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The Era of Freeloading is Officially Over (cnn.com) 151

Posted by msmash from the no-free-lunch dept.
An anonymous reader shares a report: Once upon a time, you could have yourself a nice little Saturday of stocking up at Costco (using your sister's membership card, naturally), before hitting up a museum (free admission with your 15-year-old expired student ID) or settling into a reality TV binge sesh (streaming on your college roommate's ex-boyfriend's Netflix login). You wouldn't call it stealing, per se. Mooching, perhaps. Exploiting a loophole in a system of commercialized culture you didn't create but are forced to participate in -- and what could be more capitalist than that? But thanks to the fine-tuning of the tech that Corporate America uses to police subscriptions, those freeloading days are over.

Costco and Disney this month took a page from the Netflix playbook and announced they are cracking down on account sharers. So the next time you want to restock your Kirkland chocolate covered almond stash, you'll need to have an honest-to-God membership of your own that you scan at the door. Want to put on "Frozen" for the kids so you can have two hours to do literally anything else? You're going to need a Disney+ login associated with your household. The tech that tracks your IP address and can read your face has gotten more sophisticated, and, as the Wall Street Journal reported last week, retailers and streaming services are increasingly turning to status-verification tech that make it harder for folks to claim student discounts on services like Amazon Prime or Spotify beyond graduation.
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The Era of Freeloading is Officially Over More

The Era of Freeloading is Officially Over

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  • Costco has never allowed freeloading (Score:5, Informative)

    by brunes69 ( 86786 ) <slashdot@keirstea d . o rg> on Monday August 12, 2024 @02:45PM (#64699574)

    Costco has always, always validated the photo on the membership card with the person doing the purchase. Anyone thinking otherwise has never shopped there.

    All they are doing is moving that check to the store entrance.

    • Last I checked, Sam's Club lets you put your membership on their mobile app, so you can literally password-share the physical store membership. Of course, they also frequently do promos where they'll give you back the cost of membership as a gift card, so the membership cost is no biggie if you're willing to wait for the promos.

      Costco seems to be more serious about actually getting those membership fees, but that's really nothing new. To be honest, I'm kind of surprised the "club membership" business mode

      • Costco let's you put your membership on the app as well, but that card also has your photo embedded into it, and they disallow screenshots. Yes you could root your phone and bypass that but I don't think they are concerned with the 0.001 percent of their members who can figure out how to do that.

        RE the membership model, the majority of Costcos revenue comes from memberships, and they continue to kill it every year, they blow away every other retailer when it comes to annual growth. Something is going well.

        • RE the membership model, the majority of Costcos revenue comes from memberships, and they continue to kill it every year, they blow away every other retailer when it comes to annual growth. Something is going well.

          You mean profit not revenue.

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by bjwest ( 14070 )

        ... To be honest, I'm kind of surprised the "club membership" business model even still works in the age of Amazon. If you actually need to buy things in bulk, they've got you covered and it doesn't require making a trip.

        Your wonderful idea doesn't work for most of the U.S. if you eat a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits, veggies, meats, and dairy. The vast majority of the U.S. doesn't live anywhere in a location served by Amazon Fresh, and the shelf-stable crap they can send via FedEx, UPS or USPS will, and is, slowly killing us.

        • Your wonderful idea doesn't work for most of the U.S. if you eat a healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits, veggies, meats, and dairy.

          The Aldi's right behind my house has better prices than Costco on those sorts of things, and they don't charge a membership fee. Granted, I'm going by what I've seen at Sam's Club since my nearest Costco isn't all that close, but the goods I usually see people buying in bulk specifically are the kind of dry goods and household essentials that would otherwise be fine to have shipped. If you buy the ultra-bulktastic container of romaine lettuce, it's going to spoil before your family can eat all of it anywa

          • I saw a guy in the parking lot at Sam's loading his SUV with thirty or more watermelons and nothing else. I can't image needing that many watermelons. I'm not a big fan of them, so that would be about three lifetime's worth for me.
    • I shop at Costco and nobody looks that closely at my card when I go in the store or when I'm making a purchase. So if they actually start making me have my card over so they can look and see if it's me on there then that would be a pretty big shift and really annoying actually especially going in the door if it's really hot or really cold that day and I'm sitting in line waiting to get in.

