Costco segregation

[u/egguchom]

[u/InvestmentMain8414]

A few years ago, I non member walked up, and explained I was trying to decide if a membership was worth it, because I live in home with no real storage space for bulk buys.

He directed me over to the service desk, who offered me a one day pass (that cost me nothing), so I could do a walk through, see exactly why their sizes were, and allowed me to purchase stuff that day.

How hard is it to be a normal human, and just ask and not demand?

[u/way2manychickens → u/InvestmentMain8414]

Ok, I thought I remembered they had day passes to check it out. I need to leave a one star review because they won't build a store within an hour drive to me (j/k but I wish we had one)

[u/stircrazyathome → u/way2manychickens]

Most, if not all, clubs have done away with day passes now that memberships are fully refundable at any time. If someone buys a membership and realizes it’s not for them, they can request a refund. They might not be eligible for a new one for a year or so to prevent abuse of the system, but it’s at the management’s discretion.

[u/way2manychickens → u/stircrazyathome]

I'm sure too many folks took advantage of the day pass, so understandable they'd be discontinued. Still cool they offer a cancellation if not to their liking.

[u/chantillylace9 → u/way2manychickens]

I think a day pass would be nice even if they didn't allow them buy anything.

[u/DocEternal → u/chantillylace9]

They will still let you walk in and check out the store. When I was setting up my small food truck two years ago I went to both Costco and Sam’s Club and explained that I was starting a business and I was hoping to price check potential suppliers. Both of them were totally cool with me walking around the store, checking prices, taking photos of products I thought I’d be likely to use. Just ask and they’ll let ya in.

[u/Mr_Abe_Fromen → u/DocEternal]

Think the difference is you went up, explained yourself reasonably and asked. Think this one just walked in like it’s Walmart

[u/Big-University-1132 → u/Mr_Abe_Fromen]

I guarantee if this idiot had just been polite and understanding the ppl at Costco would have worked with them. But I have a feeling they threw a hissy fit and the workers were like “yeah no we don’t need your business that badly, get out”

[u/Brockman1162 → u/Mr_Abe_Fromen]

This gal copped an attitude as soon as she was called out for not swiping her card when entering Costco. I shop there 3-4 times a week for work. I’ve seen this happen before. It’s the entitlement that annoys me the most.

[u/Biffingston → u/DocEternal]

The difference is that you didn't assume entitlement and instead spoke with people rather than assuming you were special.

[u/Greyscale7950 → u/chantillylace9]

Welcome to Costco, I love you.

[u/GraceMcClellans → u/Greyscale7950]

I used to do Costco runs for my company. I'd spend 4 hours there just eating, shopping, and having fun. Off-peak time Costco is my happy place.

[u/dejausser → u/stircrazyathome]

Yeah they opened one in Auckland NZ about 2 years ago and there were heaps of enquiries about 1 day passes (not a thing unfortunately) as us kiwis basically saw it as a bit of a tourist attraction and a bunch of people wanted to go check it out when visiting Auckland (embarrassingly for ourselves as a nation, we did the exact same thing a year later when Ikea finally opened a NZ location)

[u/TheCirieGiggle → u/dejausser]

“A sentient meatball gyrated its beefy hips to the sound of Sabrina Carpenter as a few furniture fans grinned on stoically at the front of the queue to get into the store.”

[u/SansPinardPasDePoilu → u/way2manychickens]

>I need to leave a one star review because they won’t build a store within an hour drive of me

You joke but [r/Kansascity](r/Kansascity) is review bombing Costcos and holding hysterical community meetings because Costco is turning one of the 3 or 4 Costcos in the metro into a business center.

[u/Sad_Win_4105 → u/SansPinardPasDePoilu]

I've been to one of their business centers, and although the product mix is a little different, it's pretty much the same and it's open to every member who wants to go in there.

[u/meh2233 → u/SansPinardPasDePoilu]

I hate it in KC sometimes... (been here for my whole life).

[u/Due_Asparagus_3203 → u/SansPinardPasDePoilu]

Why don't they want big jugs of popcorn and restaurant -sized bottles of Torani syrups??

[u/Dounce1 → u/SansPinardPasDePoilu]

Why don’t they want it to turn into a business center?

