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1.3 1983 Reviews

Costco Complaints Summary

133 Resolved
1848 Unresolved
Our verdict: If considering services from Costco with a critical resolution rate, extra caution is advised. Examine detailed customer feedback to understand the severity and nature of unresolved issues. Be prepared for the possibility of unsatisfactory responses and have contingency plans, including seeking assistance from consumer advocacy groups if necessary.
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Costco reviews & complaints 1983

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5:12 pm EDT

Costco beware

I ordered a 46 inch HDTV from Costco.com on Feb 14, 2010. Delivery time was to be 7 to 10 days. My credit card was charged immediately upon ordering. Costco chose CEVA (Eagle Logistics) to be the delivery provider. There was no tracking number and no instructions on how to obtain a delivery date. I emailed Costco.com and was informed that CEVA would contact me. but I could call them if I wanted more info. After 10 business days and not hearing from CEVA, I called. An employee had me on hold for about 15 minutes and then said she would have to call me back. There was no call back. I tried calling again on day 13 and got put into someone's voicemail. Again, CEVA did not return my call. I contacted Costco and was informed the CEVA had lost the TV and had no clue where it was. Costco asked me if I wanted them to ship another TV.

I chose not to accept another shipment because:

1. Costco lowered the price, but I never got the credit for the lower price.

2. The same TV is available elsewhere for $101 less than Costco. The store is local (Costco is 2 hours away) and I could get the TV immediately and not have to deal with CEVA again.

Costco agreed to cancel the order and refund my money - BUT I would have to wait up to 10 days for a credit (? - Costco can charge my credit card immediately, but needs 10 day to issue a refund ?)

Costco then shipped another TV to me, despite my telling them I did not want it. Upon contacting them again, I was told to refuse the delivery (if CEVA can actually keep track of the item this time)

COSTCO need to find a shipper who can actually track deliveries - the inability to track in this age of computers is unacceptable.

COSTCO need to provide faster refunds when they or their subcontractors are at fault. While I could go down the street and get the same TV immediately, I will not go until I see the credit post to my account. I have to wait 5 more days before my credit card company will allow me to dispute the charge.

This incident at COSTCO is the first negative experience I've had in 7 years of buying from COSTCO. I will no longer order online from them.

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11:58 am EDT

Costco scam for executive members

I have been an Executive Member with Costco for years, and many years ago I had an American Express account with them that I had cancelled after only two months; no yearly fees but the insurance costs for any outstanding balance was enormous. So I officially closed the American Express account (seven years ago). But recently, with my 2% rewards bonus, came a notice that said, “On March 1, Costco Wholesale will automatically renew your membership on the credit card account noted in our records.” HOLY DOO DOO !

This sentence was slipped-in the middle of a paragraph thanking me etc etc; I wasn’t even going to read the note attached to my 2% reward coupon. This has to be illegal ! I phoned Costco complaints department and they informed me that I could phone back in a couple of days and cancell it then, but that there were already charges on my account for them having re-instating my American Express account. My GOD what is this world coming to?

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1:58 pm EDT
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Costco full time job (no chance)

Do not accept a job from costcos, you will be out of a job. A bunch of liers and inbred spackers

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hum-d
, US
Aug 13, 2011 4:05 pm EDT

What do you call an inbred? Maryjo Cussin

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9:43 am EDT

Costco rip-off

Can you find the deals? Where's the savings? Lets see. I have been a member since, 1993. I have noticed prices going up and portions going down. Price of gas come on..same as gas stations. So, why am I paying them membership of 50-100 a year. If business is so good. Why rip us off. Where are the deals? I am finding the deals at local grocery stores not here at costco anymore. I say stop going. Maybe then will they listen. We pay to save not get riped-off!

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3:26 am EDT
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Costco rude treatment while leaving the store.

One Sunday after purchasing two items we were trying to leave the store but there was an exit line of more than 25 other suckers.when we tried to go around, the door moniter grabbed the receipt from my wife and ordered her to the end of the line, and would not return the receipt. After about ten minutes of arguing she tore the receipt and threw it on the floor. We left the store never to return again. Now we have no more membership dues, its the best. Why pay a membership fee to be treated like crap.Now we only shop at stores without membership fees.

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Mo4115
Plano, US
Aug 04, 2011 2:25 pm EDT

So waiting your turn in line for a few minutes doesn't apply to someone like you who thinks you are more important than the ones you're cutting in front of? I'm a very happy Costco regular customer who has enjoyed many $$$ in savings and thankful that the employees treat everyone equally... even self centered jerks like you

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5:21 pm EDT

Costco no oatmeal cookies

In all our years of shopping in costco, my company, (buys dozens of oatmeal cookies and chocolate cookies per day) friends, relatives have rarely complained. Once in a while a product will be taken off the market and we live with it. This time around, for some ungodly reason, the bakery has decided to discontinue making oatmeal cookies? WHY? And surprisingly would prefer to keep other cookies and ridiculously out of control, over the top, 1000 calorie a slice chocolate cake in stock. SERIOUSLY! We have not been able to get an explanation from anyone yet. Costco customer service were not even aware when I went up to ask why.

