Sam’s Club Customer Blasts Angry ‘No Reason to Get Plus’ Perk – So They Canceled Subscription

SAM’S Club shoppers are preparing to cancel their subscriptions after the store announced it will cut free shipping from its list of perks.

The free service was only offered to shoppers with Sam’s Club’s more expensive Plus membership.

For $110 per year, buyers received free shipping on all orders.

The same membership cost will apply now, but starting August 19, buyers will have to pay for shipping on orders under $50.

Sam’s Club has announced a flat $8 fee that will apply to all other orders.

The backlash was instantaneous, as customers said they would either switch to the lower-tier subscription, which costs just $50, or cancel their subscription entirely.

“The reason for getting the Plus was free shipping on everything. That’s it. No reason to get the Plus,” one buyer wrote in a Reddit thread.

Several others agreed and said they would decrease membership.

“I don’t see the value in my Plus subscription right now. Curbside pickup is good for those who don’t want to go to the club, but it takes a lot of time,” another customer responded.

They said it’s faster to use the Scan & Go feature in the Sam’s Club app than waiting for a pickup order to be ready and delivered.

Some shoppers said they would now rely on Costco or Amazon for deliveries.

A customer associated with Sam’s and Costco said Exclusive Costco is better and only costs $10 more.

“I have been a Costco member for 22 years. I have an exclusive Costco membership and everything ships for free except 2-day delivery,” they wrote.

For CostcoGrocery, products with 2-day delivery will incur an additional delivery fee per item unless the order total is more than $75, according to the company’s website.

“At Sam’s Club, we continually work to provide an easier and more convenient shopping experience for our members,” a spokesperson told The US Sun.

“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 be shipped free of charge, with no additional shipping fees, to provide members with the most consistent online and club experience.”

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+ subscription, car, Walmart+ travel, home drop-off, mobile scan and store entry, and early access to offers and product launches.
• Sign up for Walmart+ here

A SIMILAR STORY

Sam’s Club members may not want to commit to Costco just yet.

The Bulk Store just announced that annual membership fees will increase from $60 to $65, while Executive Membership will increase from $120 to $130

The change will take place in the US and Canada on September 1st. CNBC reported.

The last time Costco raised its membership fees was in 2017.

A Costco member said she would start shopping at Walmart because of the increase.

Several buyers said the price increase was a “steal.”