      • They do check, when they take your card and put it up on the till and dont give it back until after you pay, what did you think they were doing?

        I have seen them deny people whose picture did not match the card personally, many times.

        • "when they take your card and put it up on the till and dont give it back until after you pay, what did you think they were doing?"

          They didn't do that at my Costco. They just scan it and give it back. Often they just shoot the bar code while it's in my hand, especially if I have reduced their job to pulling the trigger repeatedly by placing all the items in the cart with bar codes showing.

          • Sounds like the lax employees at stores like yours are the exact reason they are deploying the readers at the front now.

            • I suspect it has more to do with keeping out thieves. The people at the in door are there to keep out the non-member thieves, the people at the out door are there to keep out the thieves who are working with employees.

          • "when they take your card and put it up on the till and dont give it back until after you pay, what did you think they were doing?"

            They didn't do that at my Costco. They just scan it and give it back. Often they just shoot the bar code while it's in my hand, especially if I have reduced their job to pulling the trigger repeatedly by placing all the items in the cart with bar codes showing.

            The associates assigned to self checkout match the card to the person at the three Costco's I've visited this past summer. It's a new thing, but seems to be catching on.

    • You can enter Costco with a "Shop card" and checkout with it as well - no membership required You could have someone who had a membership buy you a shop card (gift card) with money on it - say $100. Then you can use that card to enter and make purchases in the store or at the Costco gas station. The cashier just had to call over a supervisor/manager who would swipe their ID and enter the transaction code "99" and it would let you buy with your shop card without a membership.

      . I believe this is what they
    • Costco has checked at the entrance as far back as I can remember. Makes sense so idiots dont put all their crap in a cart, and get rejected at the cashier so employees have to put the crap back on the shelves.

    • Costco has always, always validated the photo on the membership card with the person doing the purchase. Anyone thinking otherwise has never shopped there.

      I never even had my photo taken, never got a physical card, walked right past the greeters flashing the phone app with the barcode and blank spot for the photo, and checked out without a problem for 2 years. At several different locations. Then moved back to Sams Club territory, and left my Costco membership behind.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by uncqual ( 836337 )

      I've been a Costco member for a long time since 1992 and shop there every couple months - generally at one of two warehouses nearby. My card is old and doesn't have a picture on it and I've never heard a peep from anyone about not having one, let alone a complaint about it missing. So it appears it may depend on which warehouses you shop at.

      However I expect that next time I use my card I may be routed to the "wait in the long line to get your picture taken" if they are really rolling this scanning tech ever

    • What no they don't. I literally show them the front of the card as I'm passing by and the barcode on the back when I'm checking out. At no time does anyone look at the picture. I've used my wife's card multiple times when I couldn't find my own.

      Heck I didn't even think they checked the actual contents of the carts leaving until they apparently caught me with bagels they forgot to ring up because they were in the cart when they told me to leave them.

  • Still equals out in the end (Score:4, Insightful)

    by Kernel Kurtz ( 182424 ) on Monday August 12, 2024 @02:51PM (#64699604)
    There is a pretty fixed pool of discretionary income out there. Sure, Netflix cracking down on password sharing brought them more signups, but rest assured most of those signups came at the expense of reduced spending somewhere else, maybe other streaming services, maybe completely unrelated services.

    Now I have no issue with everyone in the free marketplace fighting like jackals over every last scrap of consumer's non-essential purchases. Making them all work harder to earn your business is how it should be anyway.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by ebunga ( 95613 )

      Did it though? Netflix has never been transparent and open with its numbers.

      • Did it though? Netflix has never been transparent and open with its numbers.

        It's difficult to believe because Netflix's library has been shrinking and their originals are *ahem* something of an acquired taste, but supposedly they really did increase their subscriber count since the crackdown. I guess it's just like Nickelback where if you go by the opinion of the internet you'd think they have no fans, but somehow they still manage to sell a shitload of records.

