Costco shopper blasts membership crackdown that’s left them feeling ‘harassed’ & demands chain must change course
Customers are still criticizing COSTCO because they are upset about the chain’s membership program.
Customers say they feel harassed and advise business executives to do something different.
Customers who say they were required to present identification at the register have harshly criticized Costco.
Before entering warehouses, customers must now scan their membership cards.
In the past, customers only needed to present their cards to an employee.
Customers are upset about the additional inspections.
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One ranted on X: “This goddamn harassment of customers needs to stop.”
The enraged member called on managers to remove the scanners and the new checkout procedure in their outburst.
They declared, “I demand the change back!!!!!” and that there was nothing goddamn wrong with the previous method.
The goal of the recent crackdown is to prevent non-members from benefiting from the same advantages as subscribers.
At self-checkouts, store employees now request that customers present a photo ID card in addition to their membership card.
According to a spokeswoman, “We don’t think it’s fair that nonmembers get the same benefits and pricing as our members.”
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Representatives from Costco disclosed that they had observed several non-members using cards that weren’t theirs.
Only customers whose membership cards lack a photo are subject to the additional check.
Some customers are confused by the crackdown because they must provide identification even if they are listed on the wholesaler’s books.
Consumers have expressed dissatisfaction with the way the policy seems to be applied.
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.”
Customers have also chastised Costco for implementing membership scanners.
When members place their cards beneath a reader, a picture of them shows on the screen.
Additionally, anyone without a membership card with a photo must present identification of some kind.
Customers believe they are being treated like thieves once more, and some have likened the policy to a dystopian novel.
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Because of the policy, customers have stated that they would shop at competitors like Sam’s Club.
Former company CEO Richard Galanti reaffirmed the policy, stating that the scanners expedite the admission procedure.
Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers
The shop cards that customers from different retailers can purchase, along with their advantages, are broken down here.
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Costco:
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year, shop all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
- Executive Membership: $130 per year, annual 2% reward, additional discounts and benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store, and get two additional cards for household use.
- Sign up for a Costco Membership here
Sam’s Club:
- Club Membership: $50 per year, bonus offers, same-day delivery, instant savings, Sam’s Club Mastercard, members-only fuel savings, tire and battery center, complimentary membership, and add-on memberships.
- Plus Membership: $110 per year, all benefits of Club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and pharmacy and optical savings.
- Sign up for Sam’s Club Membership here
Goal:
- Target Circle: A free-to-join reward program allowing users to earn 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards when an eligible purchase is made, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps out your community.
- Target Circle Card: A credit, debit, or reloadable account card that gives users 5% off in-store and online as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping, and an additional 30-day returns window. Formerly Target RedCard.
- Sign up for Target Circle here
Walmart:
- Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto car, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and go in-store, and early access to deals and product releases.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
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