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Sure, thanks for asking, as with anything, these are my opinions and I hope you form your own as well. My opinions aren't perfect, and none of these companies are outright "good" or "bad". It is very hard, I definitely am not always successful (living without touching Apple, Google, and Microsoft some way in the modern world is near impossible), but I do my best.
Costco is definitely one of the less clear cut "they're bad guys" ones on this list, and definitely is doing many good things. My primary reason is the use of a yearly subscription model. Again, a hugely complex topic that could take up paragraphs, but overall I disagree with subscription models for goods, that $1.50 hot dog is not actually $1.50. There are benefits to subscription models (in this case ensuring regular stable income for the company, helps keep prices lower for products where profits might otherwise fluctuate more and they need a bigger profit buffer). They're also on here for the damage they do to local businesses and just suburban colossus that they are with acres of parking lot, it's an eysore, and unpleasant to go to. Lastly, is a 100% biased personal one, but I went once with an autistic client who was so excited to go see Costco, and he only wanted to see and look around, and despite being told beforehand we could go in with a friend who had a card, they turned us away at the door despite my explaining the situation and it totally ruined his day and forever rubbed me the wrong way.
I appreciate the honest reply, and I hope I didn’t come across as condescending in my last post as it was not meant to be an attack, but more of a “huh?” statement. All of those are valid concerns, but I would argue that while not perfect, they’re a much better version of Sam’s/Walmart/Target, and their bulk goods offering doesn’t put them in direct competition with smaller mom and pop stores due to consumers not being able to get quantities/brands that they always want. It’s also very supportive to markets like local restaurants and stores that don’t have built in supply chains that may not want to shop at conglomerate supply stores.
Short version, I don’t necessarily agree with you, but I appreciate your perspective and the well thought out response.
Thanks for the response and clarification :) you definitely make some good points!
This was a very healthy discourse, I just want to say good work to both parties.
You both have different opinions, were able to discuss them civily, and didn't resort to name calling. Well done.
That $1.50 hot dog is actually $1.50. You don't even need to be a member to buy it.
You do need to be a member, or accompanied by a member to enter the building and buy it though (at least where I live, perhaps this rule is different in different places?)
If your local store isn't following Costco's policies, that's not Costco's fault. Report them if you really want.
A membership is absolutely not required to use the "food court". The machine doesn't scan or use your membership at all. The rest of your complaints are equally bold faced lies that don't in any way match Costco's policy, or full on unhinged lunatic horseshit.
At all the Costcos where I live, there is staff rather than a machine at the very front door that prevents entry without a membership, even to the food court. I think it's much more likely that their policies vary from country to country, rather than their being a rogue sect of policy breakers in my city. I don't think my view of Costco based of the customer experience I've had there is any indication of lunacy, I've had a bad time there, and so it's okay I don't like it. Just like it's okay that you do. I'm glad you've seemed to have had a more positive experience, and they definitely do treat their staff better than some. My issues with subscription based models, and land development with Costco remains though and I don't think my opinions changed.
I hope you have a good day and that people's differing opinions on Costco isn't nearly so upsetting for you in the future!
Your stance on membership is full on looney tunes.
It's not a statement that allows for the possibility that a person has even a shred of intelligence or sanity.