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Starting August 19, 2024, Sam's Club will no longer offer free shipping for all orders.
Plus Members must now spend at least $50 before taxes to qualify for free or same-day shipping. Orders under $50 will incur a flat shipping fee of $8.
Sam's Club Alters Shipping and Pickup Policies
Starting August 19, 2024, Sam's Club will no longer offer free shipping for all orders. Plus members must now spend at least $50 before taxes to qualify for free or same-day shipping, YourErie reports.
Orders under $50 will incur a flat shipping fee of $8. Same-day shipping is available for members within 15 miles of a Sam's Club location, previously charging $8 for all same-day deliveries.
For regular club members, free pickup is now available for orders over $50, replacing the previous $4 flat rate for all orders. The $4 fee will still apply for orders under $50. Plus Members will continue to enjoy free pickup service without any changes.
Meanwhile, on the retailer's website, Sam's Club has assured members that the cost of their membership will not increase.
The club aims to make shopping more convenient by offering services like Curbside Pickup, Same-Day Delivery, and shipping, providing more value to its members.
Also Read: Sam's Club Early Shopping Policy Causes Upset, Member Considers Leaving
Sam's Club Members React to Ending of Major Perk
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The announcement has sparked significant backlash among Sam's Club members, with many expressing frustration on social media platforms like Reddit. Some members threatened to switch to Costco due to the new policy.
Others pointed out the difficulty of keeping purchases under $50 at Sam's, while some highlighted the differences between Sam's Club and Costco's membership benefits. Sam's Club offers pickup service, which Costco does not, but Costco provides 2% cashback on online orders, which Sam's Club does not.
Many members appreciated the Scan & Go feature at Sam's, which simplifies shopping.
However, some found the in-store experience at Sam's better than Costco, criticizing Costco for its frequent layout changes and slow checkout process. Despite this, they considered canceling their Plus membership due to the shipping changes.
Some noted the lower prices at Sam's compared to Costco, making it worthwhile to maintain both memberships. Others revealed that customer service hinted items not available in-store might still ship for free with a Plus membership, though they awaited confirmation.
According to the New York Post, One member posted on X, questioning how Sam's Club could justify requiring Plus members to order $50 or more for free shipping. They expressed frustration, accusing the club of taking away benefits and demanding a response.
Sam's Club responded promptly, explaining that by adding a cart minimum, they are increasing access to different ways of shopping. The club stated this change aims to make it easier for members to get the products they want and when and how they want them.
Despite the explanation, many members remain unhappy, feeling the new policy reduces the value of their Plus membership. The debate continues as members weigh their options and consider whether to stay with Sam's Club or switch to competitors.
Related Article: Sam's Club's Customers Question Enforced Membership Add-On Rules
