Issue at COSTCO today

[sousana]

I think you are making a mountain out of a molehill. The guy was just
trying to do his job.

WRONG- I'm a Registered Nurse/Nurse Practitioner working in the same hospital as my wife who's an MD, I work one day a week in the ER, would you be so accepting if I happened to call across the room to you and asked you if you had any symptoms of some vile disease?

There is a right way and a wrong way to do things, calling a person out in public, especially with the gun culture as it is, is simply sloppy and poor training compounded by an idiot of a manager who couldn't comprehend what his employee did.

 

[johngalt]

My amusing non-Cosco experiences:

I've become a more frequent visitor to the Mayo Clinic than I prefer. They recently have installed TSA style metal detectors at the entrances. During one visit they had the sensitivity cranked up high enough it was dinging on everyone that went through. They even have bins into which you can dispose weapons, with a notice that items will not be returned (they can legally confiscate private property?)

I get dinged. I just ignore it and keep walking. I hear 'Sir! Sir!'
Yes?
Do you have any weapons?
No.
OK. Have a nice day.

That was real effective...

Another story:

Best Buy used to have yellow shirts that would demand to search packages and inspect receipts as you left. Problem is they have no legal authority to do so.

One day I ignored the yellow shirt. He yelled out after me "Hey! I need to see your receipt".
I responded 'No' and kept walking. He could do nothing except get mad.

 

[sousana]

My amusing non-Cosco experiences:

I've become a more frequent visitor to the Mayo Clinic than I prefer. They recently have installed TSA style metal detectors at the entrances. During one visit they had the sensitivity cranked up high enough it was dinging on everyone that went through. They even have bins into which you can dispose weapons, with a notice that items will not be returned (they can legally confiscate private property?)

I get dinged. I just ignore it and keep walking. I hear 'Sir! Sir!'
Yes?
Do you have any weapons?
No.
OK. Have a nice day.

That was real effective...

Another story:

Best Buy used to have yellow shirts that would demand to search packages and inspect receipts as you left. Problem is they have no legal authority to do so.

One day I ignored the yellow shirt. He yelled out after me "Hey! I need to see your receipt".
I responded 'No' and kept walking. He could do nothing except get mad.

LOLOL, that happened to me the other day at Walmart, I bought my niece a 55" flatscreen, sort of a gift as she's ending her junior year in high school and will soon start her senior year in August, as I was leaving the store the guy at the door came after me demanding to see my reciept, I said no, he said he'd have to hold onto the tv until I could prove it's mine, to which I said, I'd have to assume he's attempting to steal my property to which I'd stop him. Stopped him short, he sputtered a bit then went back into the store. I put MY tv into the trunk, went in and spoke to the manager, told him what transpired and informed him while they may put people at the door to check items, they have no legal standing, and that chasing people into the parking lot then threatening to take items until they see a receipt could go south in so many ways.

The only time I don't say anything is on base, as the rules are slightly different.

 

[brucev]

Routinely go to Costco. Like the store. It's clean, well stocked, well run, etc. Prices are very good as is the quality of merchandise. Never noticed a no firearms policy. Never looked for one. If that is the case, I'll just not be cc when I go to Costco. No different than when going into a Post Office, court house, etc. About the same as mask that once were required. I didn't like 'em. Only wore them b/c it was just about required if one was going to enter any building other than one's home. Nowadays, consider masking to be a personal choice. I choose not to. No different than cc. Most folks do not cc. I cc. Works for me. Sincerely. bruce.

 

[Ranger17]

Until this thread, I wasn't even aware of Costco's gun policy. As it is their business and it basically is a members-only situation, I respect their decisions and don't let it keep me from shopping there.
As to the OP's concerns and post, I may lean to it being handled poorly by the door personnel. But due to what the OP has been going thru, it seems to have escalated more than needed. I think the store should be using it as a learning moment, and the OP probably needed a break and that day the stress just overflowed.
Many of us have been saddled with extreme situations and we may all have had a time we just could not take it anymore.
I feel it was a bad moment overall, and now time to move on from it.
Only my 2 cents and probably not worth that much.

 

[Muss Muggins]

What exactly is Costco's firearms policy?

 

[ImprovedModel56Fan]

What exactly is Costco's firearms policy?

Do you reckon maybe it matters in some states more than others?

 

[Mainsail]

LOLOL, that happened to me the other day at Walmart, I bought my niece a 55" flatscreen, sort of a gift as she's ending her junior year in high school and will soon start her senior year in August, as I was leaving the store the guy at the door came after me demanding to see my reciept, I said no, he said he'd have to hold onto the tv until I could prove it's mine, to which I said, I'd have to assume he's attempting to steal my property to which I'd stop him. Stopped him short, he sputtered a bit then went back into the store. I put MY tv into the trunk, went in and spoke to the manager, told him what transpired and informed him while they may put people at the door to check items, they have no legal standing, and that chasing people into the parking lot then threatening to take items until they see a receipt could go south in so many ways.

The only time I don't say anything is on base, as the rules are slightly different.