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5:54 pm EDT
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Costco defected battery

We purchased a battery on 06/24/11 on 07/09/11. I was picking up my partner who had just had surgery from the hospital, well the car jerked then went dead in the middle of the street. It was about 110 degrees outside I myself had just had spinal surgery too. I try to get someone to help to push the car into a parking space but ended up doing it all by myself.I then contacted the hospital operator who sent a Security guard out to help me jump start my car. The battery wouldn't hold a charge so we removed the top covers and notice that the cells where exposed and added water to the battery, the car started but everytime I would let my foot off the gas it would go dead. I manage to make it back home since I only live less then 10 minutes away, running two lights and not stopping at the stop sign. after changing cars picking up my partner we headed over to Costco to get the battery replace. I thought it would be simple I should of known better. Costco offer to exchange the battery with a different one, we checked the fluid levels and to my amazement the cells where exposed too. We decided to go next door to Sears and get a DieHard. I asked that they refund our monies now and expected some type of compensation for our trouble but Costco states no damge to our car = no compensation even thought we spent gas, 3 hours of time, had to remove the battery and get all sweaty for what. Remember my partner had just been release from the hospital for surgery and myself just 2 days out for spinal surgery, Costco blames the battery maker. As far as my family Costco are just crooks and my monies will be going else where. It just amazing that Costco thinks its ok to put their customers threw all this.

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cesar paredes
, US
Aug 28, 2012 11:02 pm EDT

Costco only sells the batteries, they don't make them.if you want compensation talk to interstate. Costco gave your money back.what else do you want.its not Costco problem that you guy are falling apart and can't take care of a car battery.when the Sears battery goes bad what are you going to ask them to give you? ?

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1:18 pm EDT
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Costco gef flooring

I bought some GEF Flooring (Bamboo) from Costco. The flooring arrived here in Vancouver in damaged boxes. I contacted the manufacturer via email, no response. I called and they gave me the run around for a few months. They finally sent me the flooring but charged me for shipping...I installed remaining the flooring it cracked over the past 2 months. Tried to contact them again and they told me to go through their other online company floortarget.com? What the hell does that have to do with anything? The main company has 3 names, supexbond, mga group canada and golden elite wood floors. Probably to hide behind many aliases in order to avoid fixing a claim. I have consulted an attorney regarding my disastrous floors and the manufacturers negligence to acknowledge the problem. Stay away from this bloody crap!

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AndrewSsz
Cornwall, CA
Jul 10, 2013 11:06 am EDT

GoldenEliteFlooring Nightmare for years
Bought 2, 500 sq ft of flooring they could not install it!
30 day money back, 15 year warranty? forget about it!
Small claims court finnaly gave us 25 percent refund
They cost us $5, 000 and years of nightmares!
Le produit GoldenEliteFlooring : CAUCHEMAR qui a duré des années
Nous avons prépayé pour 2500 pi car de laminé qu ils n'ont pu installer !
Remboursement 30 jours, garantie 15 ans ? Oubliez cela
La cour des petites créances nous a alloué 25% de remboursement !
La corporation nous a couté 5, 000$ et des années de soucis !

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Jerry Stevens
Ottawa, CA
Oct 01, 2011 4:39 am EDT

Hi Sandy, I work for Costco here in Ottawa. Contact Pierre at the Costco head office to voice your complaint @ Pierre.Poirier@costco.com

E-Commerce Dept. 23
Phone: [protected]
415 West Hunt Club Road
Ottawa, On K2E 1C5

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ella99
Calgary, CA
Jul 20, 2011 3:54 am EDT

GOODFELLOW STRAND BAMBOO

If anyone is think to install Bamboo flooring – please do NOT install:
GOODFELLOW STRAND BAMBOO sold by Home Depot and Rona
it literally is about as durable as a Bamboo skewer. The installer laid the floor and my 20 LB dog sat down and got up and she splintered and cracked the surface through the stain and the terrible finish (her nails are short). Just walking across this floor dents and scratches it – it is total GARBAGE! It looks nice – but don’t walk on it!

I wish I found information about the product before installing and I am going to make sure no one else makes the same mistake!

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12:50 am EDT
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Costco money gone??

