SAM’S Club customers are criticizing the company over an upcoming membership change.
The members-only wholesaler is launching a new shipping rate in August.
Sam’s Club Plus members currently receive free shipping on all online orders
But on August 19th that will change.
The company announced that it would begin charging Plus members an $8 fee when shipping orders under $50.
This left some buyers furious.
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BUYERS’ REACTION
Additionally, members pay $110 annually for their perks, leaving some to wonder whether the membership is still worth the price.
Sam’s regular subscription costs $60.
A member went to X to complain.
“@SamsClub you claim you ‘highly value’ our subscriptions, but if that were true you wouldn’t be eliminating free shipping – why do we ALL upgrade to Plus,” they said.
“Living more than an hour from a club, I’m struggling to see the value in membership,” they said. “Should have cut executive salaries.”
Sam’s Club responded to the tweet.
“Thanks for bringing this to our attention,” they said, offering to continue the conversation via direct messages.
Another member responded to that tweet.
“What a joke Sam!” they posted.
They said the move led to a drastic change.
“I will also switch to Costco membership,” they said. “You screwed up this time Sam’s Club!”
Costco offers grocery delivery with fees in some markets.
But the rate there is only $3 – $5 less than the new Sam’s rate.
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, 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+ membership, car, Walmart+ travel, home returns, mobile scan and store entry, and early access to offers and product launches.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
SAM HIT
Sam’s, which is owned by Walmart, said it “understands” the frustrations but has not said it will change course.
The company told the US Sun it was removing fees on certain items as part of the delivery change.
“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 – all designed to help them get more value from their membership,” said the said the company.
Costco recently raised its prices for the first time in years.
See Sam’s full statement to the US Sun here.
This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
