10 things you should never do in a Trader Joe's, according to employees

Sophia MitrokostasMay 6, 2020, 01:09 IST

Before heading to Trader Joe's, you may want to read up on some things you should avoid on your next trip.Roman Tiraspolsky/Shutterstock

Insider spoke with current and former Trader Joe's employees to learn which customer habits bother them.
Leaving trash, empty sample containers, and carts around the store can be frustrating for staff members.
The bells near the checkout are there for staff to communicate with their coworkers, and you shouldn't' ring them.
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The first Trader Joe's opened in 1967 in California. Since then, the colorful grocery chain has opened more than 500 stores across the US.

Beloved for its creative snacks and affordable grocery staples, Trader Joe's offers a shopping experience all its own. This means that the etiquette for customers at TJ's can also be a bit different than at a typical supermarket.

Insider checked in with current and former employees of Trader Joe's to find out what shoppers should never do in the store.

Read the original article on Insider

Stop ringing the bells at the checkout lanes.

Trader Joe's has bells to communicate with staff members, they aren't just fun decorations. Shutterstock

While at the register, you should avoid being on your phone.

By being on your phone, you could hold up the line. Madeline Diamond

There's no need to critique an employee's bagging technique, especially since they are trained to do it well.

If you don't like how someone is bagging your groceries, you may want to ask if you can do it yourself. Shutterstock/David Tonelson

If you want to sample a specific food, wait for a staff member — don't open the package yourself.

Trader Joe's lets customers sample items, but there are a few rules. Madeline Diamond

Don't try to abuse Trader Joe's return policy.

Trader Joe's has a lenient return policy, but there are some limits. Abigail Abesamis

Try not to leave carts at the register.

You should try to put your cart back where you found it. Shutterstock

It's frustrating for employees when you put products back on the wrong shelves.

When a product is placed in the wrong spot, it may be impossible for someone to find. Madeline Diamond

It can be rude to ignore employees when they greet you.

Even if you're in a rush, greeting a staff member is often the polite thing to do. Michael Dwyer/AP Photo

There's no reason to leave sample cups or trash around the store.

If you're going to take a sample, be sure to properly dispose of the container it came in. Madeline Diamond

Don't ask two different employees to look for the same item.

Doing so means a staff member who could be helping someone else is now working on finding something you've already sent someone else to look for. Madeline Diamond

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