SAM'S Club is preparing to unveil a new service on August 19, sparking a flurry of speculation and discussion among its members.
The retailer will launch what it's marketing as a "faster & easier" service, but users fear price surges.
After receiving emails that teased the upcoming launch,Redditusers have shared their thoughts and predictions.
The consensus is that Sam’s Club is likely to introduce a same-day or two-hour grocery delivery service, either through its own channels or in partnership with a third-party app.
One user commented, “It seems like a same-day or 2-hour grocery delivery option, either by Sam's or through a food delivery app partnership. Basically, same-day Costco.”
This could mean that Sam’s Club aims to streamline its delivery service, potentially by leveraging Spark drivers who would pick up and deliver orders directly from the store.
read more about sam's club
FREE SHIPPING CHANGES
Sam’s Club is also updating its shipping policies with this new service.
Starting August 19, Plus members must meet a $50 minimum purchase to qualify for free shipping on SamsClub.com orders.
Otherwise, they will incur a flat fee.
Curbside orders will also have a $50 minimum, and faster delivery options may be available for an extra charge.
Most read in Money
PICTURE PERFECT I held onto piece of art for years - I cried when I learned it's worth $20k
STOP THE SCAN Walmart shopper leaves basket and walks out after self-checkout insult
DIGITAL DOLLARS My 'stupid easy' side hustle can make teens $700 a day
STOPPED IN TRACKS Costco shopper's wife turned away from warehouse despite being a member
Some members expressed concern over these changes, with one Redditor noting, “They could have implemented it differently, and have a specific tier for high shipping costs products that have a higher minimum spend requirement for free shipping.”
They added, “But then again maybe doing it for all products is better financially, because then customers could mix in the same order high shipping costs products with high profit products.”
‘Not enforced at all’ says Sam’s Club fan as work-around for little-known membership rule allows friends to shop
ENHANCED EXPERIENCE
In addition to the expected delivery updates, Sam’s Club appears to be enhancing the in-club shopping experience.
Redditors speculate that some clubs have scanned their entire inventory to improve item location within the store, which is likely to be integrated into an app that will help members find products more easily.
This could also be tied into the new delivery service, allowing Spark drivers to fulfill orders faster and more accurately.
The August 19 launch is anticipated to introduce a service centered around convenience, speed, and efficiency.
The promotional material's clues suggest that Sam’s Club is looking to make shopping easier and faster for its members, whether they purchase online or in-store.
Membership and store cards on offer from major retailers
Here is a breakdown of the store cards on offer to customers from various retailers and their benefits
* If you click a link in this boxout, we may earn affiliate revenue.
Costco:
- Gold Star Membership: $60 per year, shop all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
- Executive Membership:$120 per year, annual 2% reward, additional discounts and benefits on Costco services, shop online and in-store, and get two additional cards for household use.
- Sign up for a Costco Membership here
Sam's Club:
- Club Membership:$50 per year, bonus offers, same-day delivery, instant savings, Sam's Club Mastercard, members-only fuel savings, tire and battery center, complimentary membership, and add-on memberships.
- Plus Membership:$110 per year, all benefits of Club membership plus Sam's Cash, free shipping, free curbside pickup, early shopping, and pharmacy and optical savings.
- Sign up for Sam's Club Membership here
Target:
- Target Circle:A free-to-join reward program allowing users to earn 1% in Target Circle earnings rewards when an eligible purchase is made, access deals and personalized offers, get a birthday gift, and earn a vote to help direct how Target helps out your community.
- Target Circle Card:A credit, debit, or reloadable account card that gives users 5% off in-store and online as well as exclusive offers, free two-day shipping, and an additional 30-day returns window. Formerly Target RedCard.
- Sign up for Target Circle here
Walmart:
- Walmart+: $12.95 per month or $98 per year with a free 30-day trial. Offers members free delivery, free shipping with no minimum spend, fuel savings, Paramount+ subscription, auto car, Walmart+ travel, returns from home, mobile scan and go in-store, and early access to deals and product releases.
- Sign up for Walmart+ here
One possible scenario is the introduction of a three-hour or less delivery option, with Spark drivers picking and delivering orders directly from the store.
This would align with the idea of providing members with a "faster," more reliable delivery service, per the retailer's website.
Sam’s Club’s service launch on August 19 is supposed to bring new levels of convenience to its members.
While the changes to free shipping policies have sparked some debate, the overall sentiment seems positive, especially regarding the prospect of faster grocery delivery and enhanced in-club shopping experiences.
Read More on The US Sun
Other Sam's Club members have shared their frustrations online, including one shopper who abandoned $270 worth of groceries.
Another shopper had to wait in line after scanning her items, calling the new exit technology a "waste of money."