COSTCO shoppers are finally getting what they’ve asked for as the retailer trials a new checkout process.
With members paying up to $130 a year to shop at the wholesaler, it hugely benefits the company to pay close attention to any complaints that could weaken business.
Costco’s checkout lines could soon look different as the wholesaler trials new technology after listening to customer complaints (stock)[/caption]
Costco is trialing Scan and Go technology which is already in use at several retailers including its major rival Sam’s Club[/caption]
For a long time shoppers have been begging for a self-checkout process like the one used by other major retailers, including Costco‘s rival Sam’s Club, which launched its version of the system in 2016.
Costco being slow off the blocks has even seen it lose business to companies already using the modern system.
“New to Costco as we just moved to a town with one, but I wish it had the same functionality of the Sam’s app where you can scan your items as you shop and pay in the app before leaving the store so you don’t have to wait in line to pay,” one shopper wrote on Reddit.
Fellow members delighted the shopper with the news that the wholesale retailer is already trialling what is known as ‘scan and go’ technology.
It allows shoppers to skip the checkout line by scanning products on their phones and checking out digitally.
“It would make it so much easier,” another Costco member added.
“As someone who has a Costco and a Sam’s membership, I’ll go to Sam’s when I need to get in and out quickly.”
“This feature comes up often,” a third added, highlighting how much shoppers have wanted to see the checkout change at Costco.
Some have been critical of the retailer’s apparent lack of innovation when it comes to technology.
“Their interface is stuck in the 80s,” one redditor said in a discussion about Costco’s website.
“Their whole website UI screams, ‘we don’t care, you will still buy from us,’” another chimed in.
The comments came as shoppers also demand a searchable purchase history online which then saw others again ask for Scan and Go.
While there is no news yet on changes to purchase history settings, Costco CEO Ron Vachris confirmed the Scan and Go trials during the third-quarter earnings call.
He said it has “been extremely successful in moving people through the lines and expediting transactions.”
“We’ve seen some very, very early results have been very positive and great adoption from our members, seeing that as well,” the exec added.
It is not known if or when the technology will be rolled out to all warehouses but reactions from shoppers that suggest an influx of memberships mean it could soon be on the way.
“We love it! It makes checkout so much faster,” one shopper wrote on Facebook.
“It’s the main reason I go to Sam’s Club and canceled my Costco membership years ago.
“About time they get into the 21st Century.”
“Wow. If they add scan and go I’ll renew my membership…if not sticking to Sam’s, I don’t have the patience for those ‘Disneyland’ lines,” another added.
Meanwhile, Costco’s CEO said it will continue to look at opportunities that boost the experience of its members including several new technology trials that will improve the speed and efficiency of checkouts.
Costco shoppers have lashed out at the retailer’s lack of updated technology (stock)[/caption]
