PLUSSED OFF
Sam’s Club shopper blasts chain over rule that decides when members can use warehouse – she’s being driven to the exit
The U.S. Sun has compared the terms of different types of Sam's Club membership
A SAM’S Club shopper has accused the wholesaler of driving her closer to the exit door after being caught off-guard by the chain’s membership rules.
The Costco rival has different trading hours for its members depending on their subscriptions.
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On weekdays, Sam’s Club Plus subscribers can grab their groceries early as they can use warehouses two hours before Americans who bought a standard membership.
Plus members can access warehouses one hour earlier on a Saturday.
Early shopping hours are just one of the perks available to Sam’s Club Plus members.
A standard membership usually sets shoppers back $50 for the year while a Plus subscription costs $110.
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Sometimes the chain offers promotions. Shoppers can buy a Sam's Club membership for $20 as part of a special deal but this offer expires today - July 7.
But the trading hours difference appears to have caught some shoppers off-guard.
Some even fumed the policy would push them closer to the exit door.
“Sam’s Club gonna make me cancel my membership!” Cami Hughes-Ross posted on Facebook.
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“You can’t shop there before 10am if you are not a members plus! WTH???”
Hughes-Ross concluded her post with three angry-face emojis.
‘Not enforced at all’ says Sam’s Club fan as work-around for little-known membership rule allows friends to shop
Others pointed out that early trading hours are just one of the perks for Sam’s Club Plus members.
Plus members can get their shopping trips done earlier on holidays such as Labor Day.
The subscription also comes with curbside pickup and free shipping perks.
Curbside pickup is free of charge for Plus members, but those who only have the standard membership will have to fork out an extra four dollars.
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 Club Plus subscribers can also use curbside pick-up services from 7am Mondays to Saturdays.
This is three hours earlier than Club members.
Shoppers don't have to worry about a minimum spending limit.
But they must have their order number and some form of ID to hand when they collect groceries.
When arriving at the warehouse, shoppers must park in a designated spot and log into the chain's app.
Then, a worker will bring the order and load it into their car.
Plus members can also take advantage of car maintenance services.
They can get 50% off tire installations on sets of four.
The wholesaler, which has hundreds of stores nationwide, also offers optical and pharmaceutical benefits to its premium members.
Shoppers can buy a pair of sunglasses and get 20% off, per the chain.
The U.S. Sun has reported how the chain has come under fire in recent weeks by shoppers who think they've not got value for money.
Read More on The US Sun
From August 19, Sam's Club Plus members can only get free shipping if they spend a minimum of $50.
Previously, there was no minimum order limit.