Can you hide items at a bin store to buy later?

No. Hiding items under other products to come back for them later (or to buy them on a cheaper day) is against the rules at most bin stores and is considered poor etiquette. If you find something you want, buy it that day or accept the risk that it may not be there when you return.

Is it okay to take photos at bin stores?

Policies vary by store. Most stores allow you to photograph products you are considering buying. However, many stores prohibit filming other customers or creating content that shows the store layout in detail. Always check with staff before recording video or doing live streams inside the store.

What should I do if another shopper is rude at a bin store?

Stay calm and avoid escalating the situation. If another shopper is being aggressive, hogging bins, or taking items from your cart, alert store staff rather than confronting them directly. Most bin stores will address behavior issues when they are brought to their attention. Walking away from conflict is always the best first step.

Are there item limits at bin stores?

Some bin stores enforce item limits, especially on dollar day or for high-demand product categories. Limits are typically posted at the entrance or announced by staff. Common limits range from 15 to 50 items per customer per visit. Follow these limits even if enforcement seems lax — they exist to ensure fair access for all shoppers.

Bin Store Etiquette: Rules and Tips

Why Etiquette Matters at Bin Stores

Bin stores are a unique shopping environment. Dozens of people are digging through the same bins, competing for the same deals, in a space that can feel crowded and high-energy — especially on restock day. Without basic etiquette, the experience quickly becomes unpleasant for everyone. Understanding and following these unwritten rules makes bin store shopping better for you and everyone around you.

Some of these guidelines are common courtesy, while others are specific to the bin store environment. Whether you are a first-timer or a seasoned shopper, reviewing these principles will help you be a good bin store citizen.

Respect the Line

On restock day, lines can form well before the store opens. This is one of the most important etiquette rules in the bin store community:

Do not cut the line. Arrive when you arrive and take your place. Cutting in line is the fastest way to create conflict and earn a bad reputation at your local store.
Do not save spots for friends. If your friend arrives later, they join at the back of the line. Saving multiple spots is universally frowned upon.
Follow the store's entry system. Some stores use numbered tickets, limit how many people enter at once, or have specific entry rules. Follow whatever system is in place without complaint.
Be patient. Waiting is part of the restock day experience. Bring your phone, chat with fellow shoppers, and enjoy the anticipation.

Share the Bins

Once inside, the most common source of friction is bin access. Here are the ground rules:

Do not hog an entire bin. Bin stores are communal spaces. You cannot claim a bin as yours and prevent others from looking through it. Move to one side, make room, and share.
Do not guard bins. Some shoppers stand in front of a bin and slowly sort through every item while blocking others. This is inconsiderate. Take what interests you, move on, and come back later for a second pass.
Do not reach over people. If someone is actively looking through a section of a bin, wait for them to finish or move to a different bin. Reaching across someone or crowding them is rude and can lead to confrontation.
Take turns at new bins. When staff rolls out a fresh bin, do not rush and push. Let people approach in an orderly way and share access.

Handle Merchandise Respectfully

How you handle products in the bins affects everyone's experience:

Do not throw items. If you pick something up and decide you do not want it, place it back in the bin gently. Tossing products back can damage other items and creates a mess.
Do not open sealed products. Unless the store specifically allows it, leave factory-sealed items sealed. Opening a sealed product to inspect it and then putting it back reduces its value for the next shopper.
Do not hide items. Some shoppers try to hide desirable items under other products so they can come back for them later or on a cheaper day. Most stores explicitly prohibit this, and it is unfair to other shoppers.
Put items back where you found them. If you decide not to buy something after carrying it around the store, return it to the general bin area rather than leaving it on a random shelf or in the checkout area.

Be Mindful of Others

Bin stores are tight spaces with lots of people. Basic awareness goes a long way:

Watch your cart or bags. Keep your shopping cart, bags, and personal belongings close to you and out of the aisles. Blocking pathways with a full cart is a common annoyance.
Control your volume. It is fine to chat with friends or talk on the phone, but be mindful of your volume. Loud conversations and speakerphone calls in a crowded store are disruptive.
Be aware of personal space. Give other shoppers at least an arm's length of space when possible. Bin stores can feel claustrophobic when everyone crowds together.
Do not take items from other people's carts. This should go without saying, but once someone has placed an item in their cart or bag, it is theirs. Taking items from another shopper's cart is never acceptable.

Follow Store Rules

Every bin store has its own policies. Respecting them keeps the store running smoothly and protects your ability to shop there in the future:

Observe item limits. Some stores limit how many items you can buy per visit, especially on dollar day. These limits exist to give more customers a chance at the deals.
Respect the no-return policy. Almost all bin stores have a strict no-return policy. Do not argue with staff about this — it is a foundational part of the business model.
Leave bags at the door if asked. Many stores require you to leave large bags, backpacks, and purses at the entrance. This is a theft prevention measure, not a personal slight.
Do not take photos of other shoppers. Some stores also prohibit general photography or video recording. If you want to document your finds for social media, photograph the products themselves — not other customers.
Listen to staff. Store employees manage a chaotic environment. If they ask you to move, wait, or follow a specific procedure, cooperate. They are trying to create a fair experience for everyone.

Restock Day Specific Etiquette

Restock day is the most intense day at a bin store, and tensions can run higher. Extra etiquette awareness helps:

Do not sprint to the bins. When the store opens, walk at a normal pace. Running or shoving to get to a bin first is dangerous and creates a hostile atmosphere.
Limit your initial grab. On the first pass, take items you are genuinely interested in rather than grabbing everything in sight. You can always come back for a second look. Hoarding large quantities of products and then putting most of them back wastes everyone's time.
Be gracious about shared finds. If you and another shopper reach for the same item at the same time, handle it politely. A simple "go ahead" can defuse what might otherwise become an awkward situation.

Be Kind to Staff

Bin store employees work hard. They unload pallets, fill bins, manage crowds, and handle checkout — often with a small team. Show them respect:

Say please and thank you.
Do not argue about prices or policies.
Clean up after yourself as much as possible.
Report spills, broken products, or safety hazards to staff rather than ignoring them.
Leave positive reviews online if you have a good experience. Small businesses thrive on positive word of mouth.

The Golden Rule of Bin Stores

Ultimately, bin store etiquette comes down to one principle: treat other shoppers and staff the way you would want to be treated. The bin store community is generally friendly and welcoming, and most shoppers are happy to share tips, point out good finds, and make room at the bins. By following these guidelines, you contribute to an environment where everyone — including you — has a better time.