A COSTCO shopper has urged the chain to take a page from its rival’s playbook, making the checkout experience more efficient.
The member warned the wholesale giant that it needs to embrace technology ahead of the new year.
The shopper, known only as Troy, ripped the chain, claiming the experience it offers is akin to 2005, per an X post.
“Y’all need to get onboard, update your e-commerce experience and get in-app checkout like Sam’s Club!” he said.
He stressed that Sam’s Club, which has 600 warehouses nationwide, constantly updates its checkout methods and rolling out new technology.
Sam’s Club is one of the retailers that has rolled out scan-and-go technology.
The tool allows shoppers to scan each item that they put in their baskets rather than waiting in a traditional checkout line.
And shoppers can pay for items using the chain’s in-house app, which allows contactless payment.
This means shoppers can avoid a relatively embarrassing situation at the checkout where they realize they’ve forgotten their credit cards.
Sam’s Club is also pioneering new exit technology that means shoppers do not have to show receipts.
This contrasts with Costco, where receipt checks have proved to be an issue that has irked some shoppers.
Sam’s Club shoppers just have to walk through an airport-like scanner, and their purchases are verified.
This means staffers do not have to check a shopper’s cart individually.
Sam’s Club has confirmed that all shoppers can walk through the scanners, not just those who have used scan and go.
Shoppers have been warned to ensure their items remain unbagged so the cameras can verify each product.
Most receipt checks will be eliminated entirely, but staffers might still need to inspect the slips if any discrepancies occur.
Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers
Here is a breakdown of the store cards on offer to customers from various retailers and their benefits
* If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Costco:
- Gold Star Membership: $65 per year, shop all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
- Executive Membership: $130 per year, annual 2% reward, additional discounts and benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store, and get two additional cards for household use.
- Sign up for a Costco Membership here
Sam’s Club:
- Club Membership: $50 per year, bonus offers, same-day delivery, instant savings, Sam’s Club Mastercard, members-only fuel savings, tire and battery center, complimentary membership, and add-on memberships.
- Plus Membership: $110 per year, all benefits of Club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and pharmacy and optical savings.
- Sign up for Sam’s Club Membership here
Target:
- Target Circle: A free-to-join reward program allowing users to earn 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards when an eligible purchase is made, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps out your community.
- Target Circle Card: A credit, debit, or reloadable account card that gives users 5% off in-store and online as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping, and an additional 30-day returns window. Formerly Target RedCard.
- Sign up for Target Circle here
Walmart:
- Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto car, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and go in-store, and early access to deals and product releases.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
Earlier this year, Sam’s Club bosses said they aspired to install the scanning machines in all 600 of its warehouses by the end of the year.
Bosses have gushed about the impacts the scanners have had on shoppers’ experiences.
Customers now leave the store 23% faster, according to the company.
“Both exit technology and Scan & Go are driving new levels of convenience and raising member satisfaction among members,” Todd Garner, the chief product officer at Sam’s Club, said in a statement.
“Whether it’s a single item or a cartful, we’re revolutionizing the checkout experience.”
The technology was rolled out at four Austin Sam’s Club warehouses earlier this year, and officials said there hadn’t been any “hiccups,” as reported by the San Antonio Express-News.
But, The U.S. Sun reported how some shoppers branded the scanning machines a waste of money.
Sam’s Club bosses have warned receipt checks may still need to take place – despite the scanners[/caption]
