Costco Capers: How Many Can You Cram in the Cart (Without Getting Kicked Out)?
Let's face it, Costco is Disneyland for adults. Between the free samples, the giant everything (seriously, have you seen the toilet paper rolls?), and the chance to snag a rotisserie chicken for under $5, it's a magical place. But before you pack up the whole crew and head for the warehouse, there's a burning question that needs answering: How many people can you legally wrangle into a Costco shopping trip?
The Official Two-Guest Policy: A Match Made in Bulk
Costco, bless their bulk-buying hearts, has a clear policy: one membership card, two guests. That means you, the glorious cardholder, can bring along two buddies to marvel at the mountain-sized bags of chips and debate the merits of the Kirkland Signature™ water bottle selection (spoiler alert: they're all good).
But Wait, There's More (People)!
Now, things get interesting. This two-guest policy doesn't apply to children. So, if you're a parent who thrives on the chaos of wrangling tiny humans through a store filled with enough snacks to feed a small village, you might be thinking, "This is my loophole!" Technically, you're not wrong. Just be prepared for the inevitable sugar crash meltdown halfway through aisle 17 (pro tip: strategic free sample deployment can be highly effective in mitigating meltdowns).
The Art of the Costco Convoy (Not Recommended, But We've All Seen It)
Let's be honest, we've all seen that one family at Costco. The parents, the three kids, the bewildered grandma who looks like she's questioning all her life choices. They function as a Costco convoy, strategically positioned to snag the best deals and avoid any pesky membership card checks. Is this advisable? Probably not. But hey, to each their own (just don't block the aisles, please).
The Bottom Line: Bringing the Costco Crew
So, how many people can you take to Costco? Officially, it's two guests. In reality, it depends on your tolerance for risk (and your ability to manage tiny humans with a shopping cart full of temptations). Just remember, Costco is all about efficiency, so keep your crew focused, grab those bulk bargains, and maybe throw in a bag of jumbo marshmallows for good measure (because who can resist a marshmallow the size of your head?). Happy shopping!