Sold at competitor stores”
- Explain the demand – “My family and neighbors would buy this regularly”
- Provide specific details – Package size, price point, or dietary benefits
- Be persistent but polite – Submit requests periodically, not daily
- Get others involved – Encourage friends to request the same items
| Request Type | Success Rate | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty food items | High | 2-4 months |
| Regional favorites | Medium | 3-6 months |
| Seasonal products | High | Next season |
| Electronics/appliances | Low | 6+ months |
The key is understanding that Costco buyers are always looking for products that will appeal to their local customer base. Your request gives them valuable market research about what members actually want to purchase.
“We track patterns in customer feedback,” explains a current Costco manager. “When we see the same product requested multiple times, it goes into our system for buyers to evaluate.”
What Happens After You Submit Your Request
Once you drop that feedback card in the box, it doesn’t disappear into a void. Costco warehouses have systems in place to review and categorize customer suggestions. Popular requests get forwarded to regional buyers who evaluate whether the product makes financial sense for their locations.
Several factors influence whether your request becomes reality. The product needs to fit Costco’s bulk-buying model, meet their quality standards, and have enough potential demand to justify shelf space. Items that complement existing popular products often have better chances of approval.
Regional differences also play a huge role. A request for specialty Hispanic foods might get fast-tracked in Texas but ignored in rural Montana. Local demographics and shopping patterns heavily influence which products each warehouse carries.
Success stories are more common than you might think. Shoppers have successfully lobbied for everything from specific organic products to international snacks. One Facebook group documented how coordinated requests for plant-based alternatives led to expanded vegan options at several West Coast locations.
“My local Costco now carries this amazing Japanese curry that I requested last year,” shares longtime member Sarah Chen. “I filled out probably six feedback cards over eight months, and suddenly it appeared in the international foods section.”
The process isn’t instant, but it works often enough to make the effort worthwhile. Even if your specific request doesn’t get approved, it contributes to data that helps Costco understand what their members want.
Remember that timing matters too. Requests submitted during certain seasons or buying cycles might get more attention. Many shoppers report better success rates when they submit requests during the fall, when buyers are planning for the next year’s product lineup.
FAQs
How long does it take for Costco to respond to product requests?
Most successful requests see results within 2-6 months, though some items may take up to a year depending on supplier negotiations and seasonal buying cycles.
Do I need to keep submitting the same request repeatedly?
Yes, but be reasonable about it. Submit the same request every few weeks rather than daily, and encourage other members to submit similar requests.
What types of products are most likely to be approved?
Food items, especially those that fit Costco’s bulk model, have the highest success rates. Specialty dietary products and regional favorites also do well.
Can I submit requests online instead of using the in-store cards?
While Costco has online feedback forms, in-store cards at your specific warehouse location tend to carry more weight with local management.
Will Costco tell me if they’re considering my request?
Costco typically doesn’t provide individual responses to product requests, but you might notice the item appearing in test quantities before full rollout.
What information should I avoid including in my request?
Skip vague descriptions, competitor complaints, or unrealistic demands. Focus on specific product details and genuine reasons why you’d purchase the item regularly.
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