With nearly 69 million members nationwide, retail giant Sam’s Club is one of the country’s most popular — and coveted — retail outlets.
But loyal Sam’s Club members are about to lose one of the biggest perks of being a member — and loyal members are not happy.
Beginning August 19, Sam’s Club “Plus” members will only get free shipping on orders from Sam’s Club’s website or app on “qualifying orders of $50 or more,” the company announced via email.
For those who do not add $50 worth of qualifying items to their digital cart, there is an $8 flat rate fee; however, Sam’s Club says, “Some category exclusions apply whereby variable shipping will be charged.”
Slashing free shipping on top of incremental increases in yearly membership dues has left some Sam’s Club loyalists in an uproar.
“Hey @SamsClub, how are spinning these new changes and now for plus members, we have to order $50 or more for free shipping??” @Victorino1 posted to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “You are taking away benefits. ENOUGH, respond back to your plus members. This is some BS!!! Don’t ghost us!”
One X user, @mbarthur1, even went as far as to say, “class action here we come,” referencing a lawsuit.
It’s not uncommon for major brands to pivot and make unpopular changes to business practices. But in Sam’s Club’s case, the move to nix free shipping could cause a massive exodus of members to their top rival — Costco.
At least one is threatening to take his business to Sam’s Club’s warehouse rival.
“@SamsClub idiotic move getting rid for free shipping for plus members,” @80zkid4Ever posted to X. “I will take my business to Costco.”
@SamsClub idiotic move getting rid for free shipping for plus members. I will take my business to Costco
— Austyn Wright (@80zkid4Ever) June 29, 2024
“I’m NOT paying $8 for shipping that used to be free (or should I say was ‘included’ in my $100/year membership!!),” Terese Helberg wrote on Facebook. “Will likely cancel and have to rely on Costco for all the items I used to love getting from Sam’s Club!”
At Costco, some items purchased online include shipping and handling. Others are two-business-day delivery for orders of $75 or more.
In response to the backlash, Sam’s Club responded that it understood his “frustration about this new change” and asked that he private message it.
Plus members will also be able to get free same-day delivery on qualifying orders when the $50 minimum threshold is met when the changes take place next month.
The company is also offering $50 off a Plus membership, making it $60, but the offer ends Sunday.
Other perks for Plus membership include free curbside pickup, early shopping, 2% Sam’s Cash through the rewards currency program, prescription savings, optical savings and Plus Early Access, which allows shopping two hours early during “big year-round savings events.”
“Our members are at the heart of everything we do,” a statement from a Sam’s Club spokesperson to Fox Business said, adding that the retailer is “continuously working on providing an easier and more convenient shopping experience for our members.”