A SAM'S Club shopper has urged the chain to change its membership policy due to the supposed impact it has on the store experience.
A Dallas customer warned that the policy will not be replicated at Costco.
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Sam's Club members receive a digital card when they join a wholesaler.
But one shopper was less impressed.
“Please return Sam’s physical card,” the shopper posted on X.
They claimed that the lack of a physical card makes the process “difficult.”
“Costco would never do that,” they said.
A Sam's Club representative thanked the disgruntled member for bringing the issue to their attention.
Sam's Club hasn't gotten rid of physical cards entirely.
Customers can still request a release after joining.
They must go to the customer service desk at their local warehouse.
However, shoppers must have a government ID card to hand and their membership number to be issued.
Sam's Club explained why it is reducing the issuance of physical cards.
“We're trying to reduce our footprint on the planet, and you can help,” they say.
Digital membership cards are located within the Sam's Club app.
Costco shoppers can use digital or physical membership cards to access warehouses.
Costco Membership Sharing Guidelines
Costco has strict membership usage rules that shoppers must follow, and they have been cracking down on violators in recent years.
- Use basic members: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. It is not allowed to be shared in purchases as the image on the card must match the person using it.
- Home card: Each Basic Member can add one free Home 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 a member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized card holderFor an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who does not reside at your address. They will get their own card and can shop independently.
Credit: Costco
Digital cards can be found within the app in the store.
But Costco recently rolled out a policy that affects some of its members more than others.
Shoppers will notice that scanners have been installed at store entrances.
Members must place their cards under the reader as part of the verification process.
An image of the shopper appears on a screen monitored by workers.
However, some shoppers have cards that do not contain a photo.
This means that they have to prove their identity by showing their type of ID.
The campaign angered some shoppers, who compared the measure to dystopian novels.
Meanwhile, others expressed anger at having to stand in the freezing cold waiting for customers to scan their membership cards.
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Costco Membership Scanners
Costco has unveiled membership scanners at its store entrances.
In August 2024, the retailer issued a statement about the scanners on its website.
“In the coming months, membership screening machines will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” she wrote.
“Once posted, before entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR code on the scanner.
“Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member to enter.
“If you have any questions or concerns, there will always be an attendant at the door to help you!
“If your membership is inactive, expired, or you would like to register for a new membership, an employee will ask you to stop at the membership counter before 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 take a photo to put on your card.”
