A SAM’S Club shopper has urged the chain to switch up its membership policy over the supposed impact it has on the in-store experience.
The customer of Dallas warned the policy wouldn’t be replicated at Costco.
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Sam’s Club members receive a digital card when they join the wholesaler.
But, one shopper was less than impressed.
“We beg of you to bring back an actual Sam’s card,” the shopper posted on X.
They claimed that the lack of a physical card makes the process “difficult.”
“Costco would never,” they said.
A Sam’s Club representative thanked the disgruntled member for bringing the issue to their attention.
Sam’s Club has not eliminated physical cards entirely.
Customers can still request a version after joining.
They must go to the customer service desk at their local warehouse.
However, shoppers must have a government ID to hand in and their membership number for one to be issued.
Sam’s Club has explained why it is cutting back on issuing physical cards.
“We’re trying to reduce our footprint on the planet, and you can help,” they say.
Digital membership cards are located within the Sam’s Club app.
Costco shoppers can use digital or physical membership cards to access warehouses.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they’ve been cracking down on offenders in recent years.
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
Credit: Costco
Digital cards can be found within their in-store app.
But, Costco has recently rolled out a policy that affects some of its members more than others.
Shoppers will notice that scanners have been installed at store entrances.
Members must put their cards under a reader as part of a verification check.
A photo of the shopper appears on a screen that is being monitored by workers.
However, some shoppers have cards that do not have a picture on them.
This means they have to prove their identity by showing a type of ID card.
The crackdown has irked some shoppers, who have compared the measure to dystopian novels.
Meanwhile, others have fumed over having to stand in the freezing cold waiting for customers to scan their membership cards.
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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.”