Costco’s membership policy makes shopper feel ‘like a thief’ – worker’s ‘3 word-reply’ added fuel to the fire
A new guideline being implemented at locations across the country has angered members, who continue to complain COSTCO.
Some members have taken issue with the idea to install scanners at store entrances.
The machines have been installed in warehouses by Costcochiefs in recent months, and customers are required to place their cards beneath a reader.
After that, a picture is displayed on a screen, and an employee is there to confirm that the cardholder is the same person.
However, some subscribers have been subject to additional identity checks because not all membership cards have images.
And some customers are upset about this.
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The fact that she needed to provide additional evidence before becoming enraged over a worker’s purported response made one customer furious.
Additional identity checks were performed on Barbara Berendt, a Costco member since the early 2000s, whenever she visited a warehouse.
Her 2003 card lacked a photo, so she had to present her driver’s license.
This rude individual remarked, “That’s on you,” after I stated, “I’m in a really big hurry,” she said on X.
She thought she was getting thieving treatment.
Those without a photo on their membership card may anticipate further checks, according to Costco.
Costco’s New Membership Policy: A ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ for Shoppers?
The business issued a statement inviting members to have their pictures taken for their cards.
One method of making sure non-Costco members do not benefit from the same benefits as subscribers is using scanners.
“This test aims to improve the member experience by matching members to their cards at the door before they shop,” a spokeswoman told USA Today.
The decision to place scanners at entrances was also praised by Costco executives.
Richard Galanti, the former CFO of Costco, told CNN that it expedites the admission and checkout processes.
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 current CEO, Ron Vachris, has likewise mentioned the advantages the business has experienced.
He disclosed that devices have proven to be helpful instruments for tracking store traffic.
“It provides our operators with daily traffic counts in real time. As a result, we can modify front-end lines that we must open and close in response to business variations,” he stated during an earnings call.
Brands like Netflix, who are likewise cracking down on non-subscribers taking advantage of membership benefits, have been compared to Costco.
According to Fox Business, Morgan Stanley experts think the regulation may increase the wholesaler’s membership numbers.
This is in spite of the doubts expressed by certain consumers on open discussion boards.
Members expressed their concerns on Reddit about the policy’s potential to result in long queues at entrances.
Costco executives declared earlier this year that membership fees had gone up.
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Instead of $60, a regular membership now costs $65.
The price rise was the first one the business has experienced in seven years.
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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