Attention all Costco shoppers! The days of sneaking into the warehouse with a borrowed membership card are officially coming to an end. In a move to tighten up security, Costco Wholesale has announced a new policy that will require all shoppers to scan their membership card before entry. No more flashing your card to a friendly attendant – it’s time to step up your Costco game.
Here are the key points you need to know about the new changes at Costco:
– Shoppers must scan their membership card or Costco ID before entering any location. Simply showing your card to an attendant won’t cut it anymore.
– Photo ID may also be required, so make sure you have it handy when you visit.
– Guests must be accompanied by a valid membership holder, even in the food court.
– The scanners are expected to be installed in the coming months, with some locations in Ontario, B.C., and Alberta already rolling out the new system.
– Costco aims to speed up entry and checkout processes with the new scanners, eliminating the need to scan memberships at cash registers.
– The move comes as Costco reports an increase in shared membership cards since 2020, likely due to the pandemic.
Costco isn’t alone in cracking down on freeloaders. Just like Netflix and Disney+, Costco is taking steps to ensure that only paying customers have access to its services. If you’re a frequent Costco shopper, get ready for a slight uptick in your membership fees next month. But with US$4.6 billion in revenue from membership fees last year, it’s clear that Costco values its loyal members.
As companies tighten the reins on access and privileges, it’s a reminder to stay honest and support the businesses we love. So next time you scan your Costco membership card, remember the value you receive in return. Membership has its privileges, after all.
