‘What’s the purpose of this?’ Costco shopper asks as store ramps up ID checks – extra inspection sends her to the exit

COSTCO shoppers are tired of identification checks at the retail chain and are considering canceling their memberships.

The retailer announced earlier this year that membership IDs must be scanned at the doors before entering the store.

This policy change has left shoppers confused and they have questioned whether this step is necessary.

"I still don't understand what's the need to show it when you enter, if everyone knows you can't purchase without a membership," one customer wrote under a post on Facebook.

Costco operates a membership-only system, so only shoppers who have already signed up may purchase items in the store.

One condition customers must agree to is to bring their membership card with them whenever they shop at the retail chain.

But people seem to be fed up with the constant identification checks.

Some have also questioned whether this policy is losing the chain business.

"What's the purpose of this?" another user wrote in a Facebook post.

"If members take extra family shopping they are making more money.

"I believe they only want certain people in their store," the shopper argued.

"I have a membership but I won't renew it if I have to get checked at the door then again at registers.

"They ain't that great," she declared.

The U.S. Sun has approached Costco for a comment.

This membership ID debate appears to be Costco's attempt to cut down on card sharing.

Some shoppers share their membership ID with friends and family, but this is against the retailer's policy.

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

Costco customers are tired of this crackdown.

"Yes, we really do need to see your membership card (or app) when you enter the warehouse. No, we are not going to hassle you," another user wrote.

"We're doomed," someone else wrote.

Frustrated shoppers are considering discontinuing their memberships due to the changes to Costco's policy.

Others are outraged at the rising prices at the retailer.

"Not worth continuing as a Costco member," one shopper concluded.