    • Re:Still equals out in the end (Score:5, Insightful)

      by Spacejock ( 727523 ) on Tuesday August 13, 2024 @04:44AM (#64701368)
      I used to pay for four streaming services. As the prices kept going up I kept cancelling them. Now I pay for one. Companies think they can dig deeper into a customer's bottomless pool of cash, but what's happening is they're all fighting over a tiny little puddle and it's drying up fast.

  • Nope (Score:3)

    by Bahbus ( 1180627 ) on Monday August 12, 2024 @02:54PM (#64699618) Homepage

    The methods used and places you can "freeload" off of just change with the times. This is normal.

    • The methods used and places you can "freeload" off of just change with the times. This is normal.

      I beg to differ.

      Look at the airlines and their push to monetize everything. Pillows. Blankets. Snacks. Carry-ons. All charged extra now

      As people's income-to-expense ratio continues to tighten, you'll see more and more nickel and diming for pretty much everything. I've seen this creeping into every kind of business, right down to fast food. Want an extra sauce cup with those chicken nuggets? Pay up. Want extra ketchup? Pay up. You can be sure things like paying for extra napkins is coming down the road. Pizz

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by dvice ( 6309704 )

        We are getting more and more free digital stuff.
        "Free" TV: Youtube
        Free dictionary: Wikipedia
        Free books: gutenberg.org
        Free OS: Linux
        Free news: Slashdot
        Free education: Khan academy

        Also prices of some items are dropping. Like the price of TV and the price of computational power.

      • Re: (Score:2)

        by Bahbus ( 1180627 )

        All you've accomplished was the same as the article. The things you used to freeload, you generally can't. But that doesn't mean there aren't completely different and new things you can freeload, or different methods to freeload the similar type of stuff from somewhere else. But all of this is normal as the times change. There have always been various amounts of freeloading while the what and the where keep changing. The only real difference now is the speed at which it can change.

      • Pizza places are charging premiums for certain toppings, above and beyond what they used to charge for extras.

        Why is it surprising or unfair that you have to pay more for things that cost more?

        ISP's are going back to limited bandwidth allowances, with caps enforced.

        Which ISPs are doing this? I haven't heard anything around here, but I'm lucky to live in an area with multiple ISPs competing.

        Mobile companies are tightening their voice and text plans.

        Which mobile companies? I feel like that would have come up on Slashdot at some point.

        Car companies now want you to pay subscriptions fees for anything beyond the basic operation of the car (seat heaters, etc).

        Yeah, that one's pretty stupid.

  • The announcement says you can still bring a guest in - so, really, you can still freeload. It's just that your "sister" is going to have to be there at the checkout with you... but it can still be your Visa card that gets tapped at the POS device and gets charged for it.

  • I'm still sharing Netflix with my kid (Score:4, Interesting)

    by rsilvergun ( 571051 ) on Monday August 12, 2024 @03:15PM (#64699676)
    and will still cancel it the second they stop letting me.

    • Curious, if the only reason you have Netflix is for someone else, why do you just cancel now and let them pay for it. I mean you didn't once talk about content or use yourself. Just that you share it with someone else and keep paying under the stipulation that sharing can continue, all without questioning whether that someone else actually should be the main account holder since you clearly don't give a shit.

      • I'm assuming he means that he occasionally watches Netflix too, from a different location. If he had an account that his kid was the exclusive user of though, from Netflix's perspective there wouldn't actually be any "sharing" going on. I doubt Netflix really cares much who is actually paying the bill.

      • and once in a while there's some anime I like (Godzilla Singular Point is freakin' Amazing, Onmyoji was fun too, and the Gundam Seed Movie is on it's way to Netflix)

        Nothing I'd go out of my way for (I could always import the Godzilla blu rays) but sharing it adds just enough value to keep it around.

        Netflix is pretty clearly only enforcing the policy on heavy users, e.g. ones they know aren't likely to cancel. My kid works 50+ hours a week while studying to get into grad school, so they're not exactly

    • That's fair. Wait for the change and then act on it. Perfectly valid.

