A COSTCO shopper has criticized the chain's crackdown on membership sharing, claiming they feel harassed.
The customer lamented the number of checks he had to make on a normal trip to the store.
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In recent months, Costco bosses have taken a similar approach to platforms like Netflix, cracking down on non-members who enjoy the content. benefits As subscribers.
The machines are installed in front of the Costco warehouse entrance, and shoppers must show their cards at checkout.
This is in addition to receipt checks, which are tools that verify shoppers' purchases.
But the retailer's approach has drawn scrutiny and left some feeling aggrieved.
“I'm starting to get harassed when I go to Costco,” one person posted on X.
They then list the three inspections they made in one trip to the wholesaler.
“Scan card during entry, show card at self/regular checkout and then it's looked up (sorry, show receipt) at checkout,” they said.
The shopper, an executive member, revealed that he would be canceling his subscription.
Executive membership is Costco's premium subscription costs $130.
Shoppers pay $65 to cover the membership fee and then another $65 to upgrade their subscription.
One benefit is that membership is valid at all locations.
Shoppers can enjoy perks on the items they purchase as well as additional benefits on Costco Travel products.
Alternatively, shoppers can pay for a Costco Gold Star membership, which costs $65.
Costco made headlines earlier this year when it was reported that the price of membership would rise.
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.”
Basic membership increased to $65 from $60.
The small rise in prices represents the first rise in seven years.
This year, Costco made changes to its checkout and entrance procedures.
Some self-checkout users were forced to show photo ID in addition to their membership cards.
Shoppers are required to place their cards under the scanner before entering the warehouses.
However, members with an old membership card are subject to additional checks.
The US Sun reported how Costco shoppers felt aggrieved when they had to show their driver's license as proof of identity.
But research analysts believe the crackdown may lead to an uptick in membership.
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