Yeah, presumed authority, it boils my blood every time. that's why I do not respond to someone calling out to me - it's usually some Karen who believes he/she has authority to demand I speak to them.

Same thing in Walmart some years back. was buying a plastic trashcan of all things- lady at the door demanded to see my receipt. After having stood several minutes in line, I had no intention of proving I wasn't stealing a plastic trashcan so I said "no" and walked past. She put her hands on her hips and huffed, "How rude!"

Sorry but not sorry. Once I paid for it, the thing is mine, and I will not prove I own things that are mine to strangers.

EDIT to add: During the C19 silliness, I had a Dr appointment and they had positioned a woman at the door with a point-at-your-skull thermometer. She took my temperature and told me, "You're free to go." I told her I was always free to go...

 

[ladder13]

Costco Wholesale is a membership-only warehouse club. It isn't open to the general public. As such, it restricts membership to qualified individuals who agree to our membership conditions. We have the right, and the obligation to our members, to enact and enforce our membership rules.

By obtaining a Costco membership card, our members agree to comply with the Membership Rules and the Privileges and Conditions of membership. The Member Service Employees at the exit doors are also obliged to follow these rules.

At Costco, we don't believe it's necessary to bring firearms into its warehouses, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers. For the protection of all our members and employees, we feel this is a reasonable and prudent precaution to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and safe workplace.

Our policy is meant to protect our members and employees in all warehouses around the world. This isn't a new policy, and we don't customize this policy for each city/county/state/country where we do business.

Our primary goal at Costco Wholesale is to keep our members happy. If you believe that our policy restricting members from bringing firearms into our warehouses is unfair or excessively burdensome, or you cannot agree to abide by this policy, Costco will promptly refund your annual membership fee upon request. Thank you for your understanding.

 

[DixieRanger]

Concisely said as a QA employee of said business. Read all posts some couple times for clarity and made one response. My understanding in OP was not policy but seemingly aggressive verbal approach by greeter. As known...concealed handguns are carried various locations. Anyone, CC holder or not, could have pocket, purse, ankle, shoulder holster and more with none the wiser. But a call out for a perceived 'bulge' after in store? Kinda over the top me thinks...and so it goes.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

 

[Kinman]

I'm an officer at a Gun Range that has a policy about open carry. We do not allow anyone except badge wearing officers to open carry. Concealed carry is not permitted, however...If you are truly carrying concealed it is not visible. Noone ever gets searched or questioned...again however if it is obvious a guy is carrying concealed he is advised to remedy that situation or leave it in the car, end of story.
The problem with this situation is that many people today have the desire to let the world know that they are carrying, concealed or otherwise. I do not appreciate it because statistically at least 30% of the people that are currently carrying concealed have not been trained in the use of their firearm and believe it or not have not even fired the firearm they are carrying.
I am sympathetic about your situation and hope things work out for the best with your family.
I won't begin to bore anyone with the situations I have experienced working as a range officer and chairman these past dozen years. We should all be alarmed at the mental capacity of some of the people walking around fully loaded, cocked and locked. I used to dress people down for bad behavior in public, not anymore...they are all running around cocked and locked waiting for someone to "threaten" them.

 

[Steak]

What exactly is Costco's firearms policy?

From their website.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Tom S.]

Costco Wholesale is a membership-only warehouse club. It isn't open to the general public. As such, it restricts membership to qualified individuals who agree to our membership conditions. We have the right, and the obligation to our members, to enact and enforce our membership rules.

By obtaining a Costco membership card, our members agree to comply with the Membership Rules and the Privileges and Conditions of membership. The Member Service Employees at the exit doors are also obliged to follow these rules.

At Costco, we don't believe it's necessary to bring firearms into its warehouses, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers. For the protection of all our members and employees, we feel this is a reasonable and prudent precaution to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and safe workplace.

Our policy is meant to protect our members and employees in all warehouses around the world. This isn't a new policy, and we don't customize this policy for each city/county/state/country where we do business.

Our primary goal at Costco Wholesale is to keep our members happy. If you believe that our policy restricting members from bringing firearms into our warehouses is unfair or excessively burdensome, or you cannot agree to abide by this policy, Costco will promptly refund your annual membership fee upon request. Thank you for your understanding.

EXCEPT>>> In order to operate a pharmacy in Michigan, Costco has to have that segment of the store open to anyone, member or not. So as a non-member, their membership rules do not apply to me if I am going to their pharmacy, which I used to do as they had the heart medicine my dog needed at reduced prices (even for non-members).

 

[Steak]

Costco Wholesale is a membership-only warehouse club. It isn't open to the general public. As such, it restricts membership to qualified individuals who agree to our membership conditions. We have the right, and the obligation to our members, to enact and enforce our membership rules.

By obtaining a Costco membership card, our members agree to comply with the Membership Rules and the Privileges and Conditions of membership. The Member Service Employees at the exit doors are also obliged to follow these rules.

At Costco, we don't believe it's necessary to bring firearms into its warehouses, except in the case of authorized law enforcement officers. For the protection of all our members and employees, we feel this is a reasonable and prudent precaution to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and safe workplace.

