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I need something explained to me: Why do some retail stores require membership to shop there? What is so unique about the store, or what security issues must be solved by enforcing a membership? And why must retail stores like Sam's Club and Costco, through their membership fee policy, require customers to pay for the privilege to pay for products sold? And then they shake you down at the front entrance to identify yourself before being allowed to buy anything?
I don't have to pay the Ford Motor Company an annual fee to be eligible to buy a Mustang GT. Nordstrom and Macy's request, but do not require, me to identify myself using personal information before being granted the permission to buy any shoes or coats from them. Neither Giant, Safeway, Kroger, Circle K, or Walgreen’s will require me to pay them a fee for the privilege to pay them money to buy a banana, a blender, or even the ibuprophen at regular market prices to sooth the resulting hangover from the banana daiquiris.
Even a security deposit given to the local power company, to provide electricity to run said blender, is returned eventually with interest included.
So why must I give valuable personal information and money for the privilege to patronize Sam's Club or Costco?
You know, if Sam's Club and Costco are supposed to be some exclusive club, then I want go-go dancers performing for my entertainment pleasure while I shop. Midgets in tuxedos better be walking around serving cocktails, 18 holes with regular scheduled tee times better be out back, and friggin Tiger Woods waiting in the pro shop to give lessons. I’ve seen less security at a country club, than the Waffen SS at Costco. What is so bloody special and exclusive about Sam's Club and Costco?
Perhaps they should install turnstiles, metal detectors, and card readers out front so that cleared patrons can badge in? Hell, why not issue certain customers proper security clearances so that Sam’s Club and Costco can be a secured facility and enter the Federal Government GSA schedule providing the latest weapons technology, advanced cryptography equipment, and strategic mainframe computer systems to government buyers. And while they’re there, they can pick up a few pounds of ground meat, a gallon jug of laundry detergent, and 2 dozen roses for the wife.
Can someone please explain this membership phenomenon to me?
I don't have to pay the Ford Motor Company an annual fee to be eligible to buy a Mustang GT. Nordstrom and Macy's request, but do not require, me to identify myself using personal information before being granted the permission to buy any shoes or coats from them. Neither Giant, Safeway, Kroger, Circle K, or Walgreen’s will require me to pay them a fee for the privilege to pay them money to buy a banana, a blender, or even the ibuprophen at regular market prices to sooth the resulting hangover from the banana daiquiris.
Even a security deposit given to the local power company, to provide electricity to run said blender, is returned eventually with interest included.
So why must I give valuable personal information and money for the privilege to patronize Sam's Club or Costco?
You know, if Sam's Club and Costco are supposed to be some exclusive club, then I want go-go dancers performing for my entertainment pleasure while I shop. Midgets in tuxedos better be walking around serving cocktails, 18 holes with regular scheduled tee times better be out back, and friggin Tiger Woods waiting in the pro shop to give lessons. I’ve seen less security at a country club, than the Waffen SS at Costco. What is so bloody special and exclusive about Sam's Club and Costco?
Perhaps they should install turnstiles, metal detectors, and card readers out front so that cleared patrons can badge in? Hell, why not issue certain customers proper security clearances so that Sam’s Club and Costco can be a secured facility and enter the Federal Government GSA schedule providing the latest weapons technology, advanced cryptography equipment, and strategic mainframe computer systems to government buyers. And while they’re there, they can pick up a few pounds of ground meat, a gallon jug of laundry detergent, and 2 dozen roses for the wife.
Can someone please explain this membership phenomenon to me?
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