Costco can charge more for items online, but I’ve seen it clearly stated on the website that the item may be available for less at a physical store. Not sure how that plays out.
I suspect a consumer saw that same information, and decided to look into a class action.
Charging more online doesn’t seem equitable.
That practice is called double ticketing.
A lot of food delivery apps have different prices than the in- restaurant or official restaurant website prices. I’m guessing this also could fall under double ticketing. Canada probably can’t enforce the little guys. I also understand restaurants wanting to charge less if a customer orders direct, since they wouldn’t have to pay a cut to an app.
I’ve stopped using the Ritual App, since I realised a number of restaurants were charging $1- $3 less per dish, if I ordered as a walk -in, or called in my order over the phone here in Toronto.
I didn’t realise at one place that I was being charged a dollar more on a $9 breakfast sandwich, until I walked into the restaurant and saw their prices posted on the wall. I had already also added a tip on top of the higher app price. I just order as a walk-in now.
And I thought Americans were litigious.
They are open about the prices online being higher.
But in the US, the prices are different via Instacart vs Costco’s same day online service which delivers via Instacart, For dry goods, there’s a 4th price point for delivery via ground shipping.
I’m surprised no one in the US has sued yet for so many different prices for a single product on the same membership.
I agree that Costco is open about the possibility of different prices in store and online.
That isn’t the legal issue here in Canada, if the Class Action goes forward.
The issue is that having 2 different prices from one store is not allowed under the Competition Act. The argument would be something along the lines that it’s unfair to online customers that they are charged more than in store customers, through no fault of their own.
The pay-out, if successful, probably won’t be that high to each member of the class, since this kind of class action , when so many people are affected.
In Canada, there are some stores that will price match, and lower their price to match the competition if the customer can show proof the price is lower at the competition. Loblaws and Superstore do this. I hate when I end up behind someone with a stack of flyers who wants to price match a dozen different items at Superstore. LOL . But that’s another kettle of fish and had nothing to do with the Costco Class Action.
Don’t forget the online prices factor in delivery as part of the charge. Even when you have to pay a surcharge for groceries if the “free” delivery quota is not met, I’m guessing it’s part of a contract when you sign on for membership. Still, it will be interesting to see how things go.
I realize those terms are there.
I don’t ship at Costco anymore.
I gave up my membership around 2015. I never shopped at Costco online.
Some terms businesses rely on, that might be found in a Costco membership agreement, might not hold up.
We will see what the courts decide. You might be a member of the class. In case you or other Canadian Costco members are interested:
From the form above:
They’re practicing in anticipation of the annexation.
Not funny
Ah, but if we didn’t laugh, we’d cry. Scary times ahead, I’m afraid.
Very true
Canadians are becoming more “American” than Americans.
At this rate, you guys will be annexing America, instead of the other way around.
Kudos.
The pay outs for these types of Class Actions are often tiny here in Canada.
Just like in America!
See, you guys are more American than Americans.
But Canadians are Americans? 
Unless they’re traveling abroad! Every Canadian I know takes pains to be clear that they’re CANADIAN when away from North America. [I probably would too, were I in their shoes.]
Some are both.
In related news, Costco is under pressure and to end their DEI initiatives. Many retailers have fallen to the pressure because of potentially costly and drawn out legal costs. Costco basically told the pressure groups to take a long walk on a short pier. They refused to buckle and said it keeps their bottom line healthy and profitable…because people buy more and like new products, especially stuff to eat. I can’t speak to the Canadian legal system or the lawsuit but my guess is Costco doesn’t suffer fools…or bullies.
I like a lot about Costco…like they do not collect data, leverage or sell it. It seems they operate on a simple principle: don’t do stuff that customers don’t like. Being upfront about pricing differences fits in there.
Here’s a link to the pressure that costco won’t bow to.