      You might never see it. I share my Netflix account with my retiree mother in separate residences, and despite both of us being casual active viewers, we've never been flagged. I don't think we rise to the level that Netflix cares about.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by geek ( 5680 )

      Be a better parent and teach your kid to pay their own way.

  • I realize that my responding to this obvious clickbait is only perpetuating the issue, but someone needs to point out that this sort of grandiose, sweeping clickbait isn't helpful, and we should all train ourselves to avoid clicking on it. From articles pontificating that "Covid will change human interactions forever! Our kids will grow up in a world where nobody ever shakes hands anymore !" ... to this nothingburger of an article on a topic that was already posted here last week ... the only way we get le

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by Rinnon ( 1474161 )
      I share your sentiments, but not your optimism that humans are even capable of not being baited by the types of stories we're talking about. From where I'm sitting, it sure seems like humans genuinely want to be outraged, about anything they can, and the less they have to learn in order to do so, the better.

  • costco cavity (Score:4, Insightful)

    by bugs2squash ( 1132591 ) on Monday August 12, 2024 @03:26PM (#64699714)
    sure, check my costco card when I enter, fine by me. But skip the cart check on exit, it's holding me up and I find it offensive.

  • This is just existing rules getting enforced (Score:5, Insightful)

    by cuda13579 ( 1060440 ) on Monday August 12, 2024 @03:31PM (#64699738)

    Pretty much everything mentioned was either a violation of service terms, or basically theft. But, people like to make it sound cute by calling it "sharing" or "mooching".

    The article is making excuses for underhanded human behavior. People need to get over it, act like adults, and actually pay for what they're using.

    • John Adams is famous for saying that our system is only workable for a moral, religious People and is wholely inadequate for any other.

      The writer engages in Marxist dog whistles, so it's of little surprise.

    • I've given up thinking that my GenX viewpoint should transfer. Steal it if you want to. But don't be upset when you can't. You aren't being deprived if something you are owed.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by drhamad ( 868567 )
      Yeah I find it one thing when 15 year olds do this kind of stuff. When grown ass adults do it I just wonder wtf we're doing as a society that people think that's acceptable.

    • Well, it is sharing. That of course doesn't stop it from being other things too; but I imagine most people do think of it as sharing.

      • Re: (Score:3, Interesting)

        by cuda13579 ( 1060440 )

        In this case though, "sharing" = "aiding and abetting".

        I don't really have a major ax to grind on this issue. It just annoys me when people try to get weaselly with words, to justify what they want...especially when they know full-well that they are not entitled to it.

        In a way, it's kinda just the next generation version of the original Napster drama playing out.

    • These people are why the rest of us can't have nice things.

    • People need to get over it, act like adults, and actually pay for what they're using.

      When a fair deal is offered, I will pay. As long as you keep monopolizing markets and are charging monopoly rents, fuck you, I will steal everything. You are bullshit. Fuck you. Your markets are lies and theft. Why should you be protected from theft when I am not?

  • And why not? (Score:5, Interesting)

    by smooth wombat ( 796938 ) on Monday August 12, 2024 @03:36PM (#64699762) Journal

    If you were a student and got your discount, but you're no longer a student, why should you get the discount?

    If you're not a member of some box store, why should you get their lower prices?

    I know I'm going against the current, but none of this should surprise anyone. If you don't meet whatever requirements the company sets up, why should you be able to partake?

    We've all been freeloaders at some point in time, but it eventually ends. Get over it. You're not entitled to anything.

    • We've all been freeloaders at some point in time, but it eventually ends. Get over it. You're not entitled to anything.

      Excuse me. In theory, I completely agree with you; however, the ownership class is freeloading off of the entire nation. I see no reason to abstain from fighting back. Did Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and Apple all pay back the wages they suppressed for 20 years? I thought not. That is the literal definition of freeloading: taking something that is not yours for your own benefit. And you expect the average citizen to behave that morally when none of the companies they work behave morally? No no no. What is fai

  • Sorry, but no one forces you to buy a streaming service or shop at costco. Fuck off with that noise.

