COSTCO shoppers continue to berate the retailer over its policies at warehouse entrances and checkouts.
Certain members have been left appalled by the measures brought in by chiefs at the wholesaler.
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One member labeled the retailer’s approach “pathetic,” according to an X thread.
“We’re being treated like f**ing criminals,” they hurled in their tirade.
The furious shopper claimed members are being harassed and described the measures as “unnecessary.”
They hurled another jibe at Costco by referring to its rival Sam’s Club.
“Sam’s Club don’t carry out none of this shady business practices and unnecessary policing,” they claimed.
Some Costco shoppers have even threatened to boycott the retailer as a result of its policies.
“Sam’s Club is now getting the bulk of my business this year,” another customer claimed.
“They rock with their scan and go app.”
They also accused Costco of treating its customers like criminals.
Costco shoppers have urged the retailer to provide explanations over its policies.
Shoppers have to put their membership card under a machine before stepping foot into a warehouse.
Previously, customers could just show their membership cards to a worker.
However, not all membership cards have photographs on them.
Costco has warned that some members may have to show proof of ID.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they’ve been cracking down on offenders in recent years.
- 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.
Credit: Costco
Not all shoppers are mortified or appalled by the policy switch.
“ I dunno why people are up in arms about this,” one shopper claimed on Reddit.
Shoppers have claimed the process of scanning a card is “quick and easy.”
Others tried to explain the benefits of the membership crackdown.
“This rollout will actually help solve a ton of issues Costco currently faces,” another pointed out.
“This will make it clear that only members can shop.”
Last year, Costco announced it was enforcing a rule where self-checkout users must show a form of ID.
Bosses cracked down on suspected non-members taking advantage of the retailer’s perks.
The two policies are part of an effort to combat membership sharing.
Execs at Netflix and Disney also try to stop its users sharing accounts.
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 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
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 Walmart+ here
