‘Avoid it like the plague,’ says ex-Costco fan – membership comes with huge issue ‘company can fix but chooses not to’
SHOPPERS are urging others to avoid joining Costco, claiming there is a huge issue with how customers can manage their memberships.
Unlike major retailers like Walmart and Kroger, Costco operates on a membership-basis, giving huge deals and savings to customers at the cost of an annual subscription.
GettyFormer Costco shoppers are calling on others not to join the wholesale’s membership program[/caption]
GettyOne shopper claimed the company makes it extremely difficult to cancel a costly membership[/caption]
The basic Gold Star membership package costs $60 a year and allows customers to shop at all Costco stores and online.
The Executive membership is priced at $120 annually, offering a yearly 2% reward and additional discounts and benefits.
Both memberships also features well-loved perks like Costco’s lenient return policy.
There are strict rules shoppers must follow when becoming a member, such as never sharing their membership card with others for use.
They are also barred from bringing more than two guests in per visit.
Despite the perks, one former Costco member has blasted the company over the program.
They took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to accuse Costco of having a complicated cancellation process.
“AVOID @Costco like the plague,” the shopper said.
“They refuse to provide clear & easy options to cancel membership on their website or via phone.”
The shopper called on the Federal Trade Commission to address the issue, while claiming Costco leadership could make the process smoother for members looking to cancel their subscription.
“CEO Ron Vachris could fix this, but chooses not to,” they claimed.
On its website, Costco details two main ways shoppers can cancel their membership:
Speaking with an employee at an warehouse membership counter to receive “an immediate refund”
Calling the Member Services Center at 1-800-774-2678
It is not the only complaint Costco has received about its membership program in recent months.
However, other frustrations have been primarily focused on store employees checking shoppers membership cards.
Alternatives to Costco
Costco isn't the only big box retailer to offer membership programs:
Sam’s Club:
Club Membership: $50 per year, bonus offers, same-day delivery, instant savings, Sam’s Club Mastercard, members-only fuel savings, tire and battery center, complimentary membership, and add-on memberships.
Plus Membership: $110 per year, all benefits of Club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and pharmacy and optical savings.
Sign up for Sam’s Club Membership here
Target:
Target Circle: A free-to-join reward program allowing users to earn 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards when an eligible purchase is made, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps out your community.
Target Circle Card: A credit, debit, or reloadable account card that gives users 5% off in-store and online as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping, and an additional 30-day returns window. Formerly Target RedCard.
Sign up for Target Circle here
Walmart:
Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto car, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and go in-store, and early access to deals and product releases.
Sign up for Walmart+ here
As part of its membership policy, all customers agree with showing their membership card when entering the store and when checking out.
In June 2023, CEO Richard Galanti revealed the wholesaler would be cracking down on membership verification – indicating there would be an increase of ID checks in stores.
“When you’re dealing with millions of transactions, even a very small percentage is something you would want to correct,” Galanti told The Wall Street Journal at the time.
Since then, some shoppers revealed they were also asked to show a photo ID along with the card when using the self-checkout machines.
“Why is it new that Costco is starting to ask for your membership cards & photo ID’s at self-checkouts now, our photo is literally on the back of our membership cards,” one shopper said on X.
“Checking my photo id in the self checkout is new. And it’s all pretty off putting,” another added.
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