Sam’s Club is changing its free shipping policy for its higher-tier members, according to a report from USA today.
Sam’s Club Plus members currently pay an annual membership fee of $110 — $60 more than the basic membership — for premium perks, including free shipping on most online items. But starting next month, Plus members will have to pay an $8 shipping fee on orders under $50.
The retailer did not respond to a request for comment in time for this article.
Sam’s Club’s new delivery, shipping and pickup policies go into effect August 19. The policy change affects both Plus members and Club members (who pay a $50 annual fee).
The changes include:
Shipping for Plus members: Free shipping is available on orders of $50 or more. Orders that do not qualify will be subject to an $8 shipping fee. According to Sam’s Club, “some category exclusions apply and will incur variable shipping charges.” Starting July 10, Plus members will continue to receive free shipping on eligible items with no minimum purchase.
Same day delivery for Plus members: Free same-day delivery is available on qualified orders over $50.
Curbside pickup for club members: Club members receive free curbside pickup “on eligible items” with a minimum purchase of $50. Currently, order pickup is free for Plus members only, with club members paying a flat fee of $4 for curbside pickup orders
Sam’s Club isn’t the only retailer making more drastic changes to shipping perks—and inflation might be to blame. In 2023, Amazon began testing a $35 minimum order for non-Prime customers to qualify for free shipping, up from the current $25. In January 2023, the online retailer also tested a big change to its grocery subscription policy—charging a sliding fee for grocery orders under $150 (though that policy has since been changed, and grocery shipping is free for Prime members on orders over $100).
