Costco Rules

I have written before about things members should not do (Please don’t…(Part 1 of 4)); (Please don’t…(Part 2 of 4)); (Please don’t…(Part 3 of 4)); (Please don’t…(Part 4 of 4)); (Please Don’t…(extra post))) and a few things that actually could lead to members getting their memberships revoked (And Don’t Come Back!…Banned from Costco). I came across a list of rules for members. Some are repeats and others are new to me. I figured I’d share them so that people do not get banned!

1. Respect the Return Policy

Costco has a very generous return policy. Members don’t need receipts (Costco has an electronic record attached to the membership) to make returns and are even permitted to return partially eaten foods if they do not finish before the expiration date. However, there are limits and if members take advantage of the generous return policy (e.g., repeatedly buying hot tubs in the Spring and returning them in the Fall), they risk losing their nemberships.

I have written many times about the return policy ((Returning at Costco); (Ridiculous Returns)), saying that it may even be too generous (Maybe they are too generous…). I am relieved to know that there are limits. It bothers me when people take advantage of a store’s generosity. I still think that people should only return food if it is not up to its usual standard (e.g., opening yogurt and seeing mold) vs just not liking something one tried for the first time. 

2. Use Acceptable Payment Methods

Costco is selective about the types of payment it accepts. The only payment options are Visa-backed card, cash and Apple Pay.

Costco will not accept other forms of payment. It is more efficient to know the accepted types of payment and he prepared.

3. Know that Only Membership Holders Can Make Purchases

In order to buy items, the payment must be in the member’s name (e.g., checks; debit cards). The reasons for this rule are that it reduces the likelihood of people trying to share memberships and protects Costco from  credit card fraud, theft, and disputed charges.

This rule seems quite straightforward. If another person wants to “treat” someone to the purchases, they can always settle up outside of the store. 

4. Don’t Share Your Membership With Others

Only members are permitted to use their Costco cards. The company has become stricter on this policy over the past several years. To reduce the sharing of the membership cards, employees may ask to see the membership cards. Costco does not allow members to share cards because the membership fees are the main source of profit (Increase in membership fees). The article notes that many members have complained about this policy when it means that members of the same household or employees of the same business are unable to benefit from the membership.

I agree with the importance of limiting membership sharing. However, I also agree that there should be room for flexibility with him families (or businesses). I actually recently encountered the increased strictness in the Optical Department. Three people (a married couple with a shared membership) and their daughter were trying to buy glasses for the daughter. Although they had always bought glasses and contacts for her, despite her not being an official member, they were told that it was no longer allowed. In order to buy from the department, she would also have to be a member. I was curious about this new stricter policy and did some research. Apparently it is a policy that is being increasingly enforced and might vary by store and employee. Although I can understand that Costco wants to limit the sharing. However, will they also try to limit who can eat the food a member buys? Or who can use the towels?

5. Have Your Membership Card (Or at Least a  Photo ID)

Shoppers are required to prove that they are members by showing a photo ID. The photos also prevent cards from being stolen and used by others. 

I can’t see anyone arguing with this rule. 

6. Expect to Show Your Membership Card Several Times

Given the importance of only members being able to take advantage of shopping at the store, they have to prove membership. In general, cards are required upon entry to the store, prior to checking out (even by self-checkout), and at the food court.

Again, given that membership is required for use of the store, people should expect to show proof of membership.

7. Only Service Animals are Allowed

The only animals allowed in Costco are service animals (but not therapy or emotional support animals). Employees are permitted to ask members whether animals are service animals. All policies regarding service animals are consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Other animals are not permitted in the store due to other members potentially being uncomfortable and food safety concerns.

I didn’t realize that there was a distinction between service animals and therapy animals. The article does state that animals trained to alert their owners to immediate psychiatric emergencies are service animals. So, I guess I am just not sure of the specific distinctions. I like this policy as I don’t think pets belong in most stores. 

8. Respect the Membership Cancellation Policy

Joining Costco is a no-risk purchase. Members can return the membership at any time and even receive a refund for the entire amount, regardless of how long they have had it (e.g., two months; 11 months). However, if buying a membership only to have it refunded when the year is almost up becomes a pattern (i.e., getting free membership), Costco will not allow these people to purchase any more memberships. 

I like the ability to join Costco and cancel when before the year is up if someone decides the purchase was not a good one. Given the return policy at Costco, I should be, but I am a little surprised that the entire fee is refunded rather than being prorated. The idea of people repeatedly buying and returning memberships in order to get out of the fee is troubling and I certainly hope it is a rare occurrence and that the policy of not allowing it is enforced.

9. Expect to Have Your Receipt Checked

Some members may become frustrated by having to wait for the receipt check or view it as a sign of mistrust. However, although one reason for the check is to prevent theft, other reasons are for the benefit of the member. Receipt checkers look for double charges and missed Buy One Get One Free Deals. 

I have no problem showing the receipt and appreciate the importance.

10. Don’t Try to Use Coupons

Members should be aware of the unique aspects of Costco, one of which is that the company does not accept coupons. The prices at Costco are low, often due to the company making deals with manufacturers. Trying to use additional coupons slows down the checkout line, reducing the efficiency of the process.

Certainly trying to use a coupon at Costco is not a terrible offense. However, given how crowded the store can get, the fewer delays, the better.

11. Read the Fine Print Because it Includes Caveats Typical to Other Stores

Despite the unique company model, Costco also has many policies consistent with those of more traditional stores (e.g., no alcohol sold to minors; no firearms).

Not much to add here.

12. Harassment and Discrimination are Not Permitted 

Costco does not have official rules regarding what will happen to members who violate harassment and discrimination policies. However, the company has banned members who have engaged in violations (e.g., violence; taking photos of members; harassment). 

Again, seems fair and straightforward.

13. Obey the Dress Code

Costco requires members to wear shirts and shoes. 

My only question here is why only these two pieces of attire? What about pants/skirts???

Are any of these rules a surprise to you? Do they seem reasonable?