“Sam’s Club sucks!” a customer freaks out and has to queue again just to get out
SAM’S CLUB was criticized by a shopper for its frustrating checkout process.
This comes at a time when retailers are struggling to find the balance between theft prevention and customer satisfaction.
“Sam’s Club SUCKS!” said X-user Mary Diaz (@MaryDia23527991).
“You buy, you pay, and then you line up at the exit so all the items you just paid for can be scanned.”
“I’m ready to cancel my membership and just stay with Costco,” she added.
The angry shopper was referring to the retailer’s processes for verifying receipts, which are also present with scan-and-go technology.
This new checkout system is designed to help shoppers skip the checkout line, according to Sam’s Club’s website.
While shoppers can avoid this first line, they still have to join non-Scan-and-Go customers at the door.
“Once you pay in the app, a QR code will appear. This is your digital receipt,” Sam’s Club explained.
“Go to the door and have your code ready so an employee can scan it before you go in.”
Regardless of whether the customer uses manned checkouts, self-checkouts or scan-and-go checkouts, members are contractually obliged to comply with receipt controls.
The same applies to Costco, which has also introduced mandatory receipt checking for all customers.
However, Diaz’s comments suggest that the wholesale retailer manages its product range better than Sam’s Club.
Similar comments were made regarding individual retailers’ petrol stations.
‘GOODBYE FOREVER’
Numerous X users have complained about the length of the lines at Sam’s Club gas stations.
“We are members of Sam’s Club, but we won’t drive 12 miles to spend half an hour waiting in line for gas that’s 10 cents cheaper,” one driver posted on X.
A lawyer’s 5 best tips for checking receipts
Camron Dowlatshahi, a Los Angeles-based attorney, spoke to The US Sun about checking receipts and the rights and options customers have when asked to show their receipt.
- There has been a lot of debate about whether it is legal for a retailer to ask for the receipt, but if they are in the store, it is perfectly legal. “There seems to be nothing illegal about it. They are still on the premises and their reason for doing it is to prevent theft,” confirms Dowlatshahi.
- But if they chase you out of the store, that changes things, Dowlatshahi said. “Location is important,” he explained. “If you’re standing outside the store, in the parking lot, and they come and start accusing you of theft and say you have to show your receipt, I think that’s a little bit of a different situation because now you can leave.”
- Customers are allowed to refuse to check receipts, but if you do and the store suspects you of theft, it can cause problems. “You can say no, but you might be causing unnecessary trouble because the police will have to come to your home and investigate,” Dowlatshahi said.
- If you are prevented from leaving a store because you refused to accept a receipt, you could take legal action against it – but the store must have detained you for a long time. “If let’s say it lasts for hours, then that is certainly false imprisonment and they had no reason to do it,” Dowlatshahi explained. “If a customer has been emotionally traumatized by the false imprisonment, I would definitely advise them to sue.”
- “I would say show your receipt,” he concluded. “It’s very simple. If you didn’t steal anything, it’s relatively easy,” the lawyer advised.
(According to Camron Dowlatshahi, founding partner at Mills Sadat Dowlat LLP)
“No more problems with the slow pumps and long lines at the Sam’s Club gas station,” said another.
“The line almost stretched to the main road. Goodbye forever!”
A third said that Sam’s Club should take a leaf out of Costco’s book when it comes to gas station lines and customer loyalty.
However, The US Sun had previously reported on a Costco customer who boycotted the chain after having to wait in three lines while shopping.
Others have said they “have trouble seeing the value” in Sam’s Club because the two members-only retailers are constantly pitted against each other by shoppers.
Although Sam’s Club’s premium membership is cheaper than Costco’s, many customers are considering switching after the retailer confirmed the elimination of a popular bonus.
Leandro Trossard proves his worth again as David Raya saves Jakub Kiwior
Looking for bargains? Bank of America suggests 3 value stocks to consider
Walmart and Sam’s Club want your product ideas for a new competition
About The Author
