Several years ago, I had a Costco membership and purchased an automotive battery for my truck.
Two years later when leaving work, I was unable to start my truck because the battery was dead. I had the battery tested and was told that it was no good. The Costco battery had a 3 yr replacement warranty. So I got a jump-start and headed to Costco to exchange the bad battery.
I had let my Costco membership expire, but the warranty still applied so I was planning to exchange batteries, install the new one in my truck, and drive away.
When I got inside, I explained my situation to Manager #1. Manager #1 said that the exchange desk would give a refund in cash and that I could then purchase an equivalent battery without renewing my Costco membership. No problem.
So I gave them the bad battery, got the cash, found a cart, went to the back of the store, and picked out a battery. When I got back up to the front and through the long checkout line, Manager #1 had disappeared. Apparently it was the end of his shift.
The hesitant cashier called Manager #2 over and I politely explained the situation to him, told him what Manager #1 had said, and showed him my return receipt. Manager #2 told me that I could not buy anything or even be in the store without having a paid membership. They had given me a refund.
Basically, Manager #2 was holding me hostage to buy a new membership. Without even a dead battery in my truck to jump, I was completely stuck at Costco and going nowhere and he knew it.
However, I refused to cave to the membership Gestapo. I'm a pretty big strong guy. There was a Walmart a ways down the road but within walking distance. I brought a Walmart battery, installed it in my truck, and headed home.
Costco lost my business and my family's business forever. Whenever I even hear the name Costco, my blood pressure rises and I tell my story to anybody who will listen. Did they give me my money back? Technically yes. But steer clear of these "members only" outfits which are ultimately looking to take advantage of your situation rather than engage in actual commerce.
0 comments