Sam’s Club member complains retailer ‘exaggerates’ customers before charging $50 for a bonus that used to be free

SAM’S Club members are angry with the chain after it announced a major change to its member benefits.

Starting next month, Sam’s Club Plus members will no longer be eligible for free shipping on some orders.

Currently, the Plus membership for $110 per year offers free shipping on all orders.

However, the company recently announced that this benefit will be discontinued starting August 19.

Starting on this date, free shipping will only be available on Plus Shipping orders over $50.

This led to an immediate backlash on social media from members who recalculated their orders themselves.

MEMBER MADNESS

A Sam’s Club member expressed his anger about the fee on Facebook.

They said they expect the move could backfire.

“Wow, Sam’s Club just found a way to lose a lot of money by removing free shipping for Plus members unless they order at least $50 worth of merchandise,” she said.

She added that she plans to cancel or at least downgrade her membership.

“$50 isn’t hard to pay every now and then, but this long-time Plus member is going to cancel their Plus membership when it comes up for renewal in the fall,” she said. “And I suspect many others will, too.”

“What a great way to alienate your members,” she added with an eye-rolling emoji.

Their commentators also expressed their views.

“Seems like a lot of companies are doing this,” said one. “Especially the big companies. As if the millions of dollars they already make aren’t enough.”

Walmart, which owns Sam’s Club, paid its six top executives nearly $100 million last year, Talk Business reports, which has sparked anger among some customers.

“I’m glad you’re not going to extend,” the commentator added. “They’re bleeding us dry and we should stand up to them.”

“Pure greed in search of higher profits to satisfy shareholders,” commented another.

One commentator had a different view.

“One item is $50 today,” she said. “Just wait until you have $50 and still get the shipping benefit! If you can’t beat them, join them!”

SAM HAS BEEN STRIKED

The backlash against the membership change has been going on for weeks.

However, Sam’s has given no indication that it will change its plans.

The company told US Sun that it plans to eliminate certain fees and offer more choice when ordering by mail.

A spokesperson also claimed that customer response to the change had been “overwhelmingly positive.”

Many have threatened to switch to Costco because of the change.

Costco also charges fees for shipping orders, but these are usually only $3.

Some members say they cannot justify paying for Plus membership.

While some downgrade, others cancel altogether.