COSTCO shoppers are baffled at a recent change to the store’s membership policy – as they feel crackdown doesn’t make sense.
A confused customer used the social media platform X to share their thoughts on the chain’s development.
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They claimed that presence on the doors to check membership has doubled up, and they don’t understand why.
The post from January 31 said: “Costco has always had employees at the door checking membership.
“Now they have scanners AND employees at the door to tell you how to scan your membership.
“What ever is the point of both?!?!”
It is unclear if this is a store-wide policy, or just limited to this one store in particular, the location of which is not known.
Previously, Costco has mainly used membership scanners to check it’s customers’ cards, but this post claims that this is not the case anymore.
In August 2024, the website said: “Over the coming months, membership scanning devices will be used at the entrance door of your local warehouse.
“If you have any questions or concerns, there will always be an attendant at the door to assist you!”
This statement suggests that Costco has been placing staff at the door to help for several months now.
Costco has not yet responded directly to the post online.
CUSTOMERS BEG FOR CHANGE
Costco’s members have also begged for a change to the warehouse’s checkout policy, The US Sun reports.
The store doesn’t have its own form of scan and go, which is slowing up shoppers trying to leave with their items.
The checkout tool is a feature in Walmart and Sam’s Club locations across the country.
And, shoppers have pleaded with Costco chiefs to roll out the platform.
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.”
“Your checkout process sucks,” one shopper said as they shared a picture of a snaking line on X.
“Get an app checkout like Sam’s Club.”
Another agreed with the shopper and said: “The checkout process could definite use an upgrade.
“An app checkout like Sam’s Club would make things way smoother and faster.
“Hopefully they’ll consider it.”
Sam’s Club members have revealed the checkout feature gives the store the upper hand.
“I’ve found Sam’s Club to be superior to Costco especially the checkout app,” another said.
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