20 Things Trader Joe’s Employees Wish California Customers Would Stop Doing

California shoppers love their Trader Joe’s runs. But employees wish some habits would disappear.

From aisle-blocking to sample hoarding, here’s what really gets on their nerves.

Leaving Frozen or Refrigerated Items in Random Aisles

When customers change their minds about frozen or chilled items, some leave them on a shelf instead of returning them to the correct section.

Those products quickly thaw or warm up, which means they often have to be thrown away for safety reasons.

Employees then have to track down misplaced items and remove them, adding extra work during already busy shifts.

If you decide against a cold item, handing it to a crew member keeps it safe for the next customer.

Crowding the Sample Station

Trader Joe’s sample stations are a big draw, but lingering too long or blocking the area makes it harder for other customers to get through.

Employees working the station also have to manage crowd control, restock samples, and answer questions, so congestion slows everything down.

Sampling should be quick so everyone gets a turn without creating a bottleneck.

A little space and patience keep the experience pleasant for everyone.

Unpacking Your Cart in the Wrong Order

When customers place heavy items on top of delicate ones or scatter frozen foods among shelf-stable items on the belt, it slows the checkout process.

Cashiers have to rearrange items to avoid crushing bread or letting ice cream melt.

Putting heavier and cold items together makes bagging much smoother.

A little organization before unloading can save time for both you and the employee.

Treating the Store Like a Social Media Backdrop

Trader Joe’s decor and displays can be photo-worthy, but staging long photo shoots in busy aisles can cause traffic jams.

Employees sometimes have to ask shoppers to move aside so carts can get through.

A quick snapshot is fine, but blocking shelves or standing in the middle of a crowded area makes it harder for everyone else to shop.

Being mindful of space keeps the store running smoothly.

Opening Packages Before Paying

Some customers open snacks or drinks while they shop, intending to pay for them at checkout.

While it might seem harmless, it can cause issues for employees.

If the packaging gets damaged or the barcode is missing, it takes extra time to process the sale.

It also sets a tricky example for other shoppers, especially kids.

Waiting until after you’ve paid keeps the transaction simple and avoids unnecessary complications.

Blocking the Aisles with Carts

Trader Joe’s stores tend to have narrower aisles than big-box supermarkets.

Parking a cart in the middle of the aisle while browsing makes it difficult for other shoppers to pass.

During peak hours, this can create serious bottlenecks and frustrate both customers and staff.

Pulling your cart to one side when you stop keeps the flow moving and the space comfortable for everyone.

It’s a small courtesy that makes a big difference in a crowded store.

Arguing Over Expired Coupons or Old Sale Prices

Trader Joe’s does not run traditional sales or accept manufacturer coupons, but some customers still bring in old promotional materials expecting discounts.

Employees often have to explain the store’s policy, which can slow down the checkout line.

The brand focuses on everyday low pricing rather than rotating sales, so the posted price is typically the final price.

Knowing this before you shop can save time and frustration at the register.

Ignoring the Express Lane Rules

Express lanes are meant for shoppers with a small number of items, but some customers still roll up with a full cart.

This slows the line for everyone and puts extra pressure on cashiers who are trying to keep quick transactions moving.

If you have more than the posted limit, using a regular checkout lane keeps the system fair for everyone.

Respecting these guidelines helps maintain the store’s friendly and efficient atmosphere.

Treating Employees Like Personal Shoppers

Trader Joe’s employees are happy to help customers find items, but some shoppers expect them to walk the entire store for multiple products during peak hours.

When staff are tied up on extended personal tours, they can’t assist other customers or restock shelves as quickly.

Asking for directions to a product is fine, but gathering your list before arriving can make the search much faster.

It keeps the store running smoothly for everyone.

Sampling Items Without Permission

While Trader Joe’s is known for its generous return policy, that doesn’t mean customers can open packages to “try before buying.”

Employees often have to remove opened items from the floor and record them as waste.

If you’re curious about a product, asking an employee about its taste or ingredients is a better approach.

They may even suggest a comparable item that has been sampled before.

Arriving Right at Closing Time

Walking in minutes before the store closes puts pressure on staff who are trying to wrap up their shifts and prepare the store for the next day.

While they won’t turn you away, employees often end up staying late to accommodate last-minute shoppers.

Arriving even 15 minutes earlier can make the experience less stressful for everyone.

It also ensures you have enough time to browse without feeling rushed.

Ignoring the Flow of the Checkout Line

Trader Joe’s checkout areas often have a specific flow, especially in busier stores where lines are guided by floor markers or signs.

Some customers skip ahead or stand in the wrong place, which can confuse both shoppers and staff.

Following the posted directions or listening to an employee keeps the line moving efficiently.

It also avoids awkward moments with other customers who are waiting their turn.

Leaving Carts in the Parking Lot

Trader Joe’s parking lots are often smaller than those at larger grocery chains, which means abandoned carts can quickly block spaces or create safety hazards.

When customers leave carts scattered instead of returning them to the designated areas, employees have to spend extra time rounding them up.

This takes staff away from other important tasks inside the store.

Taking a few extra seconds to return your cart helps keep the lot safe and efficient.

Rearranging Display Tables

Trader Joe’s display tables are carefully organized to highlight seasonal products and maximize space.

When customers move items around to hunt for specific flavors or to create their own stacks, it disrupts the layout and makes restocking harder.

It can also create trip hazards if items are left hanging over the edge.

Asking an employee to check the back for a product is a better solution than dismantling a display.

Bringing in Outside Food or Drink

Carrying open drinks or food from other stores into Trader Joe’s can cause confusion for staff and other shoppers.

Employees may have to stop and confirm that the items weren’t taken from their own shelves.

Spills are also more likely with uncovered beverages or snacks in the aisles.

Finishing outside food before entering avoids unnecessary mix-ups.

Treating the Return Policy as Unlimited Sampling

Trader Joe’s has a famously flexible return policy, but some customers take advantage of it by buying multiple products with no intention of keeping most of them.

Employees will still process the returns, but excessive use of this perk increases waste and costs for the store.

It also puts staff in an awkward position when handling frequent returns from the same customer.

Using the policy in moderation keeps it sustainable for everyone.

Treating the Store Like a Hangout Spot

Some shoppers use Trader Joe’s as a place to meet up and catch up with friends, standing in busy aisles for long conversations.

While it’s a friendly atmosphere, blocking pathways makes it harder for others to shop and for employees to move stock.

Quick chats are fine, but lingering too long in one spot creates unnecessary congestion.

Stepping aside to a quieter area keeps the store comfortable for everyone.

Ignoring Seasonal Product Limits

When limited-edition products arrive, the store sometimes sets per-customer limits so everyone has a chance to buy them.

Some shoppers ignore these limits or try to purchase extra in separate transactions.

This forces employees to monitor purchases closely, which can cause tension at checkout.

Following the posted limit ensures more customers can enjoy seasonal favorites.

Piling Unwanted Items in the Checkout Area

It’s common for customers to change their minds about certain items while waiting in line, but leaving them at the checkout counter adds extra work for employees.

Cold or frozen items left here often have to be thrown away.

If you decide not to buy something, handing it to a crew member on the floor helps keep the store organized.

It also saves time during the checkout process.

Asking for Items That Don’t Exist

Trader Joe’s product lineup is unique, and it doesn’t carry every brand or item found in bigger supermarkets.