Costco. Everybody has been there at least once in their lives. Many know this store as a huge warehouse full of goodies and treats. However, entry is not guaranteed for all since memberships are required to enter. But there is one problem with that, not all people want to pay to go to Costco.

Costco’s membership can be pricey but, to many, worth it. There are three different memberships one can purchase: the Gold Star Membership for $60, the Business Membership for $60, and the Executive Membership for $120.

The $120 Executive Membership is definitely a costly subscription in today’s economy; however, it is worth as there are 2% annual rewards, Costco services discounts, online shopping, and an extra membership card for family and friends. The $60 Gold Star membership provides access to Costco, online shopping, and one additional card.

Nearly everyone loves Costco. If you have ever been inside, you know how interesting and fun everything is there. All the technology gadgets, furniture, food, snacks, drinks, and even free samples, make you feel like you’re not even in a store, but rather a mall.  Additionally, everything at Costco is high quality.

But like I said earlier, Costco’s premium service makes people want to sneak or lie their way into Costco, by using someone else’s membership card. Costco has already tried to combat this by making their members take a picture and add an ID to their membership card. While this may be working, it still doesn’t stop people.

When Allan Guzman, a resident in Menifee, was asked if he’s ever used someone else’s Costco card, he stated, “Yeah, we do that sometimes, but just recently we bought one.”

To combat membership abuse, Costco is introducing a new scanning system to ensure that it’s only their members entering the warehouse. Employees will no longer be visually checking for membership cards at the door but will begin using scanners attached to the database of members and may also begin asking for photo identification to match the card to the cardholder.

According to CBS News, when Costco announced the change, they stated, “We don’t feel it’s right that non-members receive the same benefits and pricing as our members,” which makes sense for the recent changes.

Only time will tell the impact of the new Costco membership procedures on Costco shopping habits and whether consumers approve or revolt against the new policy.