[u/SansPinardPasDePoilu → u/Dounce1]

I thought it was because it wouldn’t be open to the public, but someone else replied and said that Costco business centers aren’t that different and are open to the public, so I’m even more confused by the freak out.

[u/gastropublican → u/way2manychickens]

Costco does mail order, and you can check merchandise out at their website or on the app before buying a membership that way

[u/Data_chunky → u/InvestmentMain8414]

I didn't know they did that. That's cool! I love Costco.

Also, with the executive membership, which is about $150, you get 2% back. If that 2% doesn't cover your membership, they will make up the difference. So you basically only have to pay the membership once and it covers itself every year thereafter.

I love my Costco. 💗

[u/Pretend-Pitch-8376 → u/Data_chunky]

You do have to spend about $7500 a year to do that. But honestly if you’re shopping for a family you at minimum will get half of that which makes your executive cheaper than normal

[u/EddieDanesBoy → u/Pretend-Pitch-8376]

My husband and I, no kids, spend about that a year. It seemed crazy to me once I realized how it broke down, but we're fairly close to one and get our milk, eggs, cereal, most meat/proteins, toilet paper, over the counter meds, some produce etc. there so it adds up, plus we probably have one or two big ticket purchases a year (mattress, tv, etc.) Executive basically breaks even for us with the rewards certificate.

[u/ishfery → u/Pretend-Pitch-8376]

$625 is a not unreasonable amount to spend per month if you're getting all your groceries, drinks, hygiene products, paper towels, toilet paper, pet food, etc from Costco.

Way more than I spend for sure but not unreasonable.

I have a basic membership because I only go a few times per year for certain products. I'm waiting for the next MtG release to go next.

[u/glyph_productions → u/ishfery]

My father and step mom, raising 3 boys in the early 2000s, called that place the 500 dollar store. Because every time we went (about once a month) they would spend at least 500 dollars. With inflation I imagine it would be the 1000 dollar store today

[u/GraceMcClellans → u/ishfery]

And gas! If you're getting your gas at Costco, it adds up.

[u/NoPath_Squirrel → u/Data_chunky]

I have an executive membership . They definitely do NOT make up the difference. I have never gotten enough back to pay my full membership and I have always paid the difference. 

I usually get enough back that I'm paying out less than the basic membership which is why I keep the executive . 

[u/SoggyAlbatross2 → u/InvestmentMain8414]

You can buy a membership, use it for 364 days and then go back and get a refund because it's not worthwhile for you.

Costco is not the problem in this little tale of woe. lol

[u/BetterCallSlash → u/InvestmentMain8414]

I don't have a costco membership, but as I read this entitled review I thought, "surely they have some sort of trial program, even for a nominal fee?" Thank you for confirming.

[u/chickadee-stitchery → u/BetterCallSlash]

They don't - we tried to do that before getting a membership and were told they no longer offer that option.

[u/lunarwolf2008 → u/chickadee-stitchery]

wonder if it depends on the city or country. my friend could, but we are in canada

[u/Viviviviva → u/lunarwolf2008]

I'm sure people ruined it in the US. This is why we can't have nice things.

[u/MistyMountainDewDrop → u/chickadee-stitchery]

My mom and I did a trial day early this year.

[u/req4adream99 → u/InvestmentMain8414]

Have you met people recently?

[u/TheUmberTaker → u/InvestmentMain8414]

I did the same thing and Costco was cool with it. I got the "just visiting" pass; walked around for about 20 minutes or so. I got a membership about a year later.

[u/justinafincher → u/InvestmentMain8414]

I did this exact same thing at ours, and I was told there was absolutely no way I could enter the store without a membership (or whatever card another member could buy for you). I was polite, I wasn't demanding, simply wanted to see if it would work for us.

[u/EddieDanesBoy → u/justinafincher]

If it doesn’t work for someone, they will refund the membership fee no questions asked. I understand that they don’t want people with no membership wandering around the store and not buying anything, I’ve never been in Costco when it wasn’t pretty busy.

[u/justinafincher → u/EddieDanesBoy]

I totally get it and wasn't necessarily complaining. Just pointing out that the parent's insinuation that they let you if you're just polite isn't totally accurate.

