SAM’S Club shoppers are furious about upcoming changes to their memberships that will limit the delivery services available for free.
The wholesaler recently confirmed on social media that the big change will affect the $110 annual Plus subscription.
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Sam’s Club, based in Bentonville, Arkansas, currently offers two membership levels for shoppers who want to earn bonus and sales benefits.
The first tier, known as Club Membership, costs $50 per year and offers shoppers bonus offers, same-day delivery, discounts, as well as a Sam’s Club Mastercard.
Members also have access to the members-only fuel saver and tire and battery center.
Meanwhile, the second tier – Plus membership – costs $110 annually.
This membership offers all the same perks as the lower tier, but also includes free shipping, free curbside pickup, advance purchases, and pharmacy and optical discounts.
However, these benefits will change slightly later this year.
Starting August 19, Plus members will only have access to free shipping if they place a minimum order of $50.
Shoppers will be forced to choose between free shipping or free same-day delivery for their orders instead of being able to select both options, according to Hip2Save.
If shoppers still want access to free shipping on smaller orders, they will now be charged an $8 fee.
Sam’s Club members are criticizing the big change, claiming the benefit was the “main reason” shoppers opted for the pricey membership.
One member posted on X, formerly Twitter, to air his frustrations.
“Congratulations @SamsClub on one of the dumbest business decisions ever,” the post it started.
“Free shipping is the MAIN REASON most people have a Plus subscription.
“So now we have to spend a minimum of $50 to get free shipping on top of the $110 annual fee?”
The buyer added that they will no longer renew their Sam’s Club membership due to the change.
“Calm. I will not renew next year,” they wrote.
As other shoppers claimed the shipping change will make shopping more difficult, Sam’s Club has since apologized.
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 Add-on 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 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
However, Costco’s rival won’t balk at new fees.
“We apologize for this inconvenience,” the wholesaler wrote in a post to X.
“Plus members can continue to use free shipping as they currently do until Sunday, August 18th,” it continued.
“After this date, free shipping will still be available on minimum orders of $50. Limited exclusions may apply.”
Sam’s Club has also recently come under fire from customers for frustrating checkout experiences.
Others also criticized the wholesaler for denying certain refunds.
Sam’s Club did not immediately respond to US Sun’s request for comment.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