The seller of the sewing machine I agreed to buy after seeing it online went through costco.com online services for the transaction. I had several inquiries prior to transferring the agreed upon price of $1200, which were answered immediately by the Costco customer support representative. I have an invoice and tracking number. After transmitting the money via a Western Union money transfer and sending confirmation of payment to Costco, I have not heard a word. I sent numerous emails both to Costco.com and the original seller. No response has been forthcoming. Have I been scammed?
The website seemed straightforward and legitimate. The Costco service was to provide both the seller and myself with a third party to see that the transaction went smoothly. The seller had agreed to pay the escrow fee. Now he doesn't answer my emails either. What is going on? Any similar experiences or thoughts on where to go from here?

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Moss L
Dildo, CA
Sep 08, 2011 4:46 pm EDT

You were scammed. The scammer (probably in Africa) pretended to be Costco. Your money is probably in Al-Qaeda's hands.

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giuseppesim
, US
Jul 06, 2011 3:56 am EDT

I'm afraid wiring money is much like mailing cash to someone. You can't get it back unless the person decides to send it back. It's a ### scam that so many people get taken by. I've read about people who lost millions over a period of years to scams and estimates that 2 billion dollars a year are lost each year collectively.

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giuseppesim
, US
Jul 03, 2011 2:15 am EDT

Yeah, you got scammed. You should never wire money for an online purchase.

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1:00 am EDT
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Costco harmfull food product

After seeing over 50 recent complaints about costco here at CB, I see that I am not the only long term, soon-to-be-ex-Customer who costco tramples on. I have been an executive member since 1996. Years ago, costco actually CARED about the Customers who keep them open. That is obviously over for good! The warehouse in Jacksonville, FL has management who are astounding rude.

This year, I bought several bags of the kirkland fruit and nut mix, which has increased in price over 30% in the past 2 years. I would eat this once in awhile. Oddly, on some days this year, I would be stricken with stomach cramps and severe diarrhea, and have to hit the bathroom 10-12 times per day. I could not figure out why I was getting an intermittent diarrhea problem all year. So I started keeping a "food diary."

One day after eating this trail mix, I had the severe runs and cramps again. I looked at my diary and saw that I had eaten the trail mix the night before. I waited a week, and ate it again. You guessed it! I had severe cramps and diarrhea all the next day with over 11 trips to the bathroom. I looked at the ingredients and saw that costco puts sulfur dioxide in their dry fruits as a preservative. Here is what the noted Cleveland Clinic says about that:

>>>"Many dried fruits, unless they are organic, are preserved with sulfites or sulfur dioxide, a gas that prevents discoloration and growth of mold and other microorganisms. Yet sulfur dioxide may cause diarrhea and respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing and asthma, in sulfite sensitive people, according to the Cleveland Clinic."

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DP15
, US
Jan 19, 2020 6:47 pm EST

Just bought this kirkland trail mix at costco bellingham, wa and yesterday same thing, bad stomach cramps and runs, thought it was something else so I eat more today and my stomach hurts so bad I can't stand it.

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Boca Bruce
, US
Dec 14, 2017 9:02 pm EST

Last night, after eating some Kirkland trail mix, which was fresh and newly opened, I experienced one of the worst nights of my life! I had severe stomach cramps and nausea, for over 4 hours. I vomited so severly that I lost my voice! Finally, I was able to bring up some nuts from the mix, which was the cause of my distress. The discomfort from this food product was about the same level as a kidney stone attack ( of which I’ve had a few). Was it listeria or another infection, or bad nuts? Never agan!

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D Nikirk
, US
Nov 12, 2017 12:01 pm EST

I too have had a bad experience from the Kirkland Trail mix. Cramps, puking and an overall feel of malaise. Missed a day in my life because of this product.

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Genavie Blumenthal
, US
Apr 26, 2016 7:42 am EDT

I just bought this trail mix Saturday and my stomach is messed up! I have missed work because of this! The trail mix sucks!

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Curr
, US
Nov 14, 2015 11:10 pm EST

You tried to return something expired. Sure, it made you sick. But you mostly sound like an ### hole. "I had to ask for an apology"? You don't deserve one. I found this because a trail mix there was making me sick. But I'd never be so low as to act like you.

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10:16 pm EDT
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Costco injurious product

After seeing over 50 recent complaints about costco here at CB, I see that I am not the only long term, soon-to-be-ex-Customer who costco tramples on. I have been an executive member since 1996. Years ago, costco actually CARED about the Customers who keep them open. That is obviously over for good! The warehouse in Jacksonville, FL has management who are astounding rude.

This year, I bought several bags of the kirkland fruit and nut mix, (which has increased in price over 30% in the past 2 years). I would eat this once in awhile. Oddly, on some days this year, I would be stricken with stomach cramps and severe diarrhea, and have to hit the bathroom 10-12 times per day. I could not figure out why I was getting an intermittent diarrhea problem all year. So I started keeping a "food diary."

