Sam’s Club vows to ‘discuss’ new policy forcing members to jump ship to Costco & admit it understands ‘frustration’

CUSTOMERS of Sam’s Club are threatening a move to rival Costco after a change to the retailer’s membership policy.

For $110 a year, Sam’s Club shoppers can get a Plus membership, which is the higher of the two membership options offered by the retailer.

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The general membership is just $50 per year but a recent change to the Plus membership has seen shoppers threaten to boycott the chain altogether.

It comes after the chain announced changes to the benefits of a Plus membership which include free shipping, free curbside pickup, and early shopping.

However, from August 19, Plus members will only be able to get free shipping on orders over $50 or pay a flat rate fee of $8.

In addition to this, the same price limit has been introduced with free same-day delivery.

‘BYE SAM’S’

While other benefits such as free curbside pick up, early shopping, and exclusive savings are still available, Plus members are furious and are turning to Costco .

“I’ll go Costco… No need for Sam’s membership anymore,” X user @RDforty2 said in a post .

“Only 2 positives to Sams over Costco. Free shipping and early entry.

“Get rid of one and I’m fine waiting another hour to shop. Bye Sams.”

The comments came as another member slammed the move as “idiotic” saying that they too would go to Costco.

The retailer responded to this comment thanking the shopper for “reaching out” saying, “

We understand your frustration about this new change. Please join the pm to discuss further.”

“What genius there decided to take away the one factor that made your Plus membership worth keeping with the free delivery?” another X user asked the chain.

“Please explain why going to Costco shouldn’t be the next move? This is a terrible decision.”

Meanwhile, many Plus members are demanding refunds from the retailer with free shipping emerging as a key reason they signed up for the top tier membership.

“I paid a lot of extra money for a plus membership solely for the free shipping on most anything that ships,” one member wrote underneath a Facebook post by Sam’s Club.

“They should honor the conditions that applied when the membership was created until that membership expires or give money back for the membership fees.”

“Charging more but giving less,” another disgruntled member succinctly wrote.

“I WILL NOT renew my subscription Plus membership with these changes…This sucks,” a third said.

“Will SAM’s pro-rate Plus membership refunds for the members who paid the extra $ for it this year? Please respond,” she asked the retailer.

Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers

Here is a breakdown of the store cards on offer to customers from various retailers and their benefits

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Costco:

• Gold Star Membership : $60 per year, shop all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
• Executive Membership: $120 per year, annual 2% reward, additional discounts and benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store, and get two additional cards for household 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 and battery center, complimentary membership, and add-on memberships.
• Plus Membership: $110 per year, all benefits of Club membership plus Sam’s Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and pharmacy and optical savings.
• Sign up for Sam’s Club Membership here

Target:

• Target Circle: A free-to-join reward program allowing users to earn 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards when an eligible purchase is made, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps out your community.
• Target Circle Card: A credit, debit, or reloadable account card that gives users 5% off in-store and online as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping, and an additional 30-day returns window. Formerly Target RedCard.
• Sign up for Target Circle here

Walmart:

• Walmart+ : $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto car, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and go in-store, and early access to deals and product releases.
• Sign up for Walmart+ here

“We are dedicated to continuously strive to improve and give positive experiences to our members, and we appreciate your feedback,” Sam’s Club replied.

However, there was no comment about refunds as the retailer directed the Facebook user to private message them to continue the conversation.

SAM’S RESPONSE

“We understand your disappointment regarding the recent changes to Plus memberships,” the retailer said in response to numerous complaints by members.

“Please rest assured that as a Plus member, you’re still eligible for exclusive benefits such as Free Curbside Pickup, 2% Sam’s Cash on qualifying in-club and Curbside Pickup orders, Early Shopping Hours, Plus Early Access (deals and promotions), Rx Savings and Optical Savings.

“We value your membership and will continue to work on providing the best possible experience for you. Should you require any assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

“Your frustration and disappointment does not go unnoticed, and we are working hard to ensure the best experience possible for our members,” the retailer added in another Facebook response.

Sam’s Club defended its decision in a statement to The U.S. Sun last month.

“At Sam’s Club, we are continuously working on providing an easier and more convenient shopping experience for our members,” a spokesperson said.

“With this change, we are providing members with access to different ways of shopping, 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 move, we’re also improving item availability online. More items will ship free with no added shipping fees to give members the most consistent in club and online experience.”

The U.S. Sun received the following statement from Sam’s Club after reaching out for comment on the latest complaints by shoppers:

“Our members consistently tell us that convenience matters to them however they choose to shop.

“These recent changes are designed to simplify the experience and fees for same day delivery and shipping, but also provide better access to the items our members buy the most.

“The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive with members saying that meeting the basket minimum is easy.

“We’ve also added several new benefits in response to member feedback – including grocery delivery, which members tell us is a highly valued benefit, and removing curbside pickup fees for our entry membership tier.”

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