Trader Joe’s, beloved for its unique products and affordable prices, has a reputation for being a customer-friendly store — sometimes, a little too friendly. However, behind the cheerful smiles and helpful staff, there are certain customer behaviors that can leave employees (aka “crew members”) feeling downright peeved. From excessive sampling to ignoring store policies, there are a few things that Trader Joe’s customers do that can put a damper on the shopping experience for everyone involved.
We scoured Reddit and talked to Trader Joe’s employees to find out what NOT to do when you’re scouring the aisles for Chili & Lime Rolled Tortilla Chips and frozen Hash Browns. TL;DR: just put your cart away. Employees will thank you.
Leaving carts in the store after their groceries are bagged.
According to FireSilver7 on Reddit, customers will insist that they don’t need the cart anymore once groceries are in bags, and just…leave them at the register. Just take your cart to the return, people. Employees will thank you.
Asking silly questions.
Reddit user and TJ’s employee Chrussell1215 says it drives them nuts when a customer asks, ‘do you work here?’ “While in full work attire (TJs shirt, name tag and holster with box knife) and working product up in a section.” Read the room, people.
Leaving trash or used sample cups and utensils on store shelves or in carts
There are trash cans all over the store, and Queensphinx on Reddit wants customers to use them. “One of our philosophies is we treat our customers like guests in our own home, and in return, they trash it.” No thanks.
Taking one banana off a bunch.
Personally, I don’t know if I agree with this one, but I understand the sentiment. IMO, the reason that TJ’s sells single bananas is pretty cute, but I understand why a TJ’s employee from Northern New Jersey (who asked to remain anonymous) gets annoyed by people who buy five single bananas (and rip them apart to do so) rather than a bunch of five.
Being upset about seasonal items.
Seasonal items are seasonal for a reason, people! They’ll often go quick, but don’t take it personally that your favorite pumpkin products aren’t available in April. August is early enough.
Taking it personally when items are out of stock or discontinued.
Look, I want the Gorgonzola Crackers and OG Banana Yogurt to make a comeback as much as the next person, but I recognize that my sweet Trader Joe’s cashier isn’t personally responsible for their disappearances. Rather than getting frustrated with a crew member, try finding copycat recipes or similar products.
Complaining about how they don’t have a TJ’s nearby.
I also love chicken gyoza potstickers enough to drive multiple hours for them, but again, I know store locations are not up to the crew members. Reddit user FireSilver7 also says the customers “who travel here only live 30 minutes away and they act like it’s the worst. possible. thing.” can really grind their gears.
Not helping to bag their groceries, but being particular about how the cashier bags them.
According to Kaisersosae on Reddit, the most annoying thing is “People that don’t bag, but are picky about how I bag.” User impsythealmighty said the same thing “Drives [them] INSANE. ‘Can you put the eggs on top?’ I was gonna put them on the bottom then stomp on the bag a few times for good measure, but since you asked…”
Talking on the phone while shopping.
Idc where you are, talking on the phone (especially speakerphone) in a public store is rude! It’s especially annoying for TJ’s employees who are trying to do their job and communicate with other crew members and customers, according to our NJ employee.
Being unable to describe the specific thing you’re looking for.
Okay, I get it. Maybe you went to a party and sampled a charcuterie board with delicious mixed nuts, or had a beverage made with a seasonal juice. Beware of frustrating employees, though, if you say “I’m looking for nuts” or “Do you have juice?” rather than specifying “savory cashews and almonds” or “sparkling tropical fruit juice.”
Not respecting personal space when bagging.
Reddit user crewbrew_ says it’s even worse “When you finally do ask them to step back, three times, and they still don’t move. 😒”
Leaving without paying.
This totally checks out. “90% [are] college kids who aren’t paying attention and they think the jingle that means “remove card and swipe” actually stands for “approved”. And they start to walk away and I have to practically chase them to come back,” says Reddit user crewbrew_. “Then they have the nerve to be upset WITH ME?”
Bringing tons of reusable bags with you.
Reusable bags are a great choice for sustainability and convenience when shopping, but you don’t want to overdo it. Since TJ’s checkout process involves employees handling customers’ carts at checkout vs. customers putting their own items on a conveyor belt, the cashier may have to deal with dozens of dirty bags shoved inside one another. To be a polite, easy customer, try to bring minimal, clean bags that are easily accessible in the cart.
Complaining about how busy the store is.
Trader Joe’s business model means small retail spaces, which again, is out of the employee’s control. Reddit user Over_Drawer1199 has worked at TJ’s for 14 years and recommends that you “go shopping on a Tuesday or Wednesday morning at 8 a.m., or 9 a.m. if that’s when your local store opens.” Plus, it helps if you are familiar with your local TJ’s and “Write your list in order of the route you’ll walk the store, so you’re always moving forward.”
#SpoonTip: Don’t go on Mondays, according to a thread comment from HydeParkUK: “My TJ’s checkout person told me that Mondays are the busiest day!”
Last but not least, assuming that your cashier is flirting with you.
It’s been a long-standing rumor that Trader Joe’s employees are told – and trained – to flirt with you, but TJ’s CEO Bryan Palbaum addressed the issue and settled the debate once and for all in an August 2023 episode of the Inside Trader Joe’s podcast. (Spoiler Alert: NO.) “ Just because TJ’s purposefully hires friendly people doesn’t mean we’re flirting with you,” says user purrlftw.
A Reddit user whose account has since been deleted echoed that “No, but it didn’t stop me and it’s how I met my wife🙃” … so don’t assume, but also, there’s no need to give up just on your crew member crush just yet.