‘Not Cool’ Slams Members Over Controversial Sam’s Club Policy Change – This Will Affect Some More Customers

SAM’S Club members are reeling from an impending change to member benefits.

The members-only wholesaler announced it would eliminate free shipping on some orders.

Currently, Sam’s Club Plus members can get free shipping on all orders.

But soon that will change.

The company told members that starting August 19, free shipping will only be available on orders of $50 or more.

Smaller orders will incur a new flat fee of $8.

This sparked angry reactions from some members, who pay $110 annually for a Plus membership.

MEMBERS REACT

The US Sun previously reported that some members accused the company of being greedy.

“Come on Sam’s Club, you make a lot of $$$!” one customer said online.

The Walmart-owned wholesaler had revenue of $84.3 billion in the fiscal year ending January 2023.

Now, a customer has taken to social media saying he only signed up because of the benefit.

“We joined + BECAUSE of the free shipping since we live an hour from the nearest store!” said one customer. “Is not cool!”

They joined the chorus of shoppers worried about getting free shipping.

Those who live further away from stores, who can rely more on shipping benefits, may be most impacted by the change.

Sam’s Club told The US Sun it was planning to eliminate several item-specific fees and increase selection for shipping orders.

Some customers are calling for a boycott.

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, earn 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

ABOUT THAT…

Costco, Sam’s Club’s main competitor, is raising its prices.

Although some have started to do the math to see if membership will still be worth it, others defended the price increase.

The chain is popular for its low prices and food court, which has some saying they would be willing to pay even more for their subscriptions.

Still, others questioned whether the price increase is reasonable.

Some customers are considering leaving Sam’s Club because of the change in benefits.

A shopper recently shared why Costco canceled his membership.