Nanaimo Costco.

[tailtwister]

Really, how many members are aware of the policies when they bring a guest into the store?

I am aware that I was given this and all the rest of Costco's policies when I started my membership. I didn't read it all, but I was given the information. I take responsibility for that.

I discovered this policy by bringing a guest as well. I had to pay for their stuff and they paid me back - no big deal.

I also discovered that at the Canadian company Save-On Foods, the person in front of me (a visitor to BC from elsewhere in Canada) who was about to lose about $15 dollars in membership savings was NOT allowed to use my card. Strictly against company policy. They were in a hurry and didn't have the time nor the desire to sign up for a Save-On membership for the sake of a single transaction. Same kind of policy, but the membership was free. Is there a difference here?

Anyways, one of the reasons Costco has that policy (and has to enforce it) is because the non-retail status of their store is what gets them the ability to sell some of the products they sell and what gets them the pricing from the manufacturers that they get. If they allowed just anyone to purchase, they risk losing the deals they get.

[mrraulduke]

I also discovered that at the Canadian company Save-On Foods, the person in front of me (a visitor to BC from elsewhere in Canada) who was about to lose about $15 dollars in membership savings was NOT allowed to use my card. Strictly against company policy. They were in a hurry and didn't have the time nor the desire to sign up for a Save-On membership for the sake of a single transaction. Same kind of policy, but the membership was free. Is there a difference here?

i've never had a problem giving someone else my card at save-on.
the cashiers and the other customer usually applaud my 'generosity' ... like i really care about those points... but if it saves them 3 bucks, it makes my day

[tailtwister]

i've never had a problem giving someone else my card at save-on.
the cashiers and the other customer usually applaud my 'generosity' ... like i really care about those points... but if it saves them 3 bucks, it makes my day

I hadn't had a problem doing the same thing for many years. A lot of clerks still do it but it is definitely against the rules (to avoid someone simply scanning their own (or a friend's) card and "stealing" points instead of trying to get the customer to signup.

The point was more that its not just American companies and not just Costco that has these kinds of rules. There are even companies that have rules that if you work for them and want to shop there (even if its a different store than yours or a different chain under the same company) you MUST report to the supervisor immediately to let them know you're there. Failure to do so can result in termination.

[TheFinisher]

i've never had a problem giving someone else my card at save-on.
the cashiers and the other customer usually applaud my 'generosity' ... like i really care about those points... but if it saves them 3 bucks, it makes my day

Same here. I always give up my card and have had people do the same when I forgot mine. The cashier is usually the first to ask if anyone has a card to scan. The staff there is super friendly... its a well run business.

On the other hand, I have been banned from Costco because I had a run-in with the huge oaf of a store manager that barreled his way through the exit line, pushing people from one side to the other. When I spoke up about it he faced me off and asked me if I had a problem so I shoved him back and asked him how it felt to have a guy half his size push him around. I got a round of cheers from his customers and a lifetime ban from Costco.

Truth is that if you pay attention to the sale cycles of Thrify's and Save-on, you get better deals. But, Costco meat rules. You may see me outside asking you to bootleg a rump-roast every now and then.

[Geoff]

Same here. I always give up my card and have had people do the same when I forgot mine. The cashier is usually the first to ask if anyone has a card to scan. The staff there is super friendly... its a well run business.

On the other hand, I have been banned from Costco because I had a run-in with the huge oaf of a store manager that barreled his way through the exit line, pushing people from one side to the other. When I spoke up about it he faced me off and asked me if I had a problem so I shoved him back and asked him how it felt to have a guy half his size push him around. I got a round of cheers from his customers and a lifetime ban from Costco.

Truth is that if you pay attention to the sale cycles of Thrify's and Save-on, you get better deals. But, Costco meat rules. You may see me outside asking you to bootleg a rump-roast every now and then.

Way to stick it to Costco! And yes good deals at Thrifty's and Save On can be had if you pay attention.

[vanislandrev]

I completely understand Costco's policies. They are inconsistent. I have gone there many times and paid with no problems. Either way ONE of us was paying so it REALLY didn't matter who, it was a slower day and apparently they had time to question me about whether I had a membership.

[grommet]

applied for a p/t early a.m. shift recently. I took a resume in and sent one online. Have I heard back? NOooooo. I was told by a "greeter/checker" that they were desperate for early morning staff, obviously not desperate enough!! I'm taking it as a compliment.

[Gail]

I always thought that paying to shop somewhere is just about the most preposterous idea.inline with paying to lose weight. There are enough LOCAL stores all over Nanaimo to shop in, instead of complying with rules and regs from an out of country store.
Superstore has ,one would think, enough items to placate a shopper, and Thrifty's has a smile and bags your goods, great meat section, produce crisp and wonderful. Maybe the slight price increase you see on your bill is worth the hassles of Costco.

big rant is how they have now taken over the entire parking lot, signs saying for Costco shoppers only. Thanks to the ingenious designers who constructed the maze of parking spaces in Nanaimo, where is one left to park if you need to go inside the Moxies area..lol...might as well park on the highway side. Parking is at the top of my rants for Nanaimo.

[tailtwister]

big rant is how they have now taken over the entire parking lot, signs saying for Costco shoppers only. Thanks to the ingenious designers who constructed the maze of parking spaces in Nanaimo, where is one left to park if you need to go inside the Moxies area..lol...might as well park on the highway side. Parking is at the top of my rants for Nanaimo.

It's interesting that the parking lot is a rant. As someone who has leased commercial property in the past and paid for the parking lot as part of my leased property, there is nothing more frustrating than some other business having their clients park in my parking spot and my customers complaining that I have no parking. It's Costco's parking lot - why shouldn't they be allowed to post those signs? They pay for it and the maintenance of it. It's not public parking...

Would it be ok for your people visiting your neighbours to just park in your driveway if they can't find it in the place they are visiting?

[grommet]

Currently, I'm in need of a bit of extra income. I applied to Costco online and in person - at the recommendation of a Costco employee - for the early a.m. shift. I haven't had any response. Oh well, that seems to be standard practice when seeking employment these days. Fortunately, my dog-boarding/sitting business is getting busier so I don't need to chase around, unless it's with the dogs! Cheers all.