Sam’s Club recently replied to a customer who asked for changes to their membership rules, focusing on improving the in-store experience. New members who join Sam’s Club get a digital membership card. Not everyone is happy with this modern way of doing things.
A shopper went on X to express their disappointment and ask Sam’s Club to return the old physical cards. The shopper said that it is hard to shop in the store without a physical card. They also mentioned that “Costco would never,” meaning that their competitor still provides physical cards.
Say Goodbye to Physical Cards? Sam’s Club Clarifies Membership Policy
A Sam’s Club representative thanked the member for pointing out the problem. The representative explained that digital cards are common, but physical cards are still available.
If you want a physical card, you can still get one. Here’s how to do it:
- Visit the customer service desk at your local Sam’s Club warehouse.
- Ensure you have a government ID and your membership number ready for verification.
This process helps members who prefer a traditional shopping style at Sam’s Club to have a good experience. You can ask for a physical card so that everyone can shop in the way that works best for them.
During the busy holiday shopping season, things can get tense. This was clear when a shopper at Costco suddenly crashed their cart into someone else’s, turning an ordinary shopping trip into chaos.
Sam’s Club is working to update its services and lower its environmental impact by cutting down on physical membership cards.
Costco vs. Sam’s Club: Who Offers Better Membership Flexibility?
Sam’s Club is promoting a more eco-friendly approach, urging members to reduce their impact on the environment. As part of this initiative, they are moving away from physical cards.
Members can easily access their digital membership cards on the Sam’s Club app, making shopping simpler and more eco-friendly.
At Costco, members can use either digital or physical membership cards to enter their stores. Costco has set clear rules to make sure these memberships are used correctly. Here’s what you should know:
Costco Membership Sharing Guidelines
- Primary Member Use: The card can only be used by the primary cardholder, whose photo appears on the card. Sharing it for purchases is strictly prohibited.
- Household Card: Each primary member is eligible to add one free household cardholder living at the same address. This person receives their own card and can shop independently.
- Guest Policy: Members are allowed to bring up to two guests during each visit. However, purchases can only be made by the member, and guests must be accompanied by them.
- Authorized Cardholder: For a fee, members can add an authorized cardholder, such as a friend or family member who doesn’t live at their address. This cardholder gets their own card and shopping privileges.
Costco provides digital cards in their in-store app, making it easy for members to access their favorite products.
Costco has started a new policy that affects its members, and people have different opinions about it. When you go into the store, you will see that there are scanners at the entrances.
Enhanced Membership Verification
Members must now scan their membership cards using a reader for verification. During this process, a photo of the shopper is shown on a screen that store employees watch.
If your card does not have a photo, you will need to show another form of ID to prove who you are with the new system. This requirement has made some shoppers frustrated.
A Sam’s Club membership costs $50 a year, while a regular Costco membership is $65 a year. Last year, Costco caught people’s attention by raising its membership fees.
The slight increase in membership fees at Costco has drawn notice from many people. With a rise of just $5, it’s the first such increase in seven years. Most shoppers have accepted the change, but a few are thinking about canceling their subscriptions.
Introducing Membership Scanners at Costco
Costco has introduced new membership scanners at the entrances of its stores. In August 2024, Costco shared this news on its website, saying:
“In the next few months, membership scanning devices will be set up at the entrance of your local warehouse,” it said. Members need to scan their physical or digital membership card using the barcode or QR code against the scanner. Guests can only enter if they are with a valid member.
If you have any questions or concerns, there will be someone at the door to help you. If your membership is inactive, expired, or you would like to sign up for a new membership, the attendant will ask that you stop by the membership counter prior to entering the warehouse to shop.
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