Costco launches new ‘game changing’ app feature to compare pricing but angry members claim it ‘never works’

COSTCO has quietly released a new game-changing feature on its mobile app that allows shoppers to see in-stock items in real-time.

While many are raving about Costco’s new addition, some angry members claim the feature never works.

Alamy

Getty Images

Costco

In June, Costco rolled out a new “search warehouse inventory” tool on its mobile app .

The new feature allows shoppers to see which items are in stock without calling their local store.

“In this release, app users get a redesigned Warehouse tab with a new Inventory on Hand search feature allowing members to search for inventory of products at the warehouse,” reads the iOS update message .

The tool is currently in Beta testing but can be found at the bottom of the app’s landing page between “account” and “cart.”

Since the roll-out, shoppers have raved about the convenient feature.

One customer said they use the app to compare prices when making their shopping list.

“I’m so excited the Costco app has an update where we can now search local inventory and see the actual in-store price on items!!!!” wrote one Facebook user.

“This is such a game changer on being able to compare pricing when I’m making my grocery list.”

One shared how to use it, writing, “Here’s a tip to help answer the question ‘I wonder if our Mt Juliet Costco has this item in stock right now?’

“On the app, click the Warehouse button on the bottom. Once you do, you should see the same as below. Then simply type in the Search Warehouse Inventory space.

“It helps TREMENDOUSLY if you have the item number instead of thinking of a keyword.”

NEVER WORKING

While some are happy about the new feature, others have claimed it doesn’t work correctly.

“Didn’t seem to work for me,” commented one user.

“Doesn’t work,” wrote another with a screenshot of their inventory search.

The customer looked up hot dogs and soda, and the app resulted in “No Match Found.”

COSTCO CHANGES

Costco has made a few changes over the last few months. Let's take a look at some of the company's adjustments:

• Costco cracked down on membership sharing with card scanners and ID checks at entrances.
  • Only the primary cardholder can use the Costco membership card
  • Members can bring two guests, but only the primary cardholder can make purchases
  • Each primary member can add one free household cardholder, however, they must live at the same address and will receive their own membership card to which they can independently shop at the warehouse
  • Costco offers shoppers to add an authorized cardholder for an additional fee
• The retailer has also hiked up its membership prices.
  • Gold Star Memberships increased from $60 to $65
  • Executive Memberships increased from $120 to $130
• Costco added their Warehouse Inventory tool, which allows customers to check if an item is in stock in real-time.

“I’ve never had any luck using the app. I tried in the store with help of an employee. She didn’t have any luck either,” wrote a third.

“GREAT new app feature, @Costco, but ‘search warehouse inventory’ makes me SO MAD,” wrote a fourth.

“Now I don’t even have to drive to the warehouse to see that you still haven’t restocked my favorite products!”

PRICE HIKE

In addition to the new inventory feature, Costco has also increased its membership prices .

On September 1, the warehouse giant raised the fees for Gold Star Membership from $60 to $65, while the Executive Membership increased from $120 to $130.

The changes came after Costco tried to crack down on membership sharing in stores with extensive ID checks and membership card scanners at store entrances.

Getty Images