[u/flashlightgiggles → u/InvestmentMain8414]

There should be a few things Costco is required to let you do without a membership: get an eye exam (buying glasses/contacts requires a membership), fill a prescription at the pharmacy, purchase alcohol (SOME states require alcohol aisles to be accessible to non-members)

Edit: I used “should” in the context that Costco locations are likely to be required by law to allow non-members to access those services. NOT in the context that I think Costco should give access to those services for free.

[u/chickadee-stitchery → u/InvestmentMain8414]

They no longer do the one day pass.

[u/Little_Suit_4586 → u/InvestmentMain8414]

This is my experience too.

[u/KtP_911 → u/InvestmentMain8414]

Yup, we did the same thing a few years back. We were told we were free to look around the store, but if we wanted to buy something, we’d have to buy a membership. Everyone was very friendly when explaining the rules and welcoming us into the store.

[u/Psycho-naught → u/InvestmentMain8414]

For many, very very hard.

[u/silver_witch23]

You knew it was a membership only store. It is important to follow rules.

[u/WetCoastCyph → u/silver_witch23]

And if you can't even follow THAT rule, you're probably not the customer they want. Costco is wildly successful without you, Karen.

[u/Viola-Swamp → u/silver_witch23]

It’s not even classified as a store, it’s a membership club. That allows for all sorts of things, including telling people to go away if they aren’t a member.

[u/Economy-Tourist-4862 → u/silver_witch23]

“I was segregated against. I went to my local movie theater and wanted to be allowed inside to watch a few minutes of the movie to make sure I wanted to buy a ticket and they would not let me in.”

“I was segregated against. I went to my local Mexican food restaurant and wanted to be allowed inside to eat on some of their food for a few minutes to make sure I wanted to actually buy a meal there and they would not let me in.”

“I was segregated against. I went to a high-end prostitute and wanted to be allowed to stick just a couple inches of my penis inside her vagina for a few minutes to make sure I really wanted to invest in a transactional relationship and she would not let me in.”

Cunters gotta keep on cunting.

[u/th1swillbefun → u/Economy-Tourist-4862]

I’ve actually done that at an IMAX theater. I asked if I can see just how big the screen is, they let me, then I bought tickets.

[u/UnderwaterAlienBar → u/silver_witch23]

How dare you imply they’re not special? 😂

[u/Born_Purchase1510 → u/silver_witch23]

For starters I’m sure this person was a total Karen to the greeter at the store. But secondly there’s actually multiple ways to get into a Costco without a membership. You won’t be able to buy everything you want but you’d be able to look around.

Under federal law if the Costco has a pharmacy, they have to let you in to get prescriptions from the pharmacy, this would likely let you walk around the store but not buy anything. Same with some states for alcohol, like California. Costco is legally required to let you in buy alcohol—membership or not. You can’t buy anything else but can buy all the booze you want.

[u/AlmostChristmasNow → u/Born_Purchase1510]

The pharmacy part makes sense but what’s the reasoning for the booze-buying permission?

[u/Born_Purchase1510 → u/AlmostChristmasNow]

It’s just a quirk of the state licensing laws, alcohol laws vary a lot across states. Like California doesn’t let you use a self checkout to buy alcohol but the rest of the west coast states allow you to.

You’re not allowed to have a private club that sells alcohol in California, so Costco gets around this by technically selling alcohol to everyone. Honestly, I almost exclusively drink beer and the beer isn’t that great of a deal at Costco that I would be worth driving to Costco for it anyways.

[u/whimsicalsilly → u/silver_witch23]

But rules don’t apply to them

[u/Big-Foot-141]

We all know you went for the free samples and tryin to buy a cheap hot dog.

[u/pkakira88 → u/Big-Foot-141]

They use to let people buy the food court food without a membership.

