Costco Customers Watch in Shock as It All Comes Cracking Down!

Costco shoppers are furious after witnessing customers attempt to return massive quantities of eggs, claiming they found them cheaper elsewhere. The backlash has been swift, with many slamming these refund seekers as “selfish” and irresponsible.

Egg prices have skyrocketed across the U.S. due to a relentless bird flu outbreak, forcing consumers to pay as much as $18.69 for five dozen eggs at some Costco locations. With supply shortages and purchasing limits in place, some shoppers have had to line up early just to secure a carton. Yet, a viral video circulating on Instagram shows people reportedly trying to return hundreds—if not thousands—of eggs, sparking outrage online.

The clip, which depicts a cart stacked with egg cartons, carries a pointed caption: “People trying to return more than a thousand eggs a day later because they found them cheaper somewhere else lol. Meanwhile we’re in a nationwide egg shortage. Costco activities.”

Reactions poured in, with one commenter exclaiming, “Selfish, selfish people. Just ridiculous.” Another suggested harsher consequences: “Don’t take the return and cancel the membership—that’s obscene and ridiculous and unhealthy.” Others questioned whether Costco should even allow such returns, citing health and safety concerns.

“There should be a no-return policy on eggs! I remember there was a NO return on items during Covid so this should apply with eggs!” one person wrote. Another agreed, saying, “We don’t know how those eggs have been stored or whether they have been tampered with. Absolutely not!”

Some even speculated that Costco already had a policy against egg returns. “I thought Costco made a no return on eggs. Because of the shortage,” a user questioned.

Egg prices have hit historic highs, with the latest consumer price index revealing that a dozen Grade A eggs now average $4.95 in U.S. cities. That surpasses the previous record of $4.82 and more than doubles the $2.04 low recorded in August 2023.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, this recent price surge is the most severe since the 2015 bird flu crisis and accounts for two-thirds of last month’s overall increase in food costs. But national averages don’t tell the full story—some stores are selling eggs for $10 or more per carton, and specialty varieties such as organic and cage-free eggs are even pricier.

For many households, the high cost has led to changes in grocery habits. “We do use eggs a little less often now. You know, because of the price,” said Jon Florey while browsing at Encinal Market in Alameda, California. “I was going to make a quiche that I like to make and it’s about six eggs, so I figured I’d do something else.”

And relief isn’t on the horizon. With Easter approaching, egg prices are expected to climb even higher. The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects a 20% increase this year, making eggs even more of a luxury item.

Adding to the frustration, availability remains an issue. Some stores struggle to keep shelves stocked, leading to purchase limits and additional surcharges. Encinal Market owner Joe Trimble admitted that his supply remains unreliable. “Most of the time, my shelves are only about 25% full,” he revealed, emphasizing the ongoing challenge of meeting customer demand.

For now, it seems shoppers have no choice but to pay the price—or, as some have attempted, return their eggs in frustration. But as the public backlash shows, that tactic isn’t sitting well with fellow consumers.