[colejohnson66]

Not always true. Usually, Costco/Target/Walmart/etc. pay for it before it sells, but it’s not always like that. “Vendor” products like Frito Lay, Bimbo, etc. are sometimes given the ability to just put product on the floor at no cost to the retailer. When it sells, the retailer will send money to the vendor.

[gamblor956]

Consignment sales represent less than 1% of retail sales at these stores, and generally only are required for new products that the retailer will not purchase in bulk before the distributor proves market demand.

Generally, for the sales you have described, the consignment sales are paired with marketing efforts by the distributor to demonstrate customer interest. If the test succeeds, the store will purchase future lots from the distributor. If the test does not, the product disappears from the shelves and the distributor stops selling it.

[nkrisc]

I know, but I deliberately didn’t mention that because it’s the exception, not the rule.

If you pick up a random item in Costco, it’s paid for and sold by Costco.