COSTCO has bene mocked online after shoppers called out the retailer for copying a rival’s checkout method.
Shoppers believe Costco has been put “over a barrel” after replicating another major retailer’s checkout policy.
Costco has bene mocked online after shoppers called out the retailer for copying a rival’s checkout method[/caption]
It was revealed that at least one Costco in the US is making customers scan their membership cards upon entry.
This is not something Costco has normally done, and has caught shoppers by surprise.
It could have been implemented for a number of reasons, such as Costco needing to make sure only certain customers are making use of the membership deals.
But for whatever reason, it sparked a discussion on social media.
One shopper believes Costco‘s move is in direct response to the changes being made at rival Sam’s Club.
The initial post on X from Sunday said: “The Costco in my town is now making everyone scan their membership card upon entry.”
“Is everyone else’s Costco all of a sudden doing this?”
In the comments, others confirmed that this had already been made policy at their local Costco stores.
Some claimed the switch had been made years ago, while others said it had only been a matter of months.
As far as explanations as to why, a Costco customer suggested in the thread: “Yes this is normal. Apparently there’s a disproportionate amount of people who shop, get to the front, and either not have a membership or their membership is expired.
“Screening at the entrance reduces/eliminates this and keeps the lines shorter and moving faster for members.
“It’s a win/win for everyone.”
MORE COMPLAINTS
Costco‘s membership policy has raised more eyebrows recently from shoppers questioning the checks to begin with.
Again on X, a shopper slammed Costco for how strict it is when checking membership cards.
Costco’s membership scanners
Costco has unveiled membership scanners at its store entrances.
In August 2024, the retailer released a statement about the scanners on its website.
“Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse,” it wrote.
“Once deployed, prior to entering, all members must scan their physical or digital membership card by placing the barcode or QR Code against the scanner.
“Guests must also be accompanied by a valid member for entry.
“If you have any questions or concerns, there will always be an attendant at the door to assist you!
“If your membership is inactive, expired, or you would like to sign up for a new membership, the attendant will ask that you stop by the membership counter prior to 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 have a photo taken to have on your card.”
It got so bad the shopper said he “hates” Costco and said it’s “worse than the TSA”.
The June 7 complaint said: “These days Costco is worse than TSA.
“They card me when I get in, card me at a checkout, then assume I’m a thief trying to leave. I hate that place.”
ANOTHER EXPLANATION
But that wasn’t the only suggestion as to why Costco is rolling out this membership card policy.
Another customer suggested it is happening because Sam’s Club checkout changes are forcing others to make changes.
The comment theorized: “@SamsClub has @Costco over a barrel with their Scan & Go app feature and AI cameras for quick checking out.”
Sam’s Club has been making sweeping changes with its self-checkout policy, scrapping it in favor of Scan & Go.
The US Sun reported on the announcement back in April, as the CEO Chris Nicholas looks to the future.
He said: “We’re investing with intention — in our fleet, our associates and the member experience — to become the world’s best club retailer.
“We are not limited by our physicality — we are enabled by it.
“Our omnichannel model creates more opportunities to engage with members where they are, and how they want to shop.”
The Scan & Go feature forces shoppers to scan items themselves as they go round the store and then pay for them through the app.
You will then go through an AI scanner to check everything has been paid for.
It has not been confirmed if Costco’s membership scan policy is in direct response to Sam’s Club‘s changes.
However, Sam’s Club‘s major changes to its shopping experience could encourage others like Costco to keep pace with rivals in the industry.
The US Sun has reached out to Costco for comment.
Another customer suggested it is happening because Sam’s Club checkout changes are forcing others to make changes[/caption]
