Shoplifting is something that worries major retail chains more with the passage of time, and Costco has explained how their own system helps reduce this issue. How? Well, this system has sparked some debate among customers because the company has implemented controls at both entrances and exits. Some customers find this measure strict or inconvenient, but Costco insists they are essential for keeping inventory under control and preventing losses. So, let’s find out more about this situation.
How Costco’s control system works
Costco uses a model based on memberships, which means that only people who have registered can buy in their stores. To reinforce this system, the company is now asking customers to show their membership card before entering the store through a scan device. This measure was mainly implemented to avoid several people sharing the same membership.
What’s more, Costco controls both customers’ entries and exits. According to the company itself, this method helps keep inventory losses — also called “shrinkage” — lower than what is typical in other retailers. So, at the checkout, members are asked to show their receipt to an employee before leaving to ensure that the items purchased match the amount paid and that all transactions are accurate.
Real-life examples
Costco’s control system not only prevents theft but also helps catch mistakes during checkout. On social media platforms like Reddit, some customers have shared positive experiences. For example, one shopper explained that an employee noticed they had been charged for two of an item they only purchased once, a $50 product. Thanks to the check, they were able to get the extra charge corrected.
Costco membership rules
This is something you should know when going to buy at Costco:
- Only the primary cardholder can shop with their membership, as the photo on the card must match the shopper.
- Each primary member can also add one household member for free, who can shop independently.
- Members can bring up to two guests per visit, but only the member can make purchases.
- Members can add an authorized cardholder for a fee, such as a family member or friend who does not live at the same address.
Thefts in other retailers
While Costco enforces strict rules, other retailers continue to struggle with losses from theft. Walmart, for example, loses around $3 billion each year due to shoplifting, with over 900,000 incidents reported annually. Also, Target has faced theft problems, leading to the closure of nine stores in 2023 across cities like New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Oakland, and Portland.
These companies use different measures, such as cameras monitoring self-checkout lanes in Walmart or locking high-value items and limiting self-checkout options in Target.
So…
Now Costco is controlling who enters, checking receipts, and enforcing strict membership rules because they think this can make a big difference. Small changes in store policies can have a huge impact on safety and fairness for everyone.
While some may see these rules as strict, they help create a smoother, more secure shopping experience. What do you think about this measure? Is it too much or is it okay? We’ll see if people are generally happy about this new safety policy when entering and leaving the store.