Costco shopper hits back at chain’s ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ style policy that even sees members ‘penalized’
A COSTCO customer has criticized the store and likened the wholesaler’s new policy to a dystopian novel and television show.
The client was incensed because, although being a member, she appeared to be punished.
According to an Xpost, she attacked the wholesale behemoth, saying that it was the wrong week to implement a new policy.
She claimed to have a digital version, seemingly criticizing the chain’s recent membership crackdown.
She said, “I don’t know why my husband’s photo shows up when I log in with MY email, but telling me that I can’t shop unless my husband is with me gives serious Handsmaid’s Tale [sic] vibes.”
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood was released in 1985.
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Following the overthrow of the US government, the story takes place in a dystopian world.
In a patriarchal society, women in the book—which has been adapted into a television series—have no influence.
Costco has been contacted by the U.S. Sun for comment.
Costco executives have begun taking tough measures against customers who share memberships.
Supervisors are making efforts to prevent non-subscribers from taking advantage of the same benefits as members.
Previously, Costco customers had to present their membership cards to enter the store; now, they must scan them.
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A member’s photo appears when an employee looks at a screen.
However, some membership cards—especially the older ones—do not feature photos.
Since then, Costco has cautioned customers to be ready to present a photo ID.
Some customers have expressed annoyance about having to present an additional form of identification.
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.”
One customer said on X, “I think I’ll ditch 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.
Customers have made fun of the business by claiming that they need identification to visit a wholesaler, even though voting in some jurisdictions does not require a photo ID.
Additionally, several consumers have criticized Costco for treating them like criminals based on ID checks.
Costco’s previous chief financial officer, Richard Galanti, gave an explanation of the scanners’ implementation earlier this year.
It expedites the admissions process, he said.
Additionally, it is connected to a crackdown on non-members.
We have observed that nonmember customers have started utilizing membership cards that are not theirs since we expanded our self-service checkout, the business informed The Wall Street Journal.
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We believe it is unfair for non-members to enjoy the same advantages and rates as our members.
In September, a Gold Star Costco membership cost $60, but now it costs $65 instead.
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.
Costco is credited.
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