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If all you ever do is use Member’s Mark products to replace your expensive name brands, you’ll probably at least break even on a Sam’s Club membership, if not save a good bit of money.
But there are other ways to save even more. And if you’re not doing them, then you’re effectively losing money.
It’s easy to fall into our regular shopping habits, but some of these stuck-in-a-rut traps could be expensive. Here are a few moves to make sure you avoid on your Sam’s Club trips.
1. Not downloading the Sam’s Club app
Every Sam’s Club shopper should consider downloading the Sam’s Club mobile app. I’ve honestly found that it makes the entire shopping experience better. Here are just some of the things it provides members:
- Digital membership card: Save space in your wallet by using your digital membership card through the Sam’s Club app. You can use it in-club and at Sam’s Club gas stations.
- Scan & Go: With this feature, you scan items into your mobile cart as you shop, then you can just check out in the app. Show the digital receipt to the door person so they can double-check your purchases. Then leave, without waiting in a checkout line.
- Scan & Go Offers: If saving time isn’t enough for you, Scan & Go can also save you money through exclusive offers. You’ll need to check out with Scan & Go for the offers to apply.
- See deals and discounts: You can see all of the latest sales and discounts right in the app. This includes the current Instant Savings promotions, as well as your Bonus Offers.
Using the app is simple. Simply download it and sign into your Sam’s Club account. You can get to Scan & Go in one tap from the home screen. Your digital membership card lives under the Account tab.
You’ll also want to add a credit card so you can use Scan & Go to check out. Consider a good cash back rewards card to earn money back on your Sam’s Club purchases. Click here to see our curated list of the best cash back credit cards to help you maximize your future shopping trips.
2. Bypassing the gift card racks
Sam’s Club sells a ton of different gift cards to popular brands at huge discounts. I’m talking as much as 20% and 30% off the face value.
If you tend to give out gift cards for presents, or you simply like to eat out, play video games, or go to the movies, then you need to stop by the gift card racks when you’re in the store. (Or the gift card page on the website/app.)
Discounts like these could add that weekly night out back to the budget.
3. Not comparison shopping big items
To be frank, you should also compare prices on your smaller purchases, too. But you absolutely, positively should always make sure you comparison shop for larger purchases before you assume Sam’s Club has the best price.
Does Sam’s Club often have the best price, especially compared to regular retailers (and even sometimes Costco)? Sure, often — but not always.
Assuming Sam’s Club has the best deal could be an expensive mistake. Checking a few other retailers before purchasing (especially the manufacturer’s website) takes minutes and could save you a lot of money.
4. Not upgrading to Plus if you spend a lot
As annoying as it is when you get the upsell for a Plus membership, many of us probably could actually benefit from upgrading to Plus. The main reason being the 2% Sam’s Cash you earn on in-club purchases.
If you spend more than $250 a month at Sam’s Club, then an upgrade could be worth the cost:
| Monthly Spend | Annual Spend | Annual 2% Sam’s Cash |
|---|---|---|
| $50 | $600 | $12 |
| $100 | $1,200 | $24 |
| $150 | $1,800 | $36 |
| $200 | $2,400 | $48 |
| $250 | $3,000 | $60 |
| $300 | $3,600 | $72 |
| $400 | $4,800 | $96 |
| $500 | $6,000 | $120 |
Now, keep in mind you don’t earn the 2% Sam’s Club Cash for samsclub.com purchases, so you won’t earn as much if you mostly shop online. That said, Plus does unlock free shipping (for orders of $50 and up), so it could still be worth the upgrade.
5. Skipping meals before shopping
I think we’ve all done it before: You head into Sam’s Club for your weekend shop, skipping lunch because you had too much to do, and figure you’ll just snack on samples while you shop.
Next thing you know, you have a cart full of junk food and a five-pound tub of almonds. And you forgot the paper towels.
Instead of saving the food court stop for the way out, consider enjoying your slice of pizza before you start shopping. While you’re eating, go over your shopping list to refresh it in your mind and help you keep on target while you shop.
6. Not reading the return policy
Sam’s Club has a very generous return policy for most things. But it isn’t without its restrictions and limitations. For example, tablets and appliances tend to have 90-day return policies instead of the more typical “whenever” of other Sam’s Club items.
Read up on the exclusions to familiarize yourself with what types of items might not be included. If you’re ever concerned, check the “Return policy” section on the item’s page online or in the app to see which policy applies.
Sam’s Club can be a great place to save money, but there are still plenty of ways we can get off track. Keep these potential traps in mind so you can avoid them in the future.
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We’re firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers.
The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Brittney Myers has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Costco Wholesale. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