One day after eating this trail mix, I had the severe runs and cramps again. I looked at my diary and saw that I had eaten the trail mix the night before. I waited a week, and ate it again. You guessed it! I had severe cramps and diarrhea all the next day with over 11 trips to the bathroom. I looked at the ingredients and saw that costco puts sulfur dioxide in their dry fruits as a preservative. Here is what the noted Cleveland Clinic says about that:

>>>"Many dried fruits, unless they are organic, are preserved with sulfites or sulfur dioxide, a gas that prevents discoloration and growth of mold and other microorganisms. Yet sulfur dioxide may cause diarrhea and respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing and asthma, in sulfite sensitive people, according to the Cleveland Clinic."

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10:02 pm EDT
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Costco costco, diarrhea, abdominal pain, arrogant costco employees

After seeing over 50 recent complaints about costco here at CB, I see that I am not the only long term, soon-to-be-ex-Customer who costco tramples on. I have been an executive member since 1996. Years ago, costco actually CARED about the Customers who keep them open. That is obviously over for good! The warehouse in Jacksonville, FL has management who are astounding rude.

This year, I bought several bags of the kirkland fruit and nut mix, which has increased in price over 30% in the past 2 years. I would eat this once in awhile. Oddly, on some days this year, I would be stricken with stomach cramps and severe diarrhea, and have to hit the bathroom 10-12 times per day. I could not figure out why I was getting an intermittent diarrhea problem all year. So I started keeping a "food diary."

One day after eating this trail mix, I had the severe runs and cramps again. I looked at my diary and saw that I had eaten the trail mix the night before. I waited a week, and ate it again. You guessed it! I had severe cramps and diarrhea all the next day with over 11 trips to the bathroom. I looked at the ingredients and saw that costco puts sulfur dioxide in their dry fruits as a preservative. Here is what the noted Cleveland Clinic says about that:

>>>"Many dried fruits, unless they are organic, are preserved with sulfites or sulfur dioxide, a gas that prevents discoloration and growth of mold and other microorganisms. Yet sulfur dioxide may cause diarrhea and respiratory symptoms, such as wheezing, difficulty breathing and asthma, in sulfite sensitive people, according to the Cleveland Clinic."

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12:51 am EDT
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Costco mayfield heights ohio

I am from Avon. I went to Mayfield Heights Costco because they had the last of an item I needed. First GARY yelled at me when I went in the back door as they said they could hold it for me and I tried to explain it. He said I don't give a flip. Then this guy Fred just watched and didn't help me as I struggled with my table. NEVER AGAIN! I'll STICK TO AVON OR TO SAMS!

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raven2010
Saint Joseph, US
May 23, 2012 8:43 am EDT

I called Costco and was told Gary was only rude because you misprounced his name Mary. Fred didn't do anything because he thought you were going to bite him.

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flaggstar
Mayfield Village, US
May 23, 2012 8:39 am EDT

gary is ALWAYS rude!

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9:56 pm EDT
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Costco product packaging

Costco has always had it’s challenges, busy parking lots, isles that sometimes needed traffic control, checkout lines that were at times long enough that there was time to make friends with those around you…. BUT always a shopper could count on a fair price with quality products and consistent product packaging, especially from the “Kirkland” brands.

Costco has been unlike the other “chain” or “discounters” and like most banks today their images and brand has blurred so much as to effectively serve to image them as clones, indistinguishable from one another save the sign on their store front.

But then, my confidence in the “C” store alas took a hit when the last 36 count bag of “Bath Tissue” was opened to reveal that they are no longer (since 1985) individually wrapped as we have grown so accustomed to but packed in internal packages of nine. My first reaction was to of course “over react” and immediately check the roll sheet count which to my relief was (at least listed) the same as the previous individually wrapped rolls.

Could it be that Costco and their Kirkland brand has been the victim of a revolution and have been taken over by the accountants? Those rows after rows of men and women dressed in white shirts and bow ties with glasses and sharp pencils auditing endless ledgers of numbers looking for a place to save a penny here and there. Of course their job has nothing to do with customer satisfaction… something that seems to have taken a lower priority across the board most everywhere.

Hopefully this is but just a bump in an otherwise smooth road for Costco as it would be a shame to “color them the same” as the others.

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11:08 pm EDT
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Costco chicken salad wrap

No one cares...Yes they returned my money - they always do - i don't return very much - however the chicken salad wrap (Which i always enjoyed eating was made very poorly) and it had a bone in it!
I stopped eating and returned the other 3...Spoke to every one
In a managerial position but since they returned my money
They felt their responsibilities stopped! - not with a bone
In the chicken salad it doesn't - shame on this company which
Get thousands of dollars from me each year! Am rethinking it now!

