COSTCO customers are outraged over the store’s new membership card readers that deny non-members access.
The retailer recently announced that it would require its members to scan their cards when entering the store, a change that did not go down well with customers.
2
2
Under an X-post about the change, buyers express their anger at the company.
“So annoying and inconvenient,” wrote one customer.
“Find a better way.”
Others joked that this new system would make it impossible to get into the store.
“Getting to Costco is harder than voting,” wrote one X user.
“Soon you will have to scan your right hand or your forehead,” predicted another person.
The change is intended to help customers, according to the wholesaler.
“In the coming months, membership scanning devices will be deployed at the front door of your local warehouse,” Costco explained.
“Once deployed, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by holding the barcode or QR code to the scanner before entering.”
The company wrote last year that it “does not believe it is right for non-members to receive the same benefits and pricing as our members.”
In front of the membership scanners, customers only had to show their membership card to an employee.
Jay Zagorsky, a professor at Boston University’s School of Business, told ABC 7 that the chain is trying to increase the value of its memberships.
“They sold $4.6 billion worth of memberships last year, so their goal is to make sure membership is valuable,” Zagorsky said.
“They don’t really make money from purchases, they make money from memberships.”
Customers have already noticed that the new machines are causing traffic jams in their local stores.
Costco’s member scanner
Costco has introduced membership scanners at its store entrances.
In August 2024, the retailer published a statement about the scanners on its website.
“In the coming months, member scanning devices will be deployed at the front door of your local camp,” it says.
“Once deployed, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by holding the barcode or QR code to the scanner before entering.
“Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member to gain entry.
“If you have any questions or concerns, a member of staff will be happy to assist you at the door at any time!
“If your membership is inactive or expired, or you would like to purchase a new membership, the employee will ask you to stop by the membership counter before entering the warehouse to shop.
“If your membership card does not have a photo, please also have your valid photo ID ready.
“We recommend that you stop by the membership desk and have a photo taken for your card.”
“People are slow to come in,” a Costco customer told ABC 7.
“If everyone has to scan, they have to wait for the next person. It is no longer enough to simply show a card.”
Some shoppers said these changes would make people less likely to visit the retailer.
“This is one way to get rid of people,” said one customer.
Guests wishing to enter the store must now be accompanied by a member, and guests with inactive or expired memberships must approach a member desk for assistance before opening the door.
Anyone who does not have a photo on the card must show a photo ID to prove their membership.
Costco Membership Sharing Policy
Costco has strict rules for shoppers to follow when using its membership and has cracked down on violations in recent years.
- Primary member use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing the card for purchases is not allowed because the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household card: Each primary member can add a free household cardholder who lives at the same address. That person will receive their own membership card and can shop independently at Costco.
- Guest policies: Members can bring up to two guests 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 does not live at your address. This person will receive their own card and can make purchases independently.
Photo credit: Costco