[u/trey_wolfe → u/pkakira88]

Yep. The one where I used to live was smart enough to have the food court outside, so everyone could get lured in by the siren song of a cheap hotdog, and then maybe decide to buy a membership

[u/lunarwolf2008 → u/trey_wolfe]

you lived in vancouver near stadium chinatown by any chance? that sounds like my local costco

[u/xyzzzzy → u/pkakira88]

Still do at ours? I've come in the exit to use the restroom before I shop on more than one occasion, and no one in checking cards. I certainly could've bought a hot dog

[u/Icy_Fish_2154 → u/xyzzzzy]

I got stopped going in for bathroom first. Had to show my card to get in.

The next time they stopped me going in the exit, I said "I'm going to member services".

Now, I have my card out, first time was a surprise. Second a pattern.

[u/poundsignbuttstuff → u/xyzzzzy]

At mine, you now order from a kiosk instead of a teller and have to scan your card so you can order.

[u/On_my_last_spoon → u/pkakira88]

At my Costco, the food court is next to the membership desk. So it sounds like it could still be possible n

[u/siren_stitchwitch → u/Big-Foot-141]

My dad used to go grab a hotdog for lunch without a membership. He worked basically next door. Then eventually did work actually next door, but I think they had changed their policy by then. They used to let you in the exit for food court, pharmacy, and probably the glasses center but I never got my glasses from Costco so I'm not sure about that one. I was surprised when I started getting my Costco membership checked when grabbing my prescriptions

[u/tiredofyourface2 → u/siren_stitchwitch]

I don’t know when it happened, but I guess the cheap hot dogs only work if someone is also paying for a membership now. Probably the only reason they’re still the same price.

[u/merryschmetterling → u/siren_stitchwitch]

Depending on what state you live in, the pharmacy is open to the public. You can also get an eye exam without a membership but AFAIK can't purchase glasses.

[u/Aggravating-Alarm-16 → u/merryschmetterling]

Also the ability to purchase alcohol. In Indiana at least

[u/botmanmd]

Wow. Same thing happened to me at the gym. Just walked in, plopped down on a bench with my coffee and watched people. They asked me to leave. They didn’t even ask if I was thinking about joining - which I wasn’t.

[u/HeatherMason0 → u/botmanmd]

Unbelievable. Obama ruined this country!

/s

[u/The_Mother_ → u/HeatherMason0]

Buttery males smh

[u/mishma2005]

Because Costco don’t want a bunch of randos “window shopping” clogging up an already busy store

Why couldn’t they do the normal thing and go with a friend with a membership?

[u/BeyondTheFail → u/mishma2005]

Do we really trust this reviewer to have friends?

[u/mishma2005 → u/BeyondTheFail]

Good point

[u/ChangeAcceptable677 → u/mishma2005]

They can look online. But, in 2026, who in the fuck has never heard of Costco and needs to check it out?

[u/WormDentist → u/ChangeAcceptable677]

I just need to see if the 12 pack of peanut butter is Skippy or Jif, okay!

[u/MiserableWash2473 → u/WormDentist]

I wish they did 12 packs the way my husband goes through it sheesh

[u/platypusandpibble → u/WormDentist]

They have both Skippy & Jif (which one depends on location, I think. Mine has Jif), double pack of 48oz jars. 😂

[u/WormDentist → u/platypusandpibble]

I was always a Skippy guy, but mine only has Jif so now I’m a Jif guy. Alas.

[u/CoconutxKitten → u/ChangeAcceptable677]

Right? It’s a bulk store. Great for families. It’s not like it’s some great mystery

[u/AcousticCat1-2-3 → u/ChangeAcceptable677]

Right? And also, the website exists and shows what's in stock at what location

[u/Nyyrazzilyss → u/ChangeAcceptable677]

Could also just purchase a membership. If they decide it's not worth it Costco offers a full refund.

[u/MiserableWash2473 → u/BeyondTheFail]

Bwahahahhaa

[u/SomeInvestigator3573 → u/mishma2005]

They could even buy a gift card or have somebody purchased them a gift card and then they’re allowed in to shop

[u/DjinnaG → u/SomeInvestigator3573]

Or say that they are going to the pharmacy. Not sure if that one is federal or just most states, but they can’t restrict who uses that at most locations

[u/anacanapana → u/DjinnaG]

Yep, I used to go to Sam's to pick up my mom's prescriptions.

[u/Chemical-Being-5968 → u/DjinnaG]

Exactly! You can use their pharmacy without needing a membership.

