CUSTOMERS of Sam’s Club are threatening to move to rival Costco following a change in the retailer’s membership policy.
For $110 per year, Sam’s Club shoppers can get a Plus membership, which is the larger of two membership options offered by the retailer.
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A general membership costs just $50 a year, but a recent change to the Plus membership has buyers threatening to boycott the network entirely.
Comes after the chain changes announced to the benefits of a Plus membership, which include free shipping, free curbside pickup and advance purchases.
However, starting August 19, Plus members will only be able to get free shipping on orders over $50 or pay a flat fee of $8.
Additionally, the same price cap with free same-day delivery has been introduced.
‘Bye SAM’
Although other benefits like free curbside pickup, advance shopping and exclusive discounts are still available, Plus members are furious and are turning to Costco.
“I’m going to Costco…No need for Sam’s membership anymore,” User X @RDforty2 he said in a post.
“Only 2 positives for Sams over Costco. Free shipping and early entry.
“Get rid of one and I’m fine, waiting another hour to shop. Bye, Sams.”
The comments came as another member called the move “stupid,” saying they would also go to Costco.
“What genius decided to eliminate the only thing that made it worth keeping your Plus subscription with free delivery?” another user asked the current.
“Please explain why going to Costco shouldn’t be the next step? This is a terrible decision.”
Meanwhile, many Plus members are demanding refunds from the retailer, with free shipping emerging as one of the main reasons they signed up for the higher-tier membership.
“I paid a lot of extra money for a subscription plus just for the free shipping on almost everything shipped,” one member wrote on Facebook. publish by Sam’s Club.
“They should honor the conditions that applied when the membership was created until it expires or refund the money for membership fees.”
“Charge more but give less,” wrote another disgruntled member succinctly.
“I AM NOT renewing my Plus subscription with these changes… This sucks,” said a third.
“Will SAM’s prorated Plus subscription be refunded to members who paid extra $ for it this year? Please respond,” she asked the retailer.
Membership and store cards offered by major retailers
Here’s a breakdown of store cards offered to customers from various retailers and their benefits
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Costco:
- Gold Star Membership: $60 per year, shop at all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your family.
- Executive Member: $120 per year, 2% annual rewards, discounts and additional benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store and get two additional cards for home use.
- Sign up for a Costco membership here
Sam’s Club:
- Club membership: $50 Per Year, Bonus Offers, Same Day Delivery, Instant Savings, Sam’s Club Mastercard, Members Only Fuel Savings, Tire & Battery Center, Free Membership and Complimentary Memberships.
- More membership: $110 per year, all the benefits of Club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, advance purchases, and pharmacy and optical discounts.
- Sign up for a Sam’s Club membership here
Target:
- Target Circle: A free rewards program that allows users to earn 1% in Target Circle Earnings rewards when a qualifying purchase is made, access personalized deals and offers, receive a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps your community .
- Target Circle Card: A credit, debit or reloadable card that offers users 5% off in-store and online, as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping and an additional 30-day return window. Formerly Target RedCard.
- Sign up for Target circle here
Walmart:
- Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with 30-day free trial. It offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ membership, car, Walmart+ travel, home returns, mobile scan and store entry, and early access to offers and product launches.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
“We are committed to continually striving to improve and provide positive experiences for our members and we appreciate your feedback,” Sam’s Club responded.
However, there was no comment regarding refunds as the retailer directed the Facebook user to send a private message to continue the conversation.
SAM’S REPLY
“We understand your disappointment regarding the recent changes to Plus subscriptions,” the retailer said in response to numerous complaints from members.
“Rest assured that as a Plus member, you’re still entitled to exclusive benefits like free curbside pickup, 2% Sam’s Cash on eligible club orders and curbside pickup, early shopping hours, plus early access (offers and promotions), Rx Economy and Optical Economy.
“We value your membership and will continue working to provide the best possible experience for you. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact us.
“Your frustration and disappointment do not go unnoticed and we are working hard to ensure the best possible experience for our members,” the retailer added in another Facebook response.
Sam’s Club defended its decision in a statement to The US Sun last month.
“At Sam’s Club, we continually work to provide an easier and more convenient shopping experience for our members,” a spokesperson said.
“With this change, we are giving members access to different ways to shop, making it easier for them to get the products they want, when and how they want them – all designed to help them get more value from their membership.
“As part of this change, we are also improving the availability of items online. More items will ship for free, with no additional shipping fees, to provide members with the most consistent experience in the club and online.”
US Sun has reached out for comment.
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
