How strictly enforced is the two guests to one membership rule; specifically in Brisbane CostCo?
Two friends are going, with four guests already, and I maybe interested as I've never been to CostCo but would hate to drive all that way and be turned around.
That is against the T&Cs.
Are you sure? Is there anything that says that the two guests have to leave before other guests can?
What is the penalty? Will the member's membership be cancelled? Will they get fined several hundred dollars?
I think it maybe against the spirit of the terms and conditions but I'm not sure it's against the letter.
Having said that I don't want to get my friend in trouble so the gift card option seems a lot easier.
Are you sure?
No.
Call them and ask.
Other option is to get a new card from reception (invalidates the old one for purchases but good enough to be waved thru)
May not directly related, I recently learnt that if you buy a Costco gift card and give the gift card to the other person - that other person can go by him/herself without memberships and buy anything and if the purchase is over the gift card amount - they can pay with credit card.
You can also apply for a temporary guest entry - they cannot buy anything that way but can use you can buy things for them and they pay you back.
Alternatively you can come in with 2 guests, and when they're in there, you go out and come in again with the rest. They never do any headcount on the way out.
If you have a partner, apply for a free additional family card.
But in general, let the 2 guest go in first, then come out and bring the others in. Honestly, I have never seen anyone get stopped at the door. The staff there are usually very laxed, as long you wave a card they will just let you in. No checking of photos either.
Just all go. If more than two guests, then the first two go in, the card holder exits and gets the next set of guests.