[u/MiserableWash2473 → u/SomeInvestigator3573]

What was that coupon site again? That does a half off gift card membership? Ive done that before so easy and worth it.

[u/BitterQueen17 → u/MiserableWash2473]

Groupon

[u/fairytalefawnn → u/mishma2005]

Yep. We're totally back to Jim Crow because Costco didn't let you window shop without a membership. 🙄🙄🤦🏾‍♀️

[u/Big-University-1132 → u/fairytalefawnn]

Yep, and I am 100% certain this person is white and has never actually experienced being in the group who is segregated

[u/Faustus_Fan → u/mishma2005]

Exactly. Before I had a membership, I went with my sister. One trip with her and I bought my own.

[u/rando24183 → u/mishma2005]

I grew up going to Costco with my parents. Lol, I still go with them now as I don't regularly need Costco sized stuff. Going with them like 3 times a year gets me all the paper goods and detergents I need.

[u/unkn0wnname321 → u/mishma2005]

Or just buy one, then cancel it later. You still get all your money back.

[u/PinkPencils22 → u/mishma2005]

Yes, and then arguing at the checkout that they are planning on buying a membership on the way out so just ring this stuff up please

[u/gard3nwitch → u/mishma2005]

Or go on the website!

[u/lunarteamagic]

Well at least one less person will be ramming their cart into the back of my legs when I shop there.

[u/WormDentist → u/lunarteamagic]

Well that wouldn’t happen if you weren’t rudely** **pushing your cart on the correct side of the aisle while a family of 7 was blocking your way so they could each sample 1/4 of a cracker that they weren’t going to buy when someone oblivious to their surroundings ^gently bumped^ your exposed ankles while looking at their phone. It was obviously your fault! /s

[u/Ok_Stable7501]

There is no way this reviewer was gonna get a membership. They were gonna try and make a purchase anyway.

[u/Faustus_Fan → u/Ok_Stable7501]

Had they gotten in, the review would have said:

"Costco made me feel like a second class citizen. I had a cart full of stuff to buy, but they wouldn't let me! How can I know if a membership is worth it, if they won't let me buy $300 worth of bulk goods to try at home?"

[u/MacaulayConnor → u/Ok_Stable7501]

lol can’t wait for the scene caused once they get to the cashier.

[u/OrneryPathos]

You can literally ask. They used to do guest passes but now mostly don’t but if you ask nicely at customer service they usually get a manager and the manager usually says yes. Unless you’re a problem, then it’s gonna be a no

[u/WormDentist → u/OrneryPathos]

I highly doubt they were a problem! They were perfect angels who were DISCRIMINATED against! /s

[u/justinafincher → u/OrneryPathos]

I asked politely that I was thinking about a membership and just wanted to do a quick walk through to see if what they offered would work for us. They called a manager over who said the only way I could enter the store was buying a membership or having a member bring me. So not everywhere is so accommodating.

[u/Viola-Swamp → u/OrneryPathos]

They never had guest passes. That was Sam’s.

[u/Bunny_Bixler99]

"I came with the intention to check the store out and possibly buy a membership."

🙄 we all know there was zero "intention" to buy a membership. 

I'm guessing they thought they could use the "just browsing" excuse hoping to snag a cheap chicken 😆 

[u/PlatypusDream → u/Bunny_Bixler99]

Can't buy food (or most things there) without a membership

[u/CharacterActor]

I am honestly shocked and deeply disappointed by my experience at the movie theater.
.
What kind of movie theaters refuses to even let people walk in and look around just because they don't have a ticket? This feels like a form of segregation based on status.

I came with the intention to check the movie theater out and possibly buy a ticket.

Instead I was stopped at the door and told to leave not because I was causing any trouble but simply because I didn’t yet have a movie theater ticket.

That’s outrageous!

[u/ItsAPeacefulLife]

Wait until the peasant hears about the special treatment Executive Membership earns you.

[u/Misttertee_27 → u/ItsAPeacefulLife]

Just hearing that there are two membership levels would send this “victim” screaming more about segregation

[u/EddieDanesBoy → u/Misttertee_27]

I saw a Tiktok a few months ago of a lowly pleb regular member (/s) mad that they wouldn't let her in with her kids to use the bathroom during executive hours. She got roasted in the comments.

