to ignore the costco rules

[peachesandclean]

My friends and I decided to all go to costco cause they've never been before, I just checked the rules and it says you're only allowed to bring two guests in? There would be 5 of us going so 4 guests

I told them and they still want to go but it's sending my anxiety through the roof

what if we get turned away? what if they revoke my membership? I can't deal with confrontation and I don't want to make a scene and it's worrying me so much

has anyone else ever been with multiple guests?? If so, what happened? Were there any problems?

Whys is it so strict?

Do they not want customers

@FuckASilverLining because you have to pay for membership so as a member you can only take in two non members at a time.

Children don't count in the numbers so its common to see 2 adults and 2 kids getting in for example.

At my local costs they are strict and I have seen groups of Costco day-trippers get refused access. They don't take away membership but do make you look like a fool for treating it as a day out.

Yes they will turn you away if you all go at once, it happened to me before they realised we had more than one membership among us

They count visitors in at ours too. Sorry, don't think you'll get more in than allowed

I don't understand why membership depends on your job? Why is a bank employee ok? Or a barrister? But not software engineer??? Seems so arbitrary!

They're very strict and won't let you all in. One non member is the rule.

You could walk in with each one in turn and then go back out for the next one. If its a busy day they might not notice. You can also get in through the cafe entrance which will have a different employee checking cards.

older Agreed. We are trade members but I can't understand why doctors etc can get a card over other professions.

I've taken more than 2 people in, multiple times. Suppose it depends on how strict they are at your local one.

@olderthanyouthink

How do I qualify for Individual Membership?

Costco offers Individual Membership to current or retired employees of select employment groups or professions.
Membership is available to individuals over the age of 18 years who meet one of the following requirements:
Qualifying Employment Groups
Current or Retired Employee of:

Banking / Finance
Local Government
Fire / Rescue Service
Post Office
Airlines
Education
Police Force
Civil Service / Armed Forces
Medical / Health Service
Insurance

OR

Qualified as:

Qualified / Certified / Chartered Accountant
Chartered Architect
Doctors (MD) / Dentist / Optician / Pharmacist
Chartered Surveyor
Solicitor / Barrister / Magistrate / Advocate
Chartered Engineer / Civil etc

OR

Current or Retired employees of a UK or USA Gold Company.

You may qualify as a current or retired employee of one of the many UK or USA Gold Companies. Please contact either Central Membership on 01923 830477 or your local warehouse to confirm whether the company you currently work for or have retired from is a registered Gold Card Company.

You need to provide the following: One of the following which is valid or dated within the last 3 months, or past documentation if retired:

Employee ID Card

OR

Employee Payslip/Pension Statement

OR

Qualification Certificate or ID

 
Plus 1 piece of photographic identification

Please contact Central Membership on 01923 830477 or your local warehouse to confirm your eligibility for Individual Membership.

I don't get the rules. My DH has a card but I don't really get why or what it has to do with his job (IT)

I have membership- I am self employed- a sole trader. That qualified me.

You go in with 4 of you. Then the person with the card “goes to the toilet “ and then goes to fetch the extra person and brings them in.

My DH was an actuary, didn't count for membership.

We've always been counted in & out.

Ring ahead if you want to know for sure.

I must be about the only person in the country who doesn't qualify for membership ;)

However people tell me its no cheaper than the supermarkets these days, and in any event, it sounds hideous.

Oh I do qualify because I'm a qualified solicitor. Oh well, I won't be darkening their doors anyway.

Could you see if one of your friends wants their own membership and they could take out an additional card on your account? I’ve got my own card but it’s linked to my brothers account. I paid about £15 I think. Then you could each take in up to 2 guests. Obviously they’d have to pay for the card and if it’s not something they’d use again then it’s not worth it. But they might be happy to have their own card.

If you're really that bothered....
You go in with two guests. Leave them browsing. Go back out and re-enter with other guests and hope they don't recognise your face

However people tell me its no cheaper than the supermarkets these days, and in any event, it sounds hideous.

A lot of the suff is no cheaper than the supermarket- I agree, there are some real bargains to be had though.

And the quality is amazing, the fruit and veg and meat are a different standard than we get in the UK.

Just do this:

Why don't you go in with two friends, leave them browsing for a few minutes while you exit the store and go back in with the other two friends?

@user1471558750

*Why don't you go in with two friends, leave them browsing for a few minutes while you exit the store and go back in with the other two friends?
*

You may find your membership revoked if you try this.

Security at my store are on the ball- usually 4 or 5 in total at entrances and exits.
Membership cards ( and receipts) are checked on the way out. If you are trying to get 4 people in and out you will have to pass staff 4 times- a high probability of being noticed.

I genuinely don’t see the attraction anyway. Went for the first time recently with OH who has membership and was totally underwhelmed. Yeah it’s cheap but it’s a warehouse as well. Too much like hard work for a bargain imo.

It's a hellhole.
People round here rave about it but bleugh, those cakes are hideous. Slathered in vivid "butter" cream.....made from God knows what, but it ain't butter.

I joined many years ago, I didn't realise they were taking my picture for the membership card and I looked like a bad hair day serial killer caught in the act of disembowelling a victim. I was so ashamed of the card I stopped going. Didn't like it much to be honest, and buying a years supply of mayo or coffee at a time didn't really appeal. I expect they have done well out of preppers.

Their cakes are vile btw, they will probably survive Armageddon they are so full of preservatives. It took me a while to realise that sheet referred to the shape rather than being an exclamation referring to the taste.

@SnuggyBuggy It's a cash and carry and I assume it relates to rules around VAT? Certain professions are exempt. Your DH/his employer probably pays for his membership through his business, you can do this if you're self-employed too.

As for trying to get more people in by coming back through, I'm not sure how strict they are with their membership and removing cards if they find you trying to sneak more people in. In our branch they actively check you know what business is linked to/card details on your card by removing it from you at the till and asking you questions, there seems to be periods in which they check so they do take things seriously.