Costco controversy: What happens when you try to buy just one item?
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Wholesale shopping is a familiar routine for many, offering savings and surprises. But what happens when store policies create unexpected challenges?
A recent incident at Costco has sparked a lively debate about membership rules and how they impact shoppers.
In a tale that's become all too familiar in the age of social media, a viral video has captured the attention of millions.
The protagonist of our story is social media user Walter Van Bebber, who found himself in a modern-day David versus Goliath scenario—armed with nothing but his mother's Costco card (in photo form) and a desire to purchase a single item.
Walter's video, which has garnered over 470,000 views, depicts his frustration and disbelief as he recounts his experience.
He had successfully entered the store using a picture of his mom's premium Costco membership card, only to be stopped in his tracks at the checkout.
Despite his pleas and the apparent prestige of his mother's membership, the cashier, a second employee, and finally a manager all stood firm: no physical card, no purchase.
Costco's membership policy is clear: the card is non-transferable, and photocopies or pictures of the card are not acceptable substitutes.
Members can bring guests, but those guests cannot make purchases without the member present.
This policy is designed to protect the integrity of the membership system and ensure that the benefits are enjoyed by those who have paid for them.
However, as many commenters on Walter's video pointed out, there is a workaround.
Costco allows primary members to designate one other person in their household to share the membership benefits, complete with their own card.
This requires the primary member to update their account details and accompany the designated person to the store to receive their card.
The reactions to Walter's predicament were as varied as the items lining Costco's shelves.
Some sympathized with his frustration, sharing their own stories of membership mishaps.
“My mom was literally IN THE HOSPITAL and I was using her card and they stopped me ASKED FOR MY ID IN FRONT OF EVERYONE to make sure the last names were the same,” a different commenter recalled. “AND STILL KICKED ME O(U)T.”
Others offered advice, suggesting that Walter be added to his mother's membership.
“If [yo]ur mom has no one else on her card, have her add you so you can have [yo]ur own card under her membership! It is very unfortunate how strict we have to be now. I usually let people[‘]s children in if they are using their parents card.”
A few even took the opportunity to tout the virtues of Costco's competitor, Sam's Club, where the rules around card sharing are perceived to be more relaxed.
Source: vanbebski/TikTok
Have you ever encountered a similar situation at Costco or another store? How do you manage shared memberships within your family? Do you have any tips for making the most of your wholesale club experience? Share your tips and experiences with us in the comments below!
A recent incident at Costco has sparked a lively debate about membership rules and how they impact shoppers.
In a tale that's become all too familiar in the age of social media, a viral video has captured the attention of millions.
The protagonist of our story is social media user Walter Van Bebber, who found himself in a modern-day David versus Goliath scenario—armed with nothing but his mother's Costco card (in photo form) and a desire to purchase a single item.
Walter's video, which has garnered over 470,000 views, depicts his frustration and disbelief as he recounts his experience.
Costco's official policy is that membership cards are non-transferable. Image source: vanbebski/TikTok.
He had successfully entered the store using a picture of his mom's premium Costco membership card, only to be stopped in his tracks at the checkout.
Despite his pleas and the apparent prestige of his mother's membership, the cashier, a second employee, and finally a manager all stood firm: no physical card, no purchase.
Costco's membership policy is clear: the card is non-transferable, and photocopies or pictures of the card are not acceptable substitutes.
Members can bring guests, but those guests cannot make purchases without the member present.
This policy is designed to protect the integrity of the membership system and ensure that the benefits are enjoyed by those who have paid for them.
However, as many commenters on Walter's video pointed out, there is a workaround.
Costco allows primary members to designate one other person in their household to share the membership benefits, complete with their own card.
This requires the primary member to update their account details and accompany the designated person to the store to receive their card.
The reactions to Walter's predicament were as varied as the items lining Costco's shelves.
Some sympathized with his frustration, sharing their own stories of membership mishaps.
“My mom was literally IN THE HOSPITAL and I was using her card and they stopped me ASKED FOR MY ID IN FRONT OF EVERYONE to make sure the last names were the same,” a different commenter recalled. “AND STILL KICKED ME O(U)T.”
Others offered advice, suggesting that Walter be added to his mother's membership.
“If [yo]ur mom has no one else on her card, have her add you so you can have [yo]ur own card under her membership! It is very unfortunate how strict we have to be now. I usually let people[‘]s children in if they are using their parents card.”
A few even took the opportunity to tout the virtues of Costco's competitor, Sam's Club, where the rules around card sharing are perceived to be more relaxed.
Source: vanbebski/TikTok
