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Original poster

to ignore the costco rules

76 replies

peachesandclean · 16/04/2019 01:28

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?

OP posts:
SnuggyBuggy · 16/04/2019 10:18

The latter makes more sense. Not complaining obviously Grin

Timewarpdancer · 16/04/2019 10:27

I’ve been a few times in a party of four and never been questioned. Not even at the tills when each person is paying individually using the same card.
Most people spend quite a fair bit so I don’t suppose they are going to get too strict.

speakout · 16/04/2019 10:30

I agree about the cakes- that "buttercream" tastes and looks like equal parts lard and icing sugar.

Truly vile.

MadSweeney · 16/04/2019 10:34

The membership is worth it for the cottage pie tbh 😂
Don't think DH qualifies for a membership as a Project Manager though annoyingly.

Went with DD at the weekend, there was DD her partner, DH and I and 2 friends of DD. They counted 2 of us in on DD's card and two on her partners but they were checking as you entered.
This was Milton Keynes.

BossyBanana · 16/04/2019 10:35

We go every couple of months.

Three times we have tried to get in with three guests and were refused entry (at two different stores).

I’ve seen other people being turned away for having too many guests before too.

PrayingandHoping · 16/04/2019 10:50

The cake icing is what they use in the States. 😂😂 (I agree it's vile) they think ours is weird!

AspergersMum · 16/04/2019 11:25

Costco is very strict. I've never heard of anyone having their membership revoked though. I would just take your friends on different days and stick to the rules, less embarrassing that way.

I suspect they are a bit weird about membership in the UK (anyone can apply in US) as they have less competition from similar stores here and want to limit numbers and theft. There is no truly quiet time at our local Costco so it works I guess but it does seem snobby to exclude so many jobs from membership.

DuckbilledSplatterPuff · 16/04/2019 11:29

Peaches, your friends are putting you under a lot of pressure.

It seems like you feel they will complain to you if they can't get in, which is very unreasonable of them.

Print out the rules from the website and hand it to them. Tell them its up to them, they are not to complain to you if they don't get it.
or they come prepared to sit in the car and take turns as pp suggested.
So try not to worry so much. Its Costco's problem and their problem - not yours and .. as my DM used to say "They're big enough and ugly enough to look after themselves."

whyohwhyowhydididoit · 16/04/2019 11:35

If when you get there they only let you bring in two guests (and it’s very likely they will) the other two can wait in the food to go area.

whyohwhyowhydididoit · 16/04/2019 11:43

I don’t understand the membership rules at all. When I joined I worked in education and so qualified. I got extra cards for my DH and brother (who work in casinos so don’t qualify). Since then I have stopped work as we no longer need my income. I can’t ever let my membership lapse as I wouldn’t qualify to rejoin despite being infinitely better off and so able to spend a lot more money than I was 10 years ago.

We don’t use it a lot but for the stuff it’s good at (loo roll, kitchen roll, fresh meat, some home ware) and the shepherds pie a PP mentioned it’s excellent value for good quality. I also like visiting at lunchtime and eating my way through the various free samples on offer.

I agree the cakes are vile and the chicken bake at the hot food counter is truly revolting.

butteryellow · 16/04/2019 11:43

They say they won't let you join if you're not on one of the lists, but in practise they want you to join and will work with you - I signed up in a shopping centre, and she didn't require any proof of occupation, just took me at my word that my partner worked in one of the industries required (these days I run my own company so could use that instead)

Don't leave your guests in the car - do as why above says - sit them down with an icecream in the food court while you go round with one set.

Do remember that you'll have to pay though - I seem to remember that whoever has the card has to be the one paying.

Timewarpdancer · 16/04/2019 12:03

Different branches must have different rules as the local one near me you just pay yourself, it doesn’t need to be the cardholder.

GummyGoddess · 16/04/2019 12:04

I like Costco for a browse, DH likes it for the free samples Hmm

BooksAreMyOnlyFriends · 16/04/2019 12:10

I agree - forget the cakes but definitely get the cookies in the bakery area - huge box for £5. Then head straight for the chicken nuggets/tenders, swinging by the loo rolls. On the way to the checkout pick up a massive box of walkers and some marshmallows you could actually use as pillows. Checkout, then enjoy a cottage pie/pizza the size of your head before you drive home.

SnuggyBuggy · 16/04/2019 12:18

Has anyone tried the carrot cake or red velvet?

PrayingandHoping · 16/04/2019 12:25

@SnuggyBuggy yes the carrot cake is great! Hope you have a lot of friends to share with as it's huge 😂

IncrediblySadToo · 16/04/2019 12:32

snuggybuggy. The carrot cake alone is worth the membership 😊

The thing that surprises me each and every time is how ‘normal sized’ every thing seems while you’re in there, but how bloody enormous it is when you get it home 🤣

OP the worst that will happen is that they tell you you can’t take them all in. They won’t be bothered by you trying to take them in.

DeathyMcDeathStarFace · 16/04/2019 12:52

If you can get in without being a member but with a gift card, why not buy gift cards for any extra people just to use get in?

Then they can return the gift cards to you to pay towards whatever you buy, so you won't lose out.

settmenu · 16/04/2019 20:00

You'll be refused. They're so strict!

JanetandJohn500 · 16/04/2019 20:53

There's a Groupon deal on. If they split the cost (and the goodies) it isn't that much to join.

to ignore the costco rules
Unihorn · 16/04/2019 21:03

They're strict on membership but they won't revoke it.

Costco is worth it just for the amazing deals on books, and nice clothes/shoes sometimes too. Also great if you need an insanely large playhouse or tent...!

ShastaBeast · 16/04/2019 21:12

The membership thing is just for marketing. It creates an impression of exclusivity. Like designer handbags are stupidly expensive to make them more desirable, see Hermes who refuse to sell them to most people even if they have the £7k plus to buy one.

It’s fuck all to do with VAT. Most of the professionals on the list won’t have much more than basic knowledge eg education, medical, military. I wonder if any one actually goes there for business purposes. Reselling their own brand would look odd for retailers.

speakout · 16/04/2019 21:18

ShastaBeast

I have mulled over this idea or simply a marketing ploy, but I am always nosey about what other people buy in supermarkets.
The majority of people in Costco are buying huge quantities- but often fresh food- like 30 iceberg lettuces
I can't see that being for personal use.

ShastaBeast · 16/04/2019 22:51

www.npr.org/sections/money/2015/09/25/443519599/episode-653-the-anti-store

This may be the place I learnt about this.

AspergersMum · 17/04/2019 19:05

Very interesting ShastaBeast, thank you. It is so true that they do absolutely nothing helpful, no signage, although the food court at the end is cheap and nice.