Costco installs membership scanners in South Florida: Here's how the new system works.

Costco has implemented membership scanners at the entrances of its warehouses in Florida, where members will need to scan their physical or digital card using the barcode or QR code before entering, and guests will only be allowed entry if accompanied by someone with a valid membership.

According to Local 10, the first scanners have been installed in a store in Pembroke Pines, a city located in the southwestern part of Broward County, Florida.

The Customer Service website specifies that in case any questions or issues arise, there will always be an assistant available at the entrance to provide assistance.

If the membership is inactive, expired, or if the person wishes to sign up for a new one, it will be necessary to go to the counter before entering the store.

Additionally, if the membership card does not have a photo, a valid photo ID must be presented. Therefore, members are encouraged to stop by the membership desk to have their photo taken and added to their card.

In January 2024, the test system for membership card scanners was initially installed in some stores across the country, Local 10 reported.

Any person with a card can bring up to two guests to the warehouse on each visit, but the purchase of items is exclusive to Costco members, according to the company's website.

Additionally, they specify that primary members can assign a free home card to another person in their household.

Membership fees are essential for keeping prices low, according to the retailer, who also stated that non-members should not receive the same benefits as cardholders.

On September 1, Costco raised its prices, increasing the basic Gold Star membership fee from $60 to $65 annually, and the premium Executive membership from $120 to $130.

At the beginning of this year, Costco Canada reported the implementation of membership scanners at the entrances of its stores in Moncton, starting with a trial in larger cities that received positive feedback from customers, according to MBS News on social media platform X.

In September, Richard Galanti, the Chief Financial Officer of Costco, explained that the aim of this measure is to streamline the entry and exit process: by scanning the card upon entry, the need to verify it again at the checkout is eliminated.

The installation of the scanners was also planned to be extended to all Costco locations in New Brunswick.

Recently, a Cuban TikToker living in Jacksonville shared valuable tips on social media about how to apply for and get a job at the well-known retail chain Costco for those residing in the United States.

In her video, Gretter (@gretter___) explained the online application process step by step, detailing each stage and providing key recommendations to enhance the chances of being hired.