    I see zero problems with companies expecting people to pay for the optional services they choose to consume. No one's forcing anything.

  • Perfectly fine (Score:3)

    by Roogna ( 9643 ) on Monday August 12, 2024 @04:02PM (#64699858)

    People shouldn't be using these products that cost, without paying for them.\

    What will really surprise the companies to find out though, is that people also don't have to use their products or services and that they aren't entitled to the customer and now have to convince these people that their product or service is actually worth what they're charging.

    That part always seems to surprise them.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by ebyrob ( 165903 )

      Better choice: Don't use any products, especially totally useless ones like "entertainment", from greedy proprietary monopolists. THAT would be adult behavior...

      • Could be like the Mormons and make your own entertainment. Family board games. Family talent show. Family reading of scripture. etc

  • So you're telling me that as middle and working-class incomes stagnate, the opportunities to make their income go further are being limited? Expectations have certainly gone up over the last decade I've noticed but maybe it's time that families started to budget properly again. Credit cards have made people think they're a lot wealthier than they actually are

  • But long-distance phone calls cost 40 cents a minute. And meals were included in a coach airline ticket. But the tickets were relatively expensive.

  • I still freeload on Slashdot (Score:2, Interesting)

    by Anonymous Coward

    using CowboyNeal's login.

  • Robocallers on my phone to waste my time, advertisers blocking the view of the sea at the beach or playing inane video at the gas pump, or just wanting a little of my time to sell me an amex card at the airport. They'll take whatever they can get.

  • Headline Yuck (Score:3)

    by byronivs ( 1626319 ) on Monday August 12, 2024 @05:46PM (#64700218) Journal

    Alternate headline: Private Warehouse Shop Enforces Long Held Rules, Posts Helpful Instructions on How to Sign Up for a Reasonable Charge -- Guests Still Allowed at Exclusive Retailer.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by drhamad ( 868567 )
      Except that's only one example in the article...
      • Yeah, yer right. I don't shop at places that "check stuff" in or out, just the sale and receipt. I decline all places that need to authorize or verify A) my right to be there. B) The thing I bought justly a few minutes ago you recorded me doing it already and dropping cash for and have a receipt for my needs only. You are welcome to check your own records, but no molesta for this one.

    • I'm sure a lot of people are going around the restrictions. I have never borrowed anyone's Costco card, nor loaned one; I have several times gone to Costco as the guest of a member, or brought a guest with me, though not recently. When I went there just recently, I did not find the process arduous as they had two people with scanners, one at each side of the entrance, and the scans did not take long.

      As long as they have spares and keep the door staffed, it's probably not going to be a big problem. It's cert

      • I guess I'm fine with them dong that. I don't shop there. See above. I don't shop at any passive-aggresso store. I don't turn out my pockets on demand nor buy memberships. I don't outrage because I am already severely grumpy about this and Home Depot running their website like that now. We got yer data, neener! Don't close your "account" or you can never come back! Didn't know I needed throwaway email and burner phone to buy online from Home Depot. Oh and a tracking browser, you need to give ALL the data. F
  • If there was a Costco boycott, their draconian measures would end.

    • Re: (Score:2)

      by tsqr ( 808554 )

      If there was a Costco boycott, their draconian measures would end.

      Interesting idea. But tell me, why would someone with a paid membership want to participate in such a boycott? And why would Costco care if the moochers boycott, when over 70% of their profit [fool.com] comes from membership fees?

    • What draconian measures would those be? Genuinely curious.

  • Cheaper subscriptions? (Score:3)

    by SimonInOz ( 579741 ) on Monday August 12, 2024 @09:08PM (#64700772)

    So if they do this, we can expect a substantial reduction in the cost of these once shared items?
    No? Did I miss something?

  • You better tell that to the hundreds of millions of people that are daily downloading torrents.

  • 1. Sams club doesn't check
    2. Library and parks are still free
    3. Youtube with ad-blocker is still free.

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