Costco announces major change as they crack down on membership sharing

Costco is once again cracking down on people using their stores without a membership.

This time, the big-box retailer hopes to intervene before the customer even steps foot into the store.

Previously, customers flashed their membership cards to an employee as they walked into the store, and when they checked out they presented their card again to the cashier.

As of last year if you utilized the store’s self-checkout customers had to present a photo ID to an employee to confirm their identity. The change in policy was the result of non-members using cards that didn’t belong to them.

According to store policy, only members are permitted to purchase items at Costco, however they are permitted to bring two guests with them into the store.

“We don’t feel it’s right that non-members receive the same benefits and pricing as our members,” Costco said at the time.

In a recent statement, Costco announced they would be phasing in “membership scanning devices” at the entrances of their warehouses in the coming months.

Customers will be directed to scan their physical or digital membership card in order to enter. Guests must be accompanied by a member in order to enter the warehouse.

The retailer stated that if your card is inactive, expired, or you would like to sign up for a new membership, an employee stationed at the entrance will direct you to the membership counter.

Members who do not have a photo on their cards are encouraged to visit the membership counter to have a photo taken for their card, otherwise a photo ID will also be required to enter the store.

What do you think about this new rule? Is it overkill or do you think it’s fair?

Let us know your thoughts.

READ MORE: