STICKER SHOCK
Sam’s Club member screams retailer is ‘gouging’ shoppers ahead of $50 charge for perk that was once free
It's sparked online outrage from many members
SAM’S Club members are upset with the chain after it announced a major change to membership perks.
Sam’s Club Plus members will no longer qualify for free shipping on some orders starting next month.
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Currently, the $110-a-year Plus membership offers free shipping for all orders.
However, the company recently announced it would eliminate this benefit starting August 19.
From that date forward, free shipping will only be available on Plus shipping orders over $50.
That’s caused a swift backlash on social media from members doing the math on their own orders.
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MEMBER MADNESS
One Sam’s Club member took to Facebook to vent about the fee.
They said they expect it to backfire.
“Wow, Sam's Club just found a way to lose a whole lot of money by taking away free shipping for Plus Members unless you order at least $50 worth of stuff,” she said.
She added that she plans on cancelling — or at least downgrading — her membership.
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“Now $50 isn't hard to do once in a while, but this long time Plus Member will be canceling her Plus Membership when it comes up for renewal this Fall,” she said. “And I suspect many others will too.”
“What a great way to alienate it's members,” she added, with an eye-rolling emoji.
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Her commenters weighed in as well.
“Seems like a lot of businesses are doing this,” one said. “Especially the big businesses. Like after all the millions of dollars they already make aren’t enough.”
Walmart, which owns Sam’s Club, payed its top six executives nearly $100 million in the last year, according to Talk Business. That has sparked resentment from some shoppers.
“I’m glad you’re not going to renew,” the commenter added. “They’re gouging us and we should stand up to them.”
“Pure greed in search of higher profits to please the stockholders,” another commented.
One commenter had a different attitude.
“One item is $50 nowadays,” she said. “Just wait until you have $50 worth and still take advantage of the shipment perk! If you can’t beat ‘em - join ‘em!”
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
SAM’S SLAMMED
The backlash against the membership change has continued for weeks.
However, Sam’s has not indicated that it will change its plans.
The company told The U.S. Sun that it was planning to eliminate some specific fees and increase selection for shipping orders.
A spokesperson also claimed the customer reaction to the change was “overwhelmingly positive.”
Many have threatened to switch to Costco over the change.
Costco also charges fees on shipping orders, but it’s usually just $3.
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Some members say they can’t justify paying for the Plus membership.
While some are downgrading, others are cancelling entirely.