jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

It's bad enough that I have to pay an annual fee to shop in Sam's, but they have Plus Membership, which costs even more. I found a surprise benefit of Plus, though. I like going to town early, and Sam's lets certain people in before the regular opening time. I used to have a Business Membership, so I could start shopping at 7:00 AM, before the crowds and traffic appeared. I recently discovered that there is no more Business class, and I have to pay about $60 more to shop early. What to do???

Looking over the benefits of Plus, I saw that they have free shipping. I love free shipping. I placed an order for large packs of paper towels and toilet paper, a gallon of olive oil, and a box of three gallons of Clorox. All four arrived at my house without me even having to open my car door - with no delivery charge. Of course, they're not going to ship meat and dairy, but that still leaves almost half the items on my shopping list eligible for free shipping. Like Amazon Prime, I'm paying indirectly for shipping, but I know I'll come out ahead after a year. They also give $10 back for each $500 spent - not a big deal for me, though.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

I don't know. The way you complain about the fees you have chosen to be involved in, $10.00 seems like a big deal.

Bultaco Loc: Aiken, SC

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Jerry, Sam's is Walmart, over $35 shipping is free anyway, we are considering dropping BJ's, kids are grown , we don't need such large quantities anymore and Wall does it for us.

ecobin Loc: Paoli, PA

3 gallons of Clorox? Your lenses must sparkle!
Always enjoy your posts Jerry.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Well, it comes in a three-pack. Take it or leave it. I know it will get used up eventually.

Thanks.

Vietnam Vet

I buy on walmart.com. No fees etc. And it doesn't take much in the cart to get free shipping. The only problem is that it's too convenient and I buy more than if I was actually in a Walmart store.

Sendai5355 Loc: On the banks of the Pedernales River, Texas

I need to renew my membership when I get home.

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

I have a plus membership because I like to shop early too! My gripe with them is that they frequently(usually holidays)allow non members to shop and the crowds can get pretty heavy.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

The shop early is not something I would use enough to justify the fee. Went to Sam's yesterday and it has reinstituted showing the membership card for entry after several years of not having to do so. Just my wife and I, but I like the bulk buying as I don't to go so often.

dpfoto Loc: Cape Coral, FL

The savings on prescriptions might be the most valuable for Plus members. In most states, members will be able to fill up to five select prescriptions for free without insurance, have access to more than 600 generic prescriptions for $10 or less; and get up to 30 percent off some brand name drugs.

EdJ0307 Loc: out west someplace

I don't shop Sam's because the closest one is about 30 miles away. Costco is here in town, about 2 miles. And I have Amazon Prime so I'll stick with them if I want to pay a membership fee someplace. And as somebody mention, Sam's is a Walmart and I have two of them near me.

StanMac Loc: Tennessee

Paying someone for the opportunity to spend my money in their store always seemed like a perverse twist on capitalism, so I haven’t joined up with any of them. If one took the time to really analyze the cost differences over a year between shopping a membership store and regular retail stores, I suspect there would be little if any difference.

Stan

crazycarol

I recently discovered the free shipping with the Sams plus, I always ordered from Walmart with the free shipping, nearest Sams and Walmart are 75 miles away. Plus I do NOT have to pay the extra city tax, so I save 2.5%,and I don't have to carry all that bulk stuff up steps,it's a win win for me! They both do need to teach the packagers how to package though, I have had stuff damaged and squished, Walmart is very good at sending replacements at no cost! I haven't contacted Sams on my last order that was damaged, was only 2 boxes of Kleenex that were squished.

billmck Loc: Central KY

We have Sam's Club's Plus membership. The wife and I always go there early in the morning when only Plus members get in, and that alone is worth the extra to us. I also got more than my subscription cost back with their cash-back offer when I use Sam's Mastercard. I realize it's not for everyone, but it works for us.