One of the best things about Walmart’s member-only store Sam’s Club has lost one of its most famous perks. There is no longer free shipping on all items on the Sam’s Club website or app, which has made members very angry.
Sam’s Club free shipping: a thing of the past
When August 19, 2024, comes around, Sam’s Club will only offer free shipping to customers who spend $50 or more. If the cost of shipping does not add to that, a flat rate of $8 will be added to cover the cost of shipping and delivery.
Club members, who pay $50 a year to be a member, seem to be unhappy, but Plus members of Sam’s Club are seriously angry about the new rule. Members of the Plus club think that free shipping is a pretty good perk for $110 a year.
People who pay to be members of Sam’s Club were quick to use social media. “Hey @SamsClub, explain why you are making these changes.” Now Plus members have to spend at least $50 to get free shipping? @Victorino1 wrote on X, the site that used to be Twitter.
“You are taking away our benefits.” NOW IS ENOUGH, answer your Plus users. That is not funny! Just do not ignore us!”
But the community manager at X Sam’s Club gave a boring corporate answer right away: “By adding a cart minimum, we are giving members more ways to shop.” There will be less trouble getting what you need when you need it after this change.
Because of this vague answer, it is easy to see why Sam’s Club members have chosen for sure not to renew their membership when their current yearly one ends.
Several people have talked about suing the store as a group, but loyal customers who used to shop there are looking for an even better option.
They are ready to switch to Costco, its main warehouse rival, because they are used to shopping at stores that only members can access.
Sam’s Club clients fleeing to Costco
More and more Sam’s Club members are thinking about switching to Costco. This is especially true now that Sam’s Club has taken away its best perk.
One member made everyone’s anger clear: “@SamsClub is stupid to think that taking away free shipping for Plus members is even remotely a good idea.” From now on, I will be doing business at Costco!”
This change is more than just an inconvenience for members who used free shipping for regular small sales. A lot of people on X have been worried about how this change might affect disabled customers who can not just pop into the store to get one lost item.
Members feel bad about not meeting the $50 minimum because small orders do not get free shipping.
Plus members get free curbside pickup, early shopping hours, 2% Sam’s Cash rewards, discounts on medicines and eye care, and Plus Early Access, which lets them shop two hours early during big sales events all year long.
When people shop for things other than gifts in the winter, though, they tend to buy fewer things more often and in smaller amounts.
Sam’s Club’s new policy does not seem to think long-term because it does not look at how customers shop outside of the three months-long holiday shopping season.
Costco’s delivery fees
Sam’s Club charges a flat fee for purchases under $50, but Costco has much more affordable prices. Delivery is not free at Costco.
If you spend $35 or more, Costco’s same-day delivery starts at $3.99. Their homepage and app, on the other hand, already charge more for things because they have to pay for shipping and delivering them to your door.
Going to a Costco warehouse to do your own shopping will always be the most affordable choice for people who like to hold tight to their budget.
For now, only time will tell if Sam’s Club changes their minds about their new delivery prices or not. Costco, on the other hand, is loving the rush of new members!