‘Absolutely detest,’ says Costco member after falling foul to new policy that removes ‘choice’ for members

COSTCO continues to come under fire from disgruntled shoppers attacking the retailer over its membership policy.

For months, the wholesale giant has been trying to combat a minority of customers who are abusing its subscription program.

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Costco has implemented additional screenings at self-service stations and installed scanners at the entrances to its warehouses.

But the latter left customers divided.

Those who feel particularly aggrieved are those who say their relatives cannot buy goods because of the crackdown.

“I absolutely hate the new card scanners at entry!” Natalie Gunter posted on X.

“Horrible experience, please change your policy.”

Günther complained that selection seemed to have been excluded.

“If I want to send my child or a babysitter to bring me food, that's my membership,” she explained.

“I should be allowed to do that.”

Costco did not respond to the shopper's complaint.

Gunter isn't the only shopper to share his anger.

Shoppers have complained about a wide range of issues with the latest campaign.

Some have compared the action to the dystopian novel The Handmaid's Tale.

One shopper was forced to prove her identity because her membership card did not have a photo.

Costco members have been warned they may be subject to an identity check.

However, the wholesaler recommended shoppers go to the membership desk inside the store to take a photo.

Other angry shoppers believe they are being treated like criminals.

Not all shoppers were critical of the membership policy change.

Some claimed the entry process was quick, while others wondered what the anger was about.

“I really don't understand the big deal. The machine that scans the membership card is really no different than the person you send the card to,” one customer wrote on social media.

Scanners are just one tool that company leaders have turned to in an attempt to prevent users from sharing memberships.

Richard Galanti, Costco's former chief financial officer, 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 might want to correct,” he added.

Meanwhile, Costco self-checkout users were also required to show ID when using the machines.