Costco tests new checkout system, with transactions taking less than 10 seconds

Costco is quietly making changes to its check-out lines, transactions taking just 10 seconds or less as it tests new pay stations.

Costco CEO and President Ron Vachris mentioned the new process, currently being piloted, during the company’s Q2 earnings call March 5.

“We continue to make strides with our roadmap to deliver a more seamless experience for members in warehouse and online,” Vachris said during the call. “In the warehouses, we’re achieving meaningful improvements in the speed of checkout, employee productivity, both as a result of our mobile wallet enhancements, pharmacy pay ahead, and the rollout of employee pre-scan technology.”

According to Vachris, Costco has started testing out “automated pay stations,” that allow for customers to pay for pre-scanned items more seamlessly, “with an average transaction time of around eight seconds.”

Vachris went on to say that early results of the show the new process has improved the flow of traffic, with members providing “great feedback.”

Costco officials also said changes in tariffs could result in refunds, though details were “fluid.”

“It is not yet clear what the process will be, what refunds, if any, will be received, and when this will happen,” Vachris said. “We’ll be transparent in how we plan to do this if and when we receive any refunds.”