‘A huge miss,’ blast Costco members over new ‘criminal’ packaging design – and even directions ‘make no sense’
Customers at Costco have criticized the new packaging design, calling it a “huge miss”.
A disgruntled customer vented their annoyance over the newly shaped battery packages on the social media site Reddit.
The child-proof packaging for the size 312 batteries has also made it more difficult for others to open and obtain the tiny batteries.
“I love the idea of reducing packaging, but this is a huge miss,” they added.
“The batteries were previously packaged as a dispenser, but they are now effectively shrink wrapped in plastic.
“I don’t understand how this is feasible when the product’s main consumer is elderly.
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“What should we deal with all of the unused, loose batteries? I just require one at a time.
They continued: “At this point, unless someone has a better solution, I m keeping the old packaging and loading the loose batteries into them.”
The altered battery packs irritated many people than just the Redditor.
“I know it’s the lawnow, but man, they’re awful,” someone commented. My 81-year-old father uses them, but I don’t.
“And well, you can imagine how opening them went for him…not at all.”
Another commenter said: “It’s awful. The button batteries I recently purchased took a very long time to open.
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“The label stated that it was done to keep children from getting access and swallowing. Even a sour-tasting substance is applied to the batteries.
“How are we supposed to open them!” a third person remarked. It’s more difficult than opening the plastic on CDs in the past.
A fourth, however, stated: “The person who approved this design ought to face criminal charges.”
Customers promise to boycott Costco due to its new card policy.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Customers must abide by stringent guidelines when using Costco’s membership, and in recent years, the company has been tough on violators.
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
The wholesaler’s crackdown on Americans who provide their membership cards to nonsubscribers includes this policy.
Machines that let customers scan their cards are being placed in Costco facilities.
The screen displays a picture of the customer while a staff member watches it.
However, some membership cards are unexpected because they lack an image.
Having to use additional methods to verify their identification has not impressed subscribers.
Anger has also been triggered by the requirement that they present identification before checking out.
One disgruntled customer wrote on X, “I think I’ll dump Costco and go back to Sam’s Club.”
I need to take out my driver’s license because my card doesn’t contain a photo.
I’ve always had to do this at the register rather than the door.
Members have also taken offense at the warehouse checkout procedure.
Another chimed: “Show ID to get in, backing up lines, showing receipt to get out, self checkout cannot use the scanners, backing up lines.”
Not every member has embraced Costco’s crackdown.
The fact that membership cards are scanned at store entrances and exits perplexes some people.
A customer wrote on Facebook that if they are going to verify you, it should only be done once.
I adore BJ’s store because of this. You can enter, shop, and you won’t need to scan your card until you’re at the register.
I appreciate Costco helping me choose between Sam’s and you guys. “It’s Sam’s,” a third customer said.
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Costco executives have defended the policy in the face of criticism.
According to a transcript obtained by The Motley Fool, CEO Ron Vachris stated, “They’re speeding up our registers significantly when we get all the scanning and memberships verified at the front door.”
Costco’s membership scanners
At the doors to its stores, Costco has installed membership scanners.
The retailer posted a statement regarding the scanners on their website in August 2024.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” it stated.
“Once deployed, all members must scan their membership card—either digital or physical—by pressing the barcode or QR code against the scanner before they can enter.
“In order to enter, guests must also be accompanied by a current member.
“An attendant is always there to help at the door if you have any queries or concerns!
“The attendant will ask you to visit the membership counter before you enter the warehouse to shop if your membership is inactive, has expired, or you would like to create a new one.
Additionally, please be ready to present a legitimate photo ID if your membership card lacks one.
“We encourage you to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken to have on your card.”
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