COSTCO continues to come under fire by disgruntled shoppers who lash out at the retailer over its membership policy.
For months, the wholesale giant has been trying to combat a minority of customers who abuse their subscription program.
Costco is cracking down on shoppers who share their membership cardsGetty Shoppers now have to scan their cardsGettyCostco has rolled out additional checks at the self-service stations and installed scanners at the entrances of its warehouses.
But the latter has left customers divided.
Those feeling particularly aggrieved are those who say relatives cannot buy items because of the crackdown.
“I absolutely detest the new card scanners on entry!” Natalie Gunther posted on X.
“Terrible experience, please change your policy.”
Gunther complained that it appeared choice had been taken away.
“If I want to send my child or babysitter to get food for me, it’s my membership,” she highlighted.
“I should be allowed to do so.”
Costco did not respond to the shopper’s grievance.
Gunther is not the only shopper who has shared their fury.
Shoppers have complained about a raft of issues relating to the recent crackdown.
Some have compared the measure to the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale.
One shopper was forced to prove her identity because her membership card had no photograph.
Costco members have been warned that they may be subject to ID checks.
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
However, the wholesaler has recommended shoppers should go to the in-store membership desk to have a picture taken.
Other furious shoppers believe they are being treated like criminals.
Not all shoppers have blasted the membership policy change.
Some have claimed the entry process has been quick, while others wondered what the fury was all about.
“I really don’t get the big deal. A machine that scans the membership card isn’t really any different than a person you flash the card to,” a customer wrote on social media.
The scanners are just one tool bosses have resorted to in a bid to stop users from sharing memberships.
Richard Galanti, the ex-chief financial officer of Costco, told The Wall Street Journal that only a small handful of shoppers shared their memberships.
“But when you’re dealing with millions of transactions, even a very small percentage is something you would want to correct,” he said.
Meanwhile, Costco self-checkout users have also been asked to show ID cards when using the machines.
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.”
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