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11:18 pm EDT
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Costco defective maxent plasma

We got this MAXENT Plasma, because the Daytek 48" plasma was defective and COSTCO .."only" refunds you a "cash card" to buy for them and no one else. So we got this Maxent, and now it is having problems...and NO local service for it...COSTCO doesn't carry it, and
they and there Customer Service really suck. No callback with in 48hours and now we ...wonder what to do. Even the "better Business Bureau" lists them as not a member ...BEWARE buying anything like what we did from COSTCO... It is a ripoff.

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L. Simpson
, CA
Aug 27, 2011 4:58 am EDT

TWO YEARS AGO, we bought a billiard table from Costco a slate table by Mr. Billiard in Mississauga, and the service was great, .

This year we bought from your new source, and they stink. What happened here? Don't you know who you are dealing with before putting them on us?
rack em up...sorry, the tables history!

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5:38 am EDT
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Costco ground meat

Ground beef is always mixed with the unfresh ground meat. Store employees try to hide dark color meat inside of fresh one to make illusion of fresh ground meat.
When I told them they said that the meat gets dark color quickly. This is not true. When I buy ground meat in the other stores, the meat is all fresh and right red color. Please see the pictures

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3:49 am EDT
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Costco revoking membership

Costco is keeping track of everything you return!
If they think it is excessive they are revoking membership based on the back of the membership card that states " we can revoke membership at antime without cause". After that you cannot even have a tire rotated, you have no warranty on tires or return anything or cash your cash rebate because they are all based on being a member!

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samgobigs
vancouver, CA
Jul 30, 2011 8:00 am EDT

How much did you return? I'm curious as to what their "return threshold" is before they cancel the membership

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3:06 am EDT
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Costco complaint on customer service employee

I am an Executive member at the Costco in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. I was in there a few days ago with my mother. I forgot my coupon book at home and asked my mother to go to the front of the store real quick and ask for another coupon book. Well when she comes back she has the coupon book, and goes into telling me that she went to one of the registers and they told her they didnt have them at the registers that she needed to go over to the customer service desk. When she got over to the customer service desk she ask the lady if she could get a coupon book. the lady then tells my mother "You need to keep your Costco coupon books in your car because we dont have enough to be passing them out the ones that we have on hand our for new members." What in the world do we pay for? We are all paying members and this is rediculous to be treated this way. We pay to shop...Is giving someone a coupon book really going to hurt their pockets? We wont be renewing our membership I kow that for sure. I called their number on the receipt and the guy on the line said that he was sorry that we were treated the way we were and that there shouldnt have been a problem with us getting another coupon book. But I would have to say he was probably feeding me a line of bull because their are other people on here complaining about the same thing so its something Costco is trying to get their employees to enforce. I cant believe some of the complaints about this company. I sure wish I had read about all this before I went off and wasted money on paying a company to shop at their store. How stupid was I? Not to bright huh? But I have learned a lesson and will NEVER renew/buy another membership through Costco.

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bitchplease
, US
Jun 07, 2012 2:25 am EDT

So, let me get this straight. You were mailed a coupon book, you forgot it at home, and now it is Costco's fault that you forgot it...seems to me like you should have just brought your own and this entire issue would have been avoided. Mailers aren't free, everything affects the bottom line. I wouldn't have given you one if you had done this at my Lowes.

PS: Learn some basic grammar.

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2:04 am EDT
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Costco horrible treatment of nonmembers

I don't frequent Costco regularly; I probably go there once every two months or so. Even when I do shop there, I usually pick up only a few small items (0-5). As such, I am not a member - I can't save enough a year to cover the membership cost. However, my friend has bought me a cash card to use.

Being a nonmember cash card user has its hassles. I have to go to the front desk to obtain a "pass" and the staff would ask whether you would like membership or not. During checkout, the cashier would always need to wave over a supervisor and have him/her enter some code or whatnot. All this is fine; I don't mind waiting for them to complete the proper procedures.

The problem I have with Costco is the staff's attitudes towards nonmembers with cash cards. On occassions, the front desk workers/cashier/supervisor would roll their eyes or ask in an expaserated tone "You don't have membership?" or "You don't want membership?". Their attitude, tone, body language, and facial expressions become disrespectful and rude.

Today (1:00 pm, April 15, 2011) at the 2370 Ottawa St., Port Coquitlam, B.C. Costco warehouse, I have received the most horrible treatment I have ever been subjected to at any establishment. The front desk worker was a woman named Elaine. I declined the membership offer, showed her the cash card, and asked if I can get an entry pass (which is a partially filled out membership form). Right off, her demeanor changed. As she was filling out the form for me (I had provided her with my name, address, etc...), she said "Don't think you can rely on a cash card every time to get in." I was completely stunned and stood in baffled silence as she continued along those lines. This was the first time I've seen her. My last visit to Costco was months ago. Yet she seemed to be insinuating that I perpetually try and sneak in.

