SEVERAL Costco shoppers were blocked from paying at checkout, leaving them furious about the retailer’s policies.
The wholesale retailer is famous for having a strict members-only policy, meaning only those who pay an annual subscription can access exclusive offers online and in-store.
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However, the privilege comes with a series of rules, including compliance with receipt checks when leaving stores.
While most Costco shoppers have no problems with these checks, a recurring issue is causing frustration as it leaves customers unable to pay.
“No way @Costco actually turned me down because I wanted to pay but my name wasn’t on the membership card,” user X Liz @onewthesun he wrote on the social media platform.
“Sorry for coming alone, without my partner. Thanks for wasting my time.
“I think there are more important things to worry about than who is paying for the merchandise.”
Other shoppers shared similar experiences on the X.
“Recently I was in a fck Costco mood because at the register Devon moved away (3 feet) to deal with Niko so I went to pay and they stopped me!” a mother explained.
“I said I couldn’t pay because my name wasn’t on the membership card, even though Dev was RIGHT there and was his CC.”
“Costco has been annoying me lately. Now it’s not enough to show your card, you need to show your photo too!? he wrote.
‘So I take the money and I can’t use my Costco money for my membership renewal because it’s in my husband’s name when we have the SAME membership!!!!
While many shoppers are frustrated by the rules, Costco’s membership guidelines detail how members should act if they want to avoid the checkout hassle.
There are two options available to members and one is strictly for those in situations similar to those detailed by frustrated X users.
Costco offers members an additional domestic card along with their membership card.
This means that each primary member, the person who pays for and owns the membership, can get another card for another member of their household if they are over 16.
Costco Member Crackdown
Earlier this year, Costco began cracking down on members who shared their cards with non-paying guests.
To solve the problem, the retailer began testing a new system that introduced card scanners at store entrances.
This forces members to scan their IDs and verify who they are when entering the warehouse.
The new system began testing in January at a warehouse near Costco’s headquarters in Issaquah, Washington.
Similar checks have been implemented at self-checkouts and manned registrations.
“Our membership policy states that our membership cards are not transferable, and since expanding our self-service checkout, we have noticed that non-member shoppers have been using membership cards that do not belong to them,” Costco said in a statement.
“We don’t think it’s right for non-members to receive the same benefits and prices as our members.”
“Prime and Affiliate members receive an additional card for a designated member of their household who is 16+ and lives at the same address,” Costco States.
“Upon receiving the membership card, the designated resident must prove that they live at the same address as the Main or Affiliate Member and must have their photo taken and added to the card.”
Essentially, this household will have its own membership card with name and photograph so that it can be identified in the store, thus avoiding the problems faced by X users.
However, for those who do not live together, there is another option.
Costco members can bring up to two guests with them with the same membership card.
However, “only Costco members may purchase items,” the rules state.
Meanwhile, Sam’s Club customers were furious about a major change in membership policy.
At the same time, Sam’s Club is also seeing a backlash to its anti-theft measures.
Costco Membership Sharing Guidelines
Costco has strict rules for subscription usage that shoppers must follow and has been cracking down on violators in recent years.
- Core Member Usage: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. It is not allowed to share it for purchases, as the photo on the card must correspond to the person using it.
- Domestic Card: Each Prime Member can add one free Household Cardholder who lives at the same address. That person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per Costco visit. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by a member.
- Authorized cardholder: For 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 receive their own card and will be able to make purchases independently.
Credit: Costco
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
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