SAM’S Club continues to receive backlash after a major change to one of its memberships, with Costco set to benefit.
The Arkansas-based chain announced earlier this month that member perks will change on August 19.
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With the new Plus subscription, shoppers will no longer get free shipping and free same-day delivery on all orders.
Instead, a $50 minimum spend will be implemented next month for members who want to obtain these benefits.
Additionally, members who already paid the $110 annual fee turned to X after hearing the news, with many threatening to take their business to Sam’s Club rival Costco.
‘RETALIATION’
One called the move “stupid,” while another told the retailer to prepare for a “backlash.”
“I love Sam’s – especially the app to skip registration when shopping. But as a Plus member, I’m not renewing,” user X @TheMikeyChill he wrote.
“The new minimum order for free shipping is a scam. Costco doesn’t charge to ship things.
“You can’t raise prices and not expect a negative reaction. That’s it, no DMs.”
“@SamsClub has already turned off auto-renewal – eliminating free shipping unless I spend $50. Stupid Move Sams Club,” another he said.
“I’m taking my business to Costco,” a third swore.
Although some users claim that Costco does not charge for shipping, this is incorrect.
Costco offers free delivery to its members when they place orders of $75 or more.
Despite this, Costco is still a viable alternative for angry Sam’s Club shoppers, with similar pricing and membership perks.
MONEY BACK
Sam’s Club members are also demanding their money back or price reductions as a result of losing what they consider to be the main benefit of plus membership.
“Hi, I upgraded to subscription plus for free shipping on all orders,” a customer he wrote in X.
“Since you are canceling this main benefit, are you reducing the membership fees and sending us at least a $50 credit/refund?
“You used free shipping on all orders to get more subscriptions.”
“I just signed up for your Plus subscription for shipping and you’re changing it…?? I would like a contact number for a subscription refund,” wrote another.
Sam’s Club did not respond to The US Sun’s questions about refunds and/or changes to membership prices.
What’s changing at Sam’s Club?
The following changes will come into effect on August 19th.
- Club members can access free curbside pickup on eligible items if they spend a minimum of $12. Otherwise, the current $4 charge will apply to each order.
- Plus members will only receive free same-day delivery if they spend at least $50. The current $8 fee will apply to other orders.
- Plus members will receive free shipping if they meet the $50 minimum spending threshold. Otherwise, an $8 fee will be added to other orders.
Source: Sam’s Club
However, a company spokesperson missed a statement following the latest complaints.
“Our members consistently tell us that convenience is important to them, no matter how they choose to shop,” a Sam’s Club spokesperson told The US Sun in response to member complaints.
“These recent changes are designed to simplify the delivery and same-day shipping experience and rates, but also provide better access to the items our members buy most.
“Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with members saying it is easy to meet the basket minimum.
“We’ve also added several new benefits in response to member feedback – including food delivery, which members tell us is a highly valued benefit, and removing curbside pickup fees for our entry level membership.”
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
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