I may not be a member, but I am still a customer. This woman treated me as if I was a beggar pleading for entry or a crime committing thief. I was confused, angry, and upset. I am not one for confrontation, so I just took my pass and walked off. I turned around after a few steps and saw that she had waved another coworker over and began talking about me. She was making gestures towards me and the coworker shot a few disapproving glances my way whilst shaking his head. I was again shocked at their audacity and blatant behaviour. I left without buying anything.

From the Canadian Costco website, it writes nonmembers may use cash cards. There are also no restrictions on the usage number or on the amounts of goods purchased with it. So why do they treat nonmembers so crassly? If they are unhappy with nonmembers' business, why do they not change their policies regarding cash cards? Why not cater exclusively to members? If they allow anyone to use their cash cards, they shouldn't allow prevalent discrimination against nonmembers. Overall, this has been a most disturbing and upsetting event for me.

Read full review of Costco and 14 comments
Update by FA0
May 04, 2011 11:43 am EDT

@david cardenas: You have my empathy. The employee who said you had to cash in your gift card is completely ignorant of company policy. You didn't mention, but did she have a nasty attitude accompanying her words? If so, she is certainly out of line and her berhaviour should be reported. I hope there will be changes at your Costco. These horrible experiences can really ruin one's day. (I fumed over mine for a week).

@SURFOP80: You seem confused in your anger. David's response to your comment pretty much summed up what I wanted to say, but here is my reply anyway. Broken down for your convenience.

1. Do you think cash card users enjoy holding up the line? I would like to avoid the checkout hassle myself, but rules are rules.
3. I am not discriminating the store. I am complaining about two employees' discriminatory actions toward me. If Costco is "fed up" writing passes, the choice is clear: Change the rules or just let nonmembers flash their gift cards. I don't know whose policy you are writing about when you mentioned nonmembers are limited to two visits - Costco certainly has no such law.
4./5. My friend paid for the cash card and thusly paid for me using their services. I may not have been the one paying, but I am entitled to their services - in accordance with their website, that is.
6. Perhaps you should revisit Costco's website?

It is lovely that every cent you paid for your membership was worthwhile, but this might not be the case for everyone. Instead of roaring madly and accusing every nonmember, don't you think it would be much more productive to direct your unsatisfaction towards Costco?

Update by FA0
Apr 20, 2011 11:53 pm EDT

@TheLoveFist II: There is nothing wrong with that phrase. You are going off on a tangent.

Update by FA0
Apr 20, 2011 1:02 am EDT

@Teeo: Exactly. Costco should just change their rules.

@I'mintheirshoes: Nonsense. I doubt anyone would "need" a Costco membership to survive. Yes, I would like to use my cash card without having to sign up for membership; I made no attempt to hide that fact - call it "abuse" or "cheat" as you will. Your analysis of why I posted my complaint is irrelevant, but I'll indulge you. It would have been nice to have seen some more empathy or sympathy, but I did not come here fully expecting it. I was curious to hear other's opinions on this issue. I have heard your hope, and here is mine in return: It is rare for business to refuse service without a valid reason (although I'm sure they are entitled to, with or without one). I certainly hope the business world is not filled witih unsound individuals such as yourself.

@TheLoveFistII: Absence of rules and regulations, terms and conditions, would only give birth to unrestrained chaos. If my "sort of attitude" has helped create a lawful world, then you are welcome. Or shall I say "Welcome to a [censored] world"?

@srchng4care: Ah, that reminds me. Another thing Costco could do is to have a limit on number of cash cards a member could purchase or reload. That could help ease some of the tensions.

@Mellen67: I agree. Had that clerk been more professional, I would not have raised any complaints.

Update by FA0
Apr 19, 2011 6:24 am EDT

@molliewollie: I agree. Cash cards and membership are two separate things. And nope, my kitchen cabinets are not full of smuggled sugar. I don't dabble in thievery.

Update by FA0
Apr 19, 2011 6:08 am EDT

@pobarjenkins: I understand Costco makes money from their memberships. But if their cash cards intentions were as you say, then I think it would be best to place 'explicit' limitations. Leaving it open-ended causes many problems for both members and nonmembers. I am confused as to why some commenters are being hostile towards me and not using that energy in asking Costco to change their policies. Also, to answer your question, I do not go to Costco often, nor do I buy a lot from them. Membership costs $50, but I don't think I can even save $25 from their membership discounts.

@Stealth-Pilot: Instead of receiving bursts of undeserved attitude, I would much rather they strip away cash card privileges after, say, having spent X amount of money each year or after having Y amounts of visits. At least this way, I would know my violation of the rules warranted their rudeness.

