‘I think I’ll go to Costco or Target,’ Sam’s Club member retorts after fury erupts over policy change – it’s the final straw

FURIOUS shoppers reacted to Costco after the wholesaler announced a membership change.

The Arkansas-based chain announced last week that some of the free membership benefits will change starting August 19th.

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The change that gets the most attention is that Plus members who pay $110 a year for the privilege will no longer get free shipping and free same-day delivery on orders under $50.

Instead, those who don’t meet the minimum spending threshold will have to pay the standard $8 shipping fee.

As some members have recently joined or renewed their membership, many are furious about the loss of the previously free benefit and the fact that there is no apparent change in cost.

As a result, some are threatening to take their businesses elsewhere.

“That’s bullshit. I’ll probably cancel my subscription!” X user Barbara McLain said in a post.

“Anyway, their prices aren’t that fantastic. I don’t think I save my $100.00 subscription every year to get my money back!

“Now shipping costs. I think I’ll go to COSTCO or Target.”

For example, Sam’s Club, both Costco and Target offer memberships, although for Target shoppers this is not essential to shopping there and does not provide as many benefits.

Target Circle is free to join and is a rewards program for shoppers to earn 1% in rewards, access personalized deals and offers, and have a say in how the retailer helps the community.

Meanwhile, Costco’s top-tier membership costs $120 per year, an extra $10 compared to Sam’s Club’s Plus membership.

For that money, Costco Executive members get access to all stores, additional discounts and benefits, 2% rewards, and additional family member cards.

Sam’s Club’s Plus membership offers early shopping hours, pharmacy discounts, optical discounts, bonus offers, same-day delivery, fuel savings, add-on subscriptions and other perks.

Both exclusive retailers offer annual subscriptions at lower prices of $60 and $50, respectively.

‘VERY VAGUE’

McLain’s comments came after a fellow Plus Member publicly criticized the retailer for giving “vague” answers to members’ questions about how the change was supposed to benefit them.

A to perceive of Sam’s Club said the retailer is “evolving our benefits and updating our terms and conditions to add more value to your membership.”

A confused member questioned how introducing purchase minimums would increase value for him and the retailer responded by urging him to send a private message.

Another user chimed in on thread X asking the same question, urging the retailer to explain publicly rather than in private messages.

“By adding a minimum cart, we are increasing access to different ways of shopping for our members,” said the retailer he responded.

“This will make it easier for you to get the products you want, the way and when you want.”

However, this answer was criticized by the user who he said“Your answer is very vague. I want all positive members to read your answer.

“Please explain in detail how you are all ‘increasing access’ for customers to shop and adding a minimum cart for plus members.

“What is changing and what benefits are being added?”

‘STUPID’

No further response was given as more Plus members piled on the pressure.

“You must think we are some kind of stupid! Do you really expect members to believe that requiring us to pay shipping is for our own good!?” one he said.

“Sorry, @SamsClub – I can’t believe it – it’s a huge change to the subscription offering for Plus members. Screw it. I know I wouldn’t have renewed in May if I had known,” another added.

Members are also demanding refunds and reductions in membership fees as a result of the unforeseen change.

“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.

“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 to be a Sam’s Club member 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