Sam's Club facing backlash from members after company cuts key benefit

Posted by Abbie Anker on Sunday, August 4, 2024

UNDATED (WKRC) - Sam's Club is facing backlash from members after the company cut a key benefit.

According to The New York Post,Sam's Club members will only be eligible for free shipping on orders from the company's website or app on“qualifying orders of $50 or more."

The company first made the announcement via email on June 19.

According to The Post, orders that do not meet the $50 minimum to qualify for free shipping will be charged a $8 flat rate fee. Sam Club said“some category exclusions apply whereby variable shipping will be charged,” however.

An X user directed a post to Sam's Club, writing "how are spinning these new changes and now for plus members, we have to order $50 or more for free shipping?You are taking away benefits. ENOUGH, respond back to your plus members. This is some BS!!! Don’t ghost us!”

Sam's Club's official X account responded to the post, writing "by adding a cart minimum, we are increasing access to different ways of shopping for our members. This will make it easier for you to get the products you want, the way and at the time you want.”

According to The Post, Sam's Club is facing backlash from members across social media.

"Idiotic move getting rid for free shipping for plus members. I will take my business to Costco,” an X user wrote, per the publication.

According to the outlet, another X user wrote that she was living with disabilities and relied on the company's shipping to get the products she needs.

“Many of the items I buy are only sold online so your new free (for $50 or more) from the warehouse makes no sense for me. Please help,” the X user wrote, per The Post.

“I’m NOT paying $8 for shipping that used to be free (or should I say was “included” in my $100/year membership!!). Will likely cancel and have to rely on Costco for all the items I used to love getting from Sam’s Club!” a Facebook user wrote, per the publication.

Plus membership perks include the following, per the publication:

  • Early shopping
  • Free curbside pickup
  • Sam's Cash through the company's rewards program
  • Prescription savings
  • Plus Early Access (Early shopping hours during "big year-round savings events.")

According to The Post, at Costco certain items purchased on the company's website and app include shipping and handling, while others are two-business day delivery for orders of $75 or more.

Sam's Club Plus members have around six weeks left to enjoy free shipping before $50 minimum for the benefit kicks in, per The Post.

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