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COSTCO shoppers are being warned about price changes after one customer says she was overcharged just for using a popular service.
Aubrey Walker took to Facebook to warn fellow Costco shoppers about the fees that are tacked on for “no reason.”
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“Lesson learned. I have used Instacart to place 2 different orders with Costco recently, so I could avoid fighting the insane mobs that always show up on the weekends when I am off work,” she explained in a post.
“I did not realize that they would be overcharging quite a bit for steaks that I ordered, simply for using the app!”
Instacart is a delivery service offered to those who are unable to get to the shops themselves either due to busy schedules or physical restraints.
The service links individuals with shoppers in the local area who will go to the store and deliver items to their homes.
Walker detailed the two times she used Instacart to get her groceries.
“On March 30th, I was charged $44.72 for a pack of SMALL sirloin steaks whose sticker price, when I received them, was just over $25.00,” she wrote.
“Then again on April 6th, I was charged $43.04 for a pack of steaks whose sticker price was only $34.61!”
Walker contacted the shopping service about the issue and was told that despite her anger, the prices were correct.
‘NEVER AGAIN’
Instacart explained to her that stores set their online prices “which may differ from in-store prices.”
“Basically COSTCO marked up the prices of the first pack by 78.5% and the second pack by 24%!” Walker said.
She added that there was “no rhyme or reason” for the increases as Instacart charges customer service and delivery fees.
“I will never be ordering from them using this app again,” Walker concluded.
The U.S. Sun has reached out to Instacart and Costco for comment.
However, she is not the only Instacart shopper who has had an issue with overcharging.
Costco membership sharing guidelines
Costco has strict rules for membership use that shoppers must follow and they’ve been cracking down on offenders in recent years.
- Primary Member Use: Only the primary cardholder can use this Costco membership card. Sharing it for purchases is not allowed as the photo on the card must match the person using it.
- Household Card: Each primary member can add one free household cardholder who lives at the same address. This person will receive their own membership card and can shop at Costco independently.
- Guest Policy: Members can bring up to two guests per visit to Costco. However, only the member can make purchases. Guests must be accompanied by the member.
- Authorized Cardholder: For an additional fee, you can add an authorized cardholder, such as a family member or friend, who doesn’t reside at your address. They will receive their own card and can shop independently.
Credit: Costco
Another Costco shopper shared her experience of being overcharged $223 on Instacart but this was not related to increased prices.
The shopper urged others to check their receipts after noting the whopping overcharge for numerous items she never received.
After reaching out to Instacart about the issue, she was told that the shopper chosen to complete her order had “purchased additional items” and that the individual would be blocked from shopping for her again.
“They should block her from ever shopping again,” the angry shopper said.
Instacart refunded her $268 for the full amount of the shop for which she should have only paid $45.
Meanwhile, a Kroger shopper was overcharged by $77.71 while using the shopping service.