@molliewollie: Your sugar packet analogy is quite nice. But the difference is that the cash cards are paid for. In a restaurant, a customer who has paid for his or her drink is entitled to using X number of sugar packets IN their drink; their drink fee covers the cost of flavouring. Taking sugar packets home is another thing and may even border on the line of theft. Likewise, my friend has paid for my cash card; I am thusly entitled to their products.

Update by FA0
Apr 19, 2011 5:36 am EDT

@molliewollie: You are right. It is not fair to paying members. But since Costco permits it, the discriminatory attitude is all the more wrong. Also, I would like to direct your attention to the fallacy "two wrongs do not make a right".

@srchng4care: Thank goodness someone else agrees it is incorrect to pin everything on the shopper! I was getting dismal from comments that said I should be expelled or that I shouldn't shop there to begin with.

Contrary to some of the other commenters' beliefs, I do understand why members would be frustrated and angry; they are the ones providing Costco money for their services. But this does not mean cash card nonmembers deserve to be insulted, accused, or mistreated. So long as Costco itself allows it, nonrulebreakers should not be ostracized nor stigmatized.

Update by FA0
Apr 19, 2011 3:44 am EDT

@12321: You are begging the question. I am complaining about having received horrible treatment when I have not broken any 'written/official' rules. And yet your argument is: "If what you were doing was 100% legit, you wouldn't have received the treatment you did. " ...

And while we're on the topic of fallacies, the don't forget the aforementioned 'two wrongs don't make a right'. I think you would concede that even 'if' my actions were wrong, it still doesn't negate the clerk's unprofessionalism.

And no, no, I admit it. It is glaringly obvious that I want to use my cash card at Costco without being a member. After all, that was the point of my complaint. I certainly am not trying to be "sneaky" about it.

Haha, I can be quite bullheaded at times. Unless definite, unrefutable proof is presented to me, I don't think I can back down from my position on this one. At the very least, I think we can agree to disagree, yes?

@TheLoveFist II: I don't know. But I think the following quote from Costco.ca is quite clear too: "Members can buy Costco Cash cards for non-members".

Update by FA0
Apr 18, 2011 7:50 am EDT

@123321: As big a company as Costco, they should really just state their policies clearly, if their cash card intentions are as you say. However, I cannot regard their cash cards as some sort of a "free trial". My friend has paid - and I stress 'paid' - for their services beforehand; it would logically follow that they would (and should) fulfill their end of the contract and not deny me. I am not "reusing a free trial"; there never was anything free about it to begin with.

I do not know the rules and regulations of Sam's Club, so I do not have anything to that aspect. If there are Costco members who are unhappy with cash cards, I do not think it is proper nor sane to place the responsibility/hostility on nonmembers. (And certainly not to exile us, as both you and JKDE had written). Asking Costco to adopt a new policy or place limitations on cash cards would go much further.

In the end, whether this was my first time or not, I do not believe I deserved the treatment I got. The woman was clearly discriminatory, as I doubt she knew the exact numbers of my visits. I am just surprised to discover that some people would place the blame on me. Two wrongs do not necessarily make a right - and in this case, I hardly think my actions were incriminating.

Update by FA0
Apr 16, 2011 3:02 am EDT

@Karl123: Making instantaneous good comebacks have never been my strongsuit, althought I certainly admire those with such a skill!

@JKDE: No, no, I'm not "sneaking in" at all. Costco does not prohibit nonmembers with cash cards. Of course I understand paying members are entitled to Costco's services. What I don't understand is why they are entitling nonmembers and then discriminating against them (see last paragraph of my complaint). I wouldn't have anything to protest if they restricted cash cards to members only.

Resolved

The complaint has been investigated and resolved to the customer’s satisfaction.

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Costco Lover!!!
Tacoma, US
Oct 12, 2011 5:17 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

The Costco Cash card is a "gift card" so to speak, it is NOT an excuse to NOT get a Membership. You are obviously happy enough to keep going back to Costco, why not pay for the Membership. In my opinion the Warehouses should be limiting the number of times someone can use the Cash card. I understand if you are giving a gift to someone for Christmas or a Birthday, but use the funds and if you are happy with the products we offer, pay the Membership fee and be a Member, do not take advantage of Costco. It is because of these kinds of people that the Membership fees are increasing, people who want something for nothing.

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samgobigs
vancouver, CA
Jul 30, 2011 7:53 am EDT

Have to agree with FAo. Costco cash cards are usable by non-members. Period. If people like Surfop don't like this policy, go shop somewhere else. Don't complain about having to wait in line, that's just how the system works. I was a previous Costco Executive member, and I bought cash-cards for friends of mine, and I don't think they should be treated any differently than myself. (And to clarify - the website clearly allow non-members to use cashcards). I don't know FAo has done anything wrong, and should be treated the same, member or non-member. Besides, I think that Costco purposely does this to entice people to sign-up for their memberships down the road.

