COSTCO continues to come under fire from furious customers who lash out at the chain’s membership policy.
Shoppers claim they feel harassed while suggesting company chiefs should take an alternative course of action.
Costco is cracking down on shoppers who don’t have a subscriptionAlamy
Costco has been heavily criticized by shoppers who claim they’ve had to show ID cards while at the checkout to prove who they are.
Customers now have to scan their membership cards before stepping foot in warehouses.
Previously, shoppers just had to show their cards to a worker.
The extra inspections have aggrieved customers.
“This goddamn harassment of customers has to stop,” one ranted on X.
In their tirade, the furious member urged bosses to “get rid” of the scanners and ditch the new checkout policy.
“There was nothing goddamn wrong with the old system, and I demand the change back!!!!!!!” they said.
The recent crackdown is part of a strategy to ensure non-members don’t enjoy the same perks as subscribers.
Store workers now ask shoppers to show a photo ID card on top of their membership card at self-checkouts.
“We don’t feel it’s right that nonmembers receive the same benefits and pricing as our members,” a spokesperson said.
Costco representatives revealed they had seen a number of non-members use cards that do not belong to them.
The extra check only applies to shoppers who don’t have a photograph on their membership cards.
The crackdown has left some shoppers bewildered at having to prove their identity – despite being on the wholesaler’s books.
Customers have complained about how the policy appears to be enforced.
Costco’s membership scanners
Costco has unveiled membership scanners at its store entrances.
In August 2024, the retailer released a statement about the scanners on its website.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” it wrote.
“Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner.
“Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member for entry.
“If you have any questions or concerns, there will always be an attendant at the door to assist you!
“If your membership is inactive, expired, or you would like to sign up for a new membership, the attendant will ask that you stop by the membership counter prior to entering the warehouse to shop.
“Additionally, if your membership card does not have a photo, please be prepared to show your valid photo ID.
“We encourage you to stop by the membership counter to have a photo taken to have on your card.”
Costco shoppers have also criticized the chain for rolling out membership scanners.
Members put their cards under a reader, and a photograph of them appears on the screen.
And those who do not have a membership card that contains a photograph have to show some form of ID.
Again, customers feel they’re being treated like thieves, while others have compared the policy to a dystopian book.
Shoppers have said they would go to rivals such as Sam’s Club as a result of the policy.
Richard Galanti, formerly the chain’s CEO, doubled-down on the policy, revealing the scanners speed up the process at entry.
Members have slammed how they believe they’re being treatedGetty
Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers
Here is a breakdown of the store cards on offer to customers from various retailers and their benefits
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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
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
Target:
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
https://www.the-sun.com/money/13004939/costco-membership-crackdown-shoppers-fury/