Sam’s Club changes popular free offer, members dissatisfied

Costco’s competitor Sam’s Club is eliminating a long-popular free perk for its members – and members are sharing what they think about it on social media.

The wholesaler emailed club members before the holiday weekend, saying that starting August 19, free shipping would no longer apply to Plus member orders, but only to orders of $50 or more.

Related: Sam’s Club uses AI shopping cart photos and ends receipt door checks

Instead of getting their goods delivered for free, members who make purchases under $50 will have to pay a flat fee of $8. Some category exclusions will still apply, the company said.

Members complained to X about the new changes and some even threatened to switch to competitor Costco instead.

@Sam’s Club When we became Plus members, it was sold to us with “Free Delivery” so we said… ok, let’s join. This move is complete nonsense. Why should we stay Plus without this benefit??? We see no benefit for the cost. And I add… “after August 18th” when you start charging…

— ?? Secure the border ?? (@b4jc2005) July 7, 2024

.@Sam’s Club @samsclubhelp The removal of free shipping is a joke, right? How awful! It’s time to downgrade my membership or just leave the club. pic.twitter.com/qyhYsgRPAT

— Ryan (@TheRyGuy86) June 19, 2024

@Sam’s Club Can someone explain to me how a minimum order value for free shipping gives us more options? It’s more like you’re ripping off your customers. Our family has been a member for over 35 years. I’m not sure we’ll be much longer.

– Amanda Hartley (@Rogue6776) July 8, 2024

@Sam’s Club I have been a member for 15 years and I pay for membership for a reason and it is not to pay even more for shipping. I just canceled my membership and moved to #Costco

— Drama419 (@Drama419) July 8, 2024

Sam’s Club did not immediately respond to Entrepreneurasked for comment, but said FOX Business in a statement that the retailer is “continuously working to provide our members with an easier and more convenient shopping experience.”

Sam’s Club is part of parent company Walmart, which reported strong sales of $161.5 billion in the first quarter of 2025, up 6% from the same period last year.

Notably, Sam’s Club reported net sales of $21.4 billion in the quarter, up 4.6% from the first quarter of 2024, and a 13.3% increase in membership revenue. The retailer ended the quarter with its highest total membership ever.

Related: How to claim cash: Costco’s $2 million class action lawsuit

“We are focused on saving our customers both money and time,” Walmart CEO Doug McMillon said in a company press release at the time. “We are led by people and powered by technology, and that combination drives our business forward.”

Walmart Inc. posted a year-over-year increase of over 34% through Monday morning.