Our policy is meant to protect our members and employees in all warehouses around the world. This isn't a new policy, and we don't customize this policy for each city/county/state/country where we do business.

Our primary goal at Costco Wholesale is to keep our members happy. If you believe that our policy restricting members from bringing firearms into our warehouses is unfair or excessively burdensome, or you cannot agree to abide by this policy, Costco will promptly refund your annual membership fee upon request. Thank you for your understanding.

Yes, directly from their website. But where does it say members presumed to possibly be carrying will be called out. All this is saying is, they're not permitted. Don't bring them in, concealed is concealed. Only if they can visibly see the gun can they ask you to leave… That's my opinion, of course. I mean I could've had mine on me and just lied and said no and kept walking so why ask anyway? Just to make a scene and flex your muscles to show that you have authority? Unreal.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Onomea]

I don't know the policy in other states, but in Missouri, you don't need a membership at Sam's, Costco, and the like to purchase beer and cigarettes...

EXCEPT>>> In order to operate a pharmacy in Michigan, Costco has to have that segment of the store open to anyone, member or not. So as a non-member, their membership rules do not apply to me if I am going to their pharmacy, which I used to do as they had the heart medicine my dog needed at reduced prices (even for non-members).

An interesting contrast in state policies. Michigan makes Costco sell to anyone who wants their (or their dog's) meds. Missouri, its cigarettes and beer for all.

 

[326MOD10]

Couple things here to ponder:

One-sorry to hear about your troubles with family health issues and all that brings with it. My thought are with you and your family.

Two-I don't know if getting all upset about it is doing you any good and posting it on here is just making it linger. There are a wide section of viewpoints here and I would just stop responding as it only serves to potentially aggravate you. I speak from my experience because I am an over thinker and get obsessed with silly things like this myself.

Three- It amazes me to see how many people take pleasure out of making life miserable for those just trying to do their job. Present situation excluded because the approach was a bit heavy handed by the guy at the door. It just makes me cringe when I hear someone make a big deal out of the poor employee who just ask to see your receipt when you are leaving a store. They are just trying to do the job they were assigned to do. People just take such pleasure in being miserable these days I guess they have to share that experience with everyone.

Consider GROWING UP as you grow old.

Fourth- I don't really see where COSTCO is banning anything. They say they don't see the need for you to bring a firearm into their store. Does it say anywhere in there that it is prohibited. Now it may say it in the rules part but I haven't looked at that.

EDIT: Just looked up their "policy" and it does say "prohibit".
But still think all that means is they can ask you to leave and take away card. No signage so not sure it would violate law?[/COLOR]

Target has the same policy. They "prefer" their customers don't bring firearms into the store. I don't see where this would hold up in regard to being any kind of violation, except of maybe getting your membership revoked.

Just my 4 cents worth.

Have a great rest of your day and remember try to be KIND. When we say how the World has changed lets all look in the mirror and see how the guy looking back has done his/her part to make that happen.

 

[Steak]

Couple things here to ponder:

One-sorry to hear about your troubles with family health issues and all that brings with it. My thought are with you and your family.

Two-I don't know if getting all upset about it is doing you any good and posting it on here is just making it linger. There are a wide section of viewpoints here and I would just stop responding as it only serves to potentially aggravate you. I speak from my experience because I am an over thinker and get obsessed with silly things like this myself.

Three- It amazes me to see how many people take pleasure out of making life miserable for those just trying to do their job. Present situation excluded because the approach was a bit heavy handed by the guy at the door. It just makes me cringe when I hear someone make a big deal out of the poor employee who just ask to see your receipt when you are leaving a store. They are just trying to do the job they were assigned to do. People just take such pleasure in being miserable these days I guess they have to share that experience with everyone.

Consider GROWING UP as you grow old.

Fourth- I don't really see where COSTCO is banning anything. They say they don't see the need for you to bring a firearm into their store. Does it say anywhere in there that it is prohibited. Now it may say it in the rules part but I haven't looked at that.

Target has the same policy. They "prefer" their customers don't bring firearms into the store. I don't see where this would hold up in regard to being any kind of violation, except of maybe getting your membership revoked.

Just my 4 cents worth.

Have a great rest of your day and remember try to be KIND. When we say how the World has changed lets all look in the mirror and see how the guy looking back has done his/her part to make that happen.

Thank you sir, good post as well.

This is from their website….

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LVSteve]

Two things I have gleaned from this thread.

#1, (with corrected English)

Let it and Costco go. Neither are worth even a quarter of the effort. In truth, if they lose a customer...they couldn't care less.

#2, When a conscientious LP from Walmart or Best Buy calls LE who then chases you down as a suspected thief, please tell us how the hot hood of your vehicle tasted while the cuffs were applied. I've always wondered.

 

[ladder13]

No need to be a member to buy a dollah fitty hotdog and soda refills here. Everyone do as you like, I will do likewise.

 

[Muss Muggins]

Do you reckon maybe it matters in some states more than others?

It only matters in this city, in this state, at this time . . .