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6 Ways Sam's Club Has Gotten Worse According to Longtime Shoppers

How do you feel about the ever-evolving Sam's Club shopping experience?

By Amanda Machado , Edited by Calista Headrick

Updated Sept. 10, 2026

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Sam's Club hasn't been static over the years, and irate members have made their opinions on the topic known. Some say certain updates have been less than stellar, rendering their shopping trips less enjoyable. But others see the changes as welcome improvements.

There's no universal verdict here, but the flux is worthy of a deep dive to see what the fuss is about. To that end, we're rounding up the changes that have been implemented in 2026 so you can decide what helps you get the most out of your Sam's Club membership.

Sam's Club raised membership fees

Arguably no one is happy when their dues are raised, so it's not surprising at all that some Sam's Club members were cranky when a membership increase was announced for 2026.

Membership costs went from $50 to $60 for the Basic level and $110 to $120 for the Plus level. Rates hadn't been hiked since 2022, and fees are still lower than Costco, but complaints persisted nonetheless.

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Free shipping was scrapped for some customers

For most Sam's Club members, orders over $50 qualify for free shipping. Naturally, some exclusions apply, but this blanket policy is the rule rather than the exception.

However, Sam's Club suspended the free shipping policy for its members in Hawaii, much to the chagrin of island residents. This change was made on the heels of raising the free shipping threshold to $50 across the board for all members in 2024.

The phase-out of physical checkout stands

Sam's Club is leaning hard into its app-based Scan & Go system, which means cashier stands are being phased out. For folks who like scanning items as they move through the aisles and skipping the old-school checkout line, that counts as a plus.

But members who prefer cashiers or don't want to use their phones may find the change frustrating, especially when they're contending with a giant cart.

AI exit archways are replacing human receipt checkers

Sam's Club is swapping human receipt checkers for AI-powered exit archways; they're designed to verify your purchases as you head out. The tech can make the checkout-to-parking-lot experience faster, which, again, hurried shoppers may appreciate.

Still, some longtime members miss the personal interaction and reassurance of having an employee review their receipt. For them, the automated approach just isn't it, even if it speeds things up.

Removing "unwanted ingredients" upended inventory

Sam's Club said goodbye to artificial flavors, colors, and additives in their Maker's Mark products in 2026, which on the surface sounds like a healthy step in the right direction.

However, the change is drastic, as it included the removal of over 40 ingredients from products customers may have been accustomed to. So if you can't find an old favorite on the shelves, this huge shift may be the reason why.

Familiar sports drinks changed their colors

One example of a big change resulting from the Sam's Club shift to products "made without" those aforementioned 40 ingredients happened in their Member's Mark sports drinks.

That list included some of the dyes used to color the beverage, including that familiar electric blue. To compensate, Sam's Club changed the color of the bottle to soften the blow of the overhaul.

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Is Sam's Club cutting Member Service Manager positions?

If the rumblings on Reddit are to be believed, Sam's Club allegedly cut Member Service Managers from their staff in February of 2026. Have you noticed this change in your store?

Commenters were divided about the need for the position as well as the responsibilities that come with it. Regardless, the removal of a management position, which interacts with the general public, marks a shift away from human interaction.

Is the shopping landscape changing?

Many complaints point to a bigger shift at Sam's Club overall: shopping is becoming more app-dependent and less human. For some members, especially introverts who'd rather skip small talk, that may be a pro, not a con.

But it's worth considering: Is this simply the future of shopping in general? If so, these changes may be less a Sam's Club quirk and more a preview of what's coming everywhere.

Feeling frustrated by the flux?

If all the changes have you irked, ask yourself the following: Do you regularly stock up, use the gas station, order online, and take advantage of all the Sam's Club membership perks?

If you selected all of the above, the savings may be worth the annoyances. But if the newer shopping experience isn't your cup of bulk-sized tea, it may be time to change up your shopping list.

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Bottom line

The bigger question may not be whether Sam's Club is getting worse, per se, but whether it's selling a different type of shopping experience. As society shifts toward automation, you may need to rethink what you value, from convenience and speed to customer service and personal assistance.

That makes renewal time a useful checkpoint. If the membership still fits your habits and budget, great. If not, it may be time to make the right move and look for a better fit.

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