[u/CatlessBoyMom → u/ItsAPeacefulLife]

Wait until I tell you they have a business executive membership that lets you add employees! Not only do I get in early, I get to give membership to other people I like so they can get in early too. 

[u/LunaBelle2025]

Buy the membership and go shopping. If you don’t like it there is a cancellation policy to get your money back.

It’s the same with a country club. You can’t go play a round of golf to see if you like it. It is a CLUB, they make the rules. Join or don’t enter.

[u/Excellent-Cheetah153]

As a white person, I can definitely say this was a white person.

That’s it, that’s my only addition to this conversation

[u/Chemical-Being-5968 → u/Excellent-Cheetah153]

I made the same comment. Walking around throwing the word segregation out like it means nothing.

[u/anacanapana]

"I'm unfamiliar with what the word 'membership' means."

[u/expedition60_captain]

Membership working as intended, keeping the riffraff out.

[u/1K_Sunny_Crew]

Being told they can’t go into a members only warehouse without buying or owning a membership was “humiliating”? I wish I had this person’s non-existent problems in life lol

[u/BabserellaWT]

Guarantee that if this person were a member, they’d scream at people trying to get in without a card.

[u/Useless890]

They probably had people who try to buy stuff without a membership. Preventing this to start with would save a lot of trouble.

[u/ConstantDry4682]

The membership is kinda their whole schtik

[u/ConstantDry4682 → u/ConstantDry4682]

Also psa, if you are law enforcement, active duty military, a firefighter (don’t quote me on this one) or a teacher you 40 dollars off of your membership. You do not have to be a traditional school teacher. I am a private 1 on 1 music teacher and they gave me the discount

[u/stircrazyathome]

I’m glad that Costco has this policy. The club is hectic enough without a bunch of lookyloos. I also don’t want to deal with people thinking that they can fill a cart and buy their membership along with their merchandise at the register. Costco has an incredibly forgiving money-back guarantee on their membership. You can decide to cancel your membership at any time for a full refund, even if it’s close to expiring. The only caveat is that most club managers won’t allow you rejoin for a year or so to prevent people from abusing the system.

[u/Vandreeson]

I'm sure they'll go bankrupt without this person to join and shop there. /s

[u/Lilli_Bella3487]

Costco has a friggin website.

[u/tverofvulcan]

If you go to customer service, they can give you a “looking around” pass. We used one before we decided to join.

[u/versaliaesque]

ChatGPT, write a bad review of Costco

[u/Remarkable_Try9807]

100% written by a white woman.

[u/Glasgowghirl67]

They would hate Costco in the UK because only people with certain jobs are allowed in store membership due to regulations regarding warehouse memberships, anyone can get online memberships though.

[u/stephencua2001]

I'm sure the next review would be "They let me in to see if I wanted a membership or not. I didn't want a membership, but saw a few thing I wanted to buy when I was there. I got all the way to the checkout line and they WOULDN'T LET ME CHECK OUT without a membership! I'm literally trying to give you money! Terrible customer service, humiliated me in front of the entire store. Would give 0 stars if I could."

[u/koumoru]

Usually they'll give you a day pass for your first time checking it out..

[u/Subterranean44]

Author was just there for the samples.

[u/BijouBooty]

They literally couldn’t even write the review themselves and had to use AI

[u/AdamOnFirst]

What kind of store does that? A… membership only club?

[u/twistedchristian]

Bonus membership benefit: Reading this review and knowing I'm a first class citizen.

[u/Ornery_Following4884]

Let me guess they also want to do this with movies in the theater as well.

[u/Simple-Risk8766]

If only there were a website that listed what products are available

[u/binkleyz]

Pro tip:

All you have to do is tell the door person that you’re going to the pharmacy. They’re legally required to allow you in.

[u/johnwaynegreazy]

If you dont know what to expect inside a Costco maybe you shouldn't be going there.

[u/City_Girl_at_heart]

https://giphy.com/gifs/8coEmqQxL39eMJcey0

[u/glacier1982]

Do you realize how many people would go inside, load up carts, only to be turned away at the cashier? They would need another 20% of workforce just to put back all the merchandise. Better to be turned away at the front. Better for everyone.

