Costco shopper demands refund and blasts 3-step routine thanks to membership crackdown – he’s feeling ‘harassed’
The chain’s ban on membership sharing has angered a COSTCO customer who says they feel bullied.
The consumer complained about the number of checks they have to make during a typical shopping trip.
Costco executives have adopted a strategy akin to that of Netflix in recent months, targeting non-members who take advantage of the services provided to customers.
Customers are required to present their cards at the checkout, and machines have been placed in front of the Costco warehouse entrance.
This is in addition to receipt checks, which are instruments used to confirm the transactions made by customers.
However, the retailer’s strategy has drawn criticism and left some people feeling wronged.
READ MORE ON MONEY
Going to Costco is starting to make me feel harassed, according to a post on X.
After that, they enumerated the three inspections they perform during a single visit to the wholesaler.
They said you can scan your card when you come in, show it at the self-checkout or normal checkout, and then be searched (sorry, show receipt) when you leave.
The customer, an executive member, disclosed that they would be terminating their membership.
Costco charges $130 for an executive membership, which is their premium subscription.
Customers pay $65 for the membership fee and an additional $65 for a subscription upgrade.
Costco’s New Membership Policy: A ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ for Shoppers?
The fact that the membership is good everywhere is one advantage.
Customers can take advantage of additional benefits on Costco Travel products in addition to perks on the things they purchase.
As an alternative, customers can purchase a $65.00 Costco Gold Star membership.
Earlier this year, Costco made headlines when it was announced that membership fees will go up.
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.”
The $60 basic membership now costs $65 instead.
The little price increase was the first in seven years.
Costco has altered its checkout and admission procedures this year.
Some self-checkout customers have been required to present both their membership cards and photo IDs.
Before entering warehouses, customers are required to scan their cards.
Nonetheless, additional checks have been applied to individuals with older membership cards.
Read More on The US Sun
According to the U.S. Sun, Costco customers felt cheated when they had to present their driver’s license as identification.
However, research analysts think that more people may join as a result of the crackdown.
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