When we talk about supermarkets or one-stop shopping hubs, a specific name always comes up in our minds and that’s Costco. Costco is one of the leading pioneers in shopping for all consumers around the world. Costco has emerged as an attractive, cheap, and convenient shopping hub for this generation due to its niche in wholesale or warehouse clubs. Along with its discounted prices and hefty offers, Costco also provides several facilities for its consumers. Let us know ‘Does Costco Have Electric Shopping Carts?’.
Does Costco Have Electric Shopping Carts?
yes, among the several facilities provided by Costco, they also provide customers with electric or motorized shopping carts. Costco stores are known for their large-scale warehouse infrastructure which may be inconvenient to people with disabilities, or serious health conditions and also to customers belonging to the old age bracket.
Thus, to assist such customers Costco introduced its electric shopping carts which can take customers from one section of the store to another. Electric shopping carts are easily available at all Costco branches for people with special needs. A person also has the facility to reserve his electric shopping cart beforehand to avoid any inconvenience at the time of visiting the store. Costco also provides in-person assistance to customers to help them out with these carts for a seamless shopping experience.
What Is An Electric Shopping Cart?
Electric shopping carts are essentially electric scooters with carts attached to them at the front. These have comfortable seating for customers with special needs and they can shop for their preferred products with the help of these motorized carts easily. They can request special assistance from the Costco staff and put their selected items in the carts attached at the front. These motorized carts have joysticks on either of the armrests which enables the customer to direct the cart in various directions. Electric shopping carts operate on power derived from a rechargeable battery. The speed, height ad other adjustments can be controlled by using the console attached to them.
What are the alternatives available to customers?
In addition to the electric shopping carts, Costco also has other options to assist customers with their in-store experience. Customers with disabilities and special needs can avail the facility of an electric or manual wheelchair if they are not comfortable with an electric shopping cart. Both electric and manual wheelchairs come with a cart attached in front. Customers can choose between a wheelchair or an electric shopping cart according to their convenience.
Can I buy a motorized or electric cart at Costco?
Yes, Costco sells a variety of electric carts and scooters at its stores. Costco caters to the customers by providing them with electric shopping carts at its branches. These motorized carts are very convenient and accessible to people with special needs. Some people might find them advantageous in other aspects of life too and hence would like to purchase them. Costco serves the demand for these motorized scooters and carts by making them available to customers. These electric scooters are available both at the stores and online on their website. A person who wishes to buy it can easily explore a plethora of options in the “Health and Personal Care” section.
Am I allowed to bring personal assistance to Costco?
Yes, Costco allows its customers to bring personal assistance to aid them in their shopping experience. Along with staff assistance, Costco also enables its customers to bring with them personal assistance in the form of another individual or even assistant pets.
- In the case of personal assistance, a shopper with special needs can bring a family member, friend, colleague, etc. to help them in the store. However, it is imperative to know that only a customer who holds a membership card (and not a shop card) can enjoy this facility. A customer can bring a maximum of two such people to assist him/her.
- In the case of an animal, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act, a customer can bring his/her assistant pet, provided that the customer can validate the training their pet has received. A usual household pet with no proper disability training is not allowed in the stores.
Conclusion
Costco is one of the largest and most loved wholesale shopping hubs worldwide owing to its amazing offers and products. Along with a great shopping experience, Costco is also one of the most accessible and special needs-friendly outlets in the world. They proud themselves of their facility of electric shopping carts for people with medical conditions and special needs and also its customers who belong to old age. Costco also provides employee assistance and other types of alternatives such as electric and manual wheelchairs for a seamless shopping experience among its customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Costco charge for the electric shopping carts facility?
No, Costco does not charge for its electric shopping cart or wheelchair facility. It is available to all its customers free of any cost.
- How much does an electric cart cost if I want to purchase one?
Costco provides affordable options for electric carts and wheelchairs. One can explore it in their stores or on their website. Some wheelchairs which are FSA-friendly start from $175 whereas an electric wheelchair that can be modified with a cart ranges around $1900.
- How does an employee assist a customer with an electric cart in shopping?
If a consumer needs staff assistance, an employee is there to assist a customer with special needs. The employee will help the customer in directing the electric cart and taking it to various sections, reaching higher places, lifting heavy items, etc.