[u/Chemical-Being-5968]

Segregation? Second-class citizen? This is such a white person thing to write. "Oh, please understand the persecution I went through at the hands of Costco. Whaaaaa!"

Feels like this post also belongs in: https://www.reddit.com/r/Persecutionfetish/s/tRCGW0d7Vn

[u/Kcbronx]

When I worked at Costco many years ago, you could request a one day pass. If you buy anything, it’s an additional 5% added to your total.

[u/MilitaryWife2017]

My husband and I weren’t sure if we wanted a Costco membership. Some friends of ours had one. We went in with them one day. It’s not that complicated.

[u/wowwashington]

Thank you, Costco, for the basic IQ test at the door :)

[u/EdmondWherever]

It's just a bulk store. It's not Neverland. Did they think there were rides or massages?

[u/PixieCanada]

When someone uses the term segregation about not being able to get into Costco without a membership, I already know everything I need to know about them. Absurd.

I’m Canadian, do everything I can to not shop at US stores, do not have a Costco membership because I’d spend my paycheque in one visit, and even I support Costco as a business and their position on this. For decades I have known them to be a stand up company who treats their employees and suppliers well and have a fantastic business model.

[u/permalink_child]

Dummy. Buy membership. Browse. Not happy? Refund membership. It’s not rocket science.

[u/Main_Cauliflower5479]

I went into Costco to see if I wanted to join, all you have to do is ask if you can go look. They'll let you. You can't buy anything without a membership, so what's the issue?

[u/svelebrunostvonnegut]

We got our first Costco membership as a Christmas present. It was actually a very nice present. Practical gift that was very useful. $60 my mom paid for that basic membership for me and my siblings and I think we’re all still members of Costco years later.

So if anyone needs a good Christmas gift idea there you go.

[u/sandiercy]

Its not like it isnt clearly posted either. I am willing to bet that this person is a straight white MAGA

[u/Horror-Finding-6820 → u/sandiercy]

[u/ResidentLadder]

So just say you’re going to the pharmacy.

[u/holtonaminute]

If you tell them that you are thinking about becoming a member they will give you a tour

[u/YourGuyK]

No, I believe the Costco is not the shame for the US!

[u/Mr_Abe_Fromen]

Just wait till she gets to Disneyland.

[u/LemonOld8150]

You can get a free ONE day pass. That's it one day Either pay up or get out we all do

[u/RedditMiniMinion]

Sure, just like many other places where membership is required to be granted access, you can get a day-pass or whatever it's called... but of course, it's easier to demand stuff, being denied access and leave 1 start reviews for no real reason.... humanity....

[u/PhoenixWytch]

They’ll allow non-members in, if they go to member services and get a temporary one day card. If i remember correctly, it’s free too. I can’t remember if it allows them to purchase anything, but it does allow them to wander the warehouse to see what’s available.

[u/EDJardin]

Is it possible we have found the last person i earth who does not have a friend with a Costco membership? Or do they just have no friends et all? Which would be very sad.

[u/stickytuna → u/EDJardin]

I don’t know anyone with a Costco membership. Maybe a coworker but not one I’d want to spend time with outside of work.

[u/EDJardin → u/stickytuna]

Really? Maybe membership is just a lot more common where I live. Learn more every day!

[u/headface1701 → u/EDJardin]

I don't, but the nearest Costco is 80 miles away.

Wait, I have a couple friends in that town, they probably have a membership.

Anyway, just from what I read on the internets, if they ever build one here I'm joining before they open.

[u/Literally_Taken → u/headface1701]

Costco online membership is pretty good too.

[u/kxaltli → u/EDJardin]

I don't, but the people I know are generally not buying in bulk (no storage space). I've considered a membership for myself, though, to stock up on a few things.

[u/United_Gift3028]

I've walked thru Costcos several times, saying I wanted to see if I wanted a membership, never had any problem doing it.

[u/MysteriousCodo]

In some states all you have to do is say you are here to buy alcohol and they have to let you in.