I would personally write to the supervisor of the store and voice your concerns. There is no reason to treat customers like that regardless. You would probably get more out of it this way.

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david cardenas
gardena, US
May 04, 2011 3:22 am EDT
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Hey SURFOP80, where do you get your info from. I called Costco and they told me there is not a limit on the number of times a non member can use a Costco Cash Card. Call them yourself and get the facts. Show me the the money, I mean show me the POLICY.

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david cardenas
gardena, US
May 04, 2011 3:11 am EDT
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to: Xenophobicons
You should take up your complaint with Costco. I called them and they said they have no problem with their Cash Cards. Call them yourself. As for me, I'm just not going to let $200 go down the drain because you have a problem with it.

This card was a gift. I will use it as any other gift card I have received. I have also given many

gift Cards and have never heard any complaints.

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SURFOP80
Ottawa, CA
May 04, 2011 2:56 am EDT

I am a paying member, I spend roughly around $15'000 a year on supplies and pay my membership off with my 2%, However! I have had the opportunity numerous times to be inline with a non-member and let me tell you my two cents.
1) You hold up the line for people who pay for good service and really that pisses us off as it is because we had to hassle around to finda parking spot.
2) If you keep getting cash cards but a F!@($^G MEMBERSHIP ALREADY
3) Don't discriminate a store for getting fed up with having to write up your information everytime. Policy states that you get in twice as a non member then you have to buy a membership.
4) Don't be complaining about services when YOU DONT EVEN PAY FOR THE SERVICE!
5) Your technically STEALING services that I pay for !
6) CASH CARDS ARE FOR MEMBERSHIP HOLDERS TO GIVE AS A GIFT TO PEOPLE WITH MEMBERSHIPS

People like you need to stop being so damn cheap and start paying up. I pay $100 annually and it was worth every cent from day one. STOP STEALING MY SERVICES FOR FREE YOU CHEAPSKATE!

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david cardenas
gardena, US
Apr 30, 2011 7:03 pm EDT
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to: Xenophobicons

I'm not itching for a confrontation. As a matter of fact, this is the first time I have ever posted a complaint. I'm a very non-confrontational person, but there is a first time for everything. Sometimes you have to take a stand. This Costco Cash Card was given to me as a gift by a member. I have roughly $200.00 left on it. I live alone and don't need to use much of that balance at a time. Consequently, in order to use up all the balance, I will need to shop at Costco quite a few time. I don't want to have to relive that experience every time I go there. When the balance is used up, I will not renew.

I am going to contact Costco and ask them what their official policy is on this matter. I will also tell them about my experience with two of their employees.

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david cardenas
gardena, US
Apr 30, 2011 3:31 am EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

I received a Costco Cash Card for Christmas. When I went to use it, the employees were very rude to me. When I got my day pass, I said "thank you." The employee did not say your welcome. I repeateted, "thank you, " still no response. I finally raised my voice and said"thank you." She just gave me a dirty look.
One even told me I had to cash it out the next time I came in. Where in Costco policy does it say that? Who was she to tell me that? I was not trying to avoid a Costco membership fee. I was just using a gift card, as any other gift card. I'm going to call Costco and ask them their official policy regarding their Cash Cards. I am also going to tell them how rudely I was treated, and their names. If I don't, get a favorable response. I will give them a piece of my mind.

If I am ever treated like that again, there's going to be a confrontation and we are are going to bring this thing to a point.

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Tee0
Saint John, CA
Apr 19, 2011 10:00 pm EDT

Right, I agree with TheLoveFist. Costco should have explicit limitations, but the fact is that they don't. Get over it. I find it hilarious that you members would think that a large company such as Costco would care about this trivial nonmember-cashcard issue. If they did, they would have done something ages ago. So quit spewing your misdirected anger at nonmembers. "Don't hate the player, hate the game or don't play."

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srchng4care
garland, US
Apr 19, 2011 4:39 pm EDT
Verified customer This comment was posted by a verified customer. Learn more

well its a member who keeps reloading the card for @fao and they still continue to pay their "dues" complain to them

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Tee0
Saint John, CA
Apr 19, 2011 6:29 am EDT

Big deal. Rules are rules, and if you don't like it that's too bad for you. Being a member myself, I couldn't care less whether they let nonmembers in or not, it's none of my business. I don't agree with people cheating the system, but let's face it, there is a major loophole in Costco's "cash card" policy and there will always be people taking advantage someway or another. If all you "members" have a problem with Costco letting nonmembers in, then here is a solution for you: Go shop somewhere else. Simple no?

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