“You are hurting your customers,” shout Sam’s Club members ahead of upcoming policy change

LOYAL Sam’s Club members are still fuming about an upcoming policy change that will cost them big bucks.

The unpopular change will hit shoppers hard next month.

Sam’s Club Plus members will no longer be able to enjoy free shipping on some orders starting August 19, the wholesale market club recently announced.

This decision sparked a storm of angry reactions.

Sam’s Club, a division of Walmart, offers shoppers of the $110-per-year Plus membership free shipping on all orders.

However, starting August 19, this free shipping benefit only applies to Plus Shipping orders valued over $50.

The sweeping policy change has left many customers wondering whether to cancel their membership, the Las Vegas Review-Journal reported.

DAMAGE TO BUYERS

The publication’s July 9 article sparked hundreds of comments on its Facebook page.

“Ugh, I was really happy about the free shipping on the items, that was a great bonus,” said one woman.

“Come on, Sam’s Club, you make a lot of money!

“You are harming your customers.”

Another accused the company of greed.

“Record profits mean opportunities for them to increase those record profits,” he wrote.

“The burden is being passed on to customers who have had to contend with extraordinary price increases in recent years.”

“Less for more is Sam’s Club’s new business model!”

One woman simply wanted to know the reasons for the policy change.

“Walmart made billions last year and now they want us to pay for shipping. Why?”

“So they can make even more billions next year,” replied another buyer.

“Why not? Half the country will blame the president, and they won’t care that it’s the executive branch that’s doing it.”

“If they can get more money without incurring a penalty in terms of public perception, of course they will try.”

COSTCO FEE RISES

However, another shopper pointed out that Costco is increasing its fees.

Costco’s annual membership fees are set to increase from $60 to $65, while executive membership fees will increase from $120 to $130.

“Costco is raising membership fees… the stores are literally packed like sardines from opening to closing,” the man said.

“I prefer to go to Sam’s – at least there’s room to browse.”

“Costco must enforce that the number of people allowed in with the person on the membership card is two.”

“But families of seven or more are allowed in, and that makes it literally impossible to shop there because everyone is just in the way.”

LEGAL ACTION

“Class action lawsuits, here we come,” said one angry customer, apparently warning of a possible legal battle with X (formerly Twitter).

“They are cutting social benefits. Enough is enough,” said another.

“By setting a minimum basket value, we expand access to different shopping options for our members,” Sam’s Club responded.

“This makes it easier for you to get the products you want, in the way you want, and at the time you want.”

Sam’s Club told the US Sun that the company plans to eliminate several certain fees and offer more choices for shipping orders.

A spokesman also said customer response to the change had been “overwhelmingly positive.”

The US Sun has asked Sam’s Club for further comment on the social media reaction.

ADVANTAGES

“Your benefits will change on August 19,” the website recently said.

It said that free shipping was available “on qualified orders of $50 or more.”

“Other qualifying orders are subject to a flat fee of $8.”

However, Sam’s Club emphasized that membership fees would not be increased.

“We’re simply making it easier for our members to conveniently shop at the club, with access to curbside pickup, same-day delivery and shipping with more value,” it added.

Plus members receive free same-day delivery with a minimum purchase in the cart and free shipping on qualified orders of $50 or more.

For those who do not meet the $50 minimum purchase, a flat rate shipping fee of $8 will be charged on eligible items.

“(There is also) an $8 fee for same-day delivery for eligible orders under $50,” it said.