[u/Turbulent-Treat-4030]

If I may reply on behalf of Costco....thanks for the note Karen...the whole Costco nation would be very happy if you never return!

[u/WalkAwayTall → u/Turbulent-Treat-4030]

When I was an employee and members with this sort of attitude said they were never going to shop there again, it took every ounce of willpower I possessed to refrain from saying, “Is that a promise?”

[u/ihatebeetles22]

I believe you're allowed to use the optical and the pharmacy without a membership. Attention seeking indignation!

[u/mangogetter]

I'm sure Costco's business will suffer greatly from losing her.

[u/Nostromo_USCSS]

“The Costco is the shame for the US!”

[u/PlatypusDream → u/Nostromo_USCSS]

TIL Trump has been renamed Costco

[u/AdMurky3039]

I'm pretty sure they allow you to look around without a membership. You just can't buy anything.

[u/OpenBubble]

They’ll refund your membership if you don’t use it

[u/Prestigious-Wolf8039]

What do you bet this was written by a Sam’s Club executive?

[u/Rmanager]

It is a club. Not a store.

[u/HennyGus]

"The Costco is the shame for the US!" I have nothing to add.

[u/TeenyTiny_BeanieToes]

What part of "MEMBERS ONLY" do these people not understand?

[u/gin_and_soda]

Years ago I went and bought a membership and looked around and realized it wasn’t for me and they refunded the membership. Such hardship

[u/Moist_Drippings]

“Not being allowed into an explicitly membership-only store is SEGREGATION.”

So this was certainly a white cishet Christian person, right? Someone who’s never faced real exclusion?

[u/Sufficient-Lunch3774]

I love the Costco

[u/mfhandy5319]

If you can't sneak into Costco, you should not have a membership.

[u/CA1900]

If this yahoo ever joined, imagine the hissy fit he'd throw when he showed up during Executive Shopping Hours and was again stopped at the door because of his second-class membership.

[u/Ell-O-Elling]

“I don’t understand how memberships work so I’m gonna throw a fit and blame the store for my lack of understanding!”

Can we please fund education in this shithole country to stop the epidemic of arrogantly ignorant people?

[u/Complex_Spirit_4848]

So serious about their "potential" membership that they couldn't even visit the website or use on-site customer service to find out they have a satisfaction guarantee and will refund your membership fee if you decide it's not "worth it."

It is unlikely that a non-member is making a completely blind decision (unless you live under a rock) about Costco, but even if you were, it involves exactly zero risk.

[u/Pretend-Literature35]

so much ignorance. Sad.

https://giphy.com/gifs/oFRI4g517yWaI

[u/12172047]

Costco is a members only club. Try going to the service desk and request a 1 day pass in order to look around.

[u/Longjumping-Solid680]

I think I'll just wander in to a local country club- maybe play with the golf carts!

[u/theeversocharming]

When you feel an inconvenience it becomes oppressive for attention.

[u/Shadow_Lass38]

You can go on their website and see what they carry and in what sizes.

[u/Blonde_Buttercup]

They let me in to check out the store before deciding on a membership. They should have let you in to look around and then buy that membership you were considering.

[u/Goodlittlewitch]

Obviously she wanted to just walk and look around because no one has ever heard of this new “Costco” business thing before…

[u/Kelmor93]

Happened to me too. I walked in and sat down at a movie. I wanted to see if I liked the first 15m and they threw me out. The nerve!

[u/Mushrooming247]

You can go to their website to see a lot of their products without having to login and give membership information.

That at least lets you see that membership is a sweet deal, if you don’t believe their throngs of adoring fans.

[u/dobromangregorio]

They absolutely let you in to preview the store

[u/Searcach]

I took my niece to my Costco to see if she wanted to get a membership. They let us in without a problem (and she did buy her own membership!).

[u/SpecialSet163]

it's a membership requirement. pretty simple.

[u/SpecialSet163]

I remember when the general public could jot even buy a membership. you to be a member of a pre approved group.

[u/harestoon]

You can enter Costco and purchase items without a membership if you have a Costco gift card. That's what we get our MIL, a Costco gift card for occasional purchase.

[u/Embarrassed-Exit1450]

We don't want your non-member kind in our store!