6 Costco slang terms that members and employees use, and what they mean

Definition: Items that shoppers have brought to the cashier or self-checkout machines (which are available in select stores) but have decided not to buy at the last minute.

Where you'll find it: In carts close to the checkout area.

According to the experts: "One of the jobs that the employees have is they pile this stuff up, and then somebody takes a trolley and puts it back where it goes," Susan said.

Definition: An area where special promotional items are stacked next to a chain-link fence.

Where you'll find it: Next to the entrance of any Costco.

According to the experts: The items located on the fence change on a weekly or monthly basis. According to David and Susan, it originated in the 1990s when Costco merged with Price Club. They said the first location in San Diego had a random fence built by its previous owner.

"They said, 'It costs money to take it out. Let's just use it for merchandising.' And so, everywhere else since then, Costco warehouses have had a fence like this," Susan said.

Definition: An employee's task of organizing a warehouse before members arrive and throughout opening hours.

Where you'll find it: All over Costco.

According to the experts: Costco employees begin getting a warehouse "showtime ready" around 4 a.m. before the warehouse opens at 10 a.m. It involves reorganizing the shelves, removing empty or near-empty cardboard boxes of items, and shifting things around using forklifts.

The process can be chaotic, as David and Susan witnessed during a behind-the-scenes visit to a warehouse in Sterling, Virginia.

"At 9:30, it is total pandemonium and chaos. You cannot believe what goes on. And at 9:45, boom, it's ready to go. It's showtime," David said.

Fun fact: The couple also said the biggest compliment you can give a Costco employee is that the section they are covering looks "showtime ready."

Definition: A small asterisk indicating that an item is about to be discontinued.

Where you'll find it: On the top-right corner of an item label.

According to the experts: A "Death Star" doesn't necessarily mean an item will be discontinued permanently. It can cause members who are particularly fond of it to buy more to prove to Costco that it is something the chain should continue to sell.

"If you like it, get it," Susan said.

Definition: A demonstration of a product not yet sold at Costco.

Where you'll find it: On the store floor, being managed by people who aren't Costco employees.

According to the experts: Road shows are a way to test how much interest Costco shoppers have in a product and whether it should be sold at the warehouse. David said that Costco will allow manufacturers to sell the item on the floor.

"If they do really well, Costco considers bringing them in permanently," he added.

Definition: Removing empty or near-empty cardboard boxes from the shelves.

Where you'll find it: Employees can usually be spotted "de-boxing" throughout different aisles, but loyal customers like David and Susan will also help. Empty cardboard boxes are placed in certain areas on the shop floor for members to grab if they don't have bags and need something to carry purchased items in.

According to the experts: The act originates from a motto the Costco cofounder and former CEO, James Sinegal, encouraged.

If he saw an empty or nearly empty box, Sinegal would tell employees that "we're not selling cardboard," Susan said.