Legal Question in Consumer Law in Illinois

Comparing receipts with goods purchased

It is a practice of establishments such as Sam's Club, Costco and other retailers requiring membership to stop patrons as they leave the building, demand to see their receipt and then compare that receipt with the goods in their shopping basket. I have been told that a patron cannot be legally required to submit to that inspection, and that once goods are purchased, they are the property of the purchaser, but would like to know my legal rights. Can these establishments force customers to produce a receipt and then rummage through their shopping basket? There would seem to be little practical reason for doing so given video surveillance and that there are few if any small items at club stores that one could steal and conceal on their way out. But I find the practice annoying and intrusive, especially after I have provided identifying information, their store-issued photo ID card, and really have no practicial way (nor any inclination) to steal anything from the establishment.


Asked on 9/25/04, 3:25 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Thomas Moens Moens Law Offices, Chartered

Re: Comparing receipts with goods purchased

Here's what I do. I don't shop at those places. Honestly, I have no idea why people put up with that sort of treatment. Not only that, but you have to pay for the privilege of shopping there and to be a "member?" You could give refusing a try, but I imagine the body cavity search at the door is something you agreed to when you became a "member." Not being a "member" myself, I've never seen what they had you sign. Be advised that they'll probably take your membership card and secret decoder ring away....

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Answered on 9/28/04, 10:27 am


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