2 weeks Ago By Chris Bradford
SAM’S Club continues to roll out policies designed to make the checkout experience more seamless for its shoppers – but not all members back the move. Some have alleged that they are unfairly targeted by the measure.TwitterSam’s Club shoppers must walk through exit scanners before leaving stores[/caption]AlamyThe checkout policy is designed to make the process more seamless for shoppers[/caption]Sam’s Club bosses are modernizing the company’s warehouses by installing scanners that verify items in customers’ carts.
Cameras snap images of the groceries and it reduces the need for workers to check receipts – a common grievance flagged by customers at wholesale clubs.But, one shopper claimed they are always stopped at the door, causing them to be “fed up.”They alleged that a worker said to them it was because they use a scooter.
“Apparently only handicapped patrons steal,” they posted on Facebook.“Thanks Sam’s – make handicapped people feel less.”A Sam’s Club spokesperson replied to the customer and asked if they could send a direct message.
There have been mixed reviews to Sam’s Club new scanning machines. Some have claimed the process worked “remarkably well,” cutting down the time they had to spend in store.“My husband loves this! In and out so fast!” a member said.
The exit scanners have been installed in all 600 of the chain’s warehouses. But, the machines are not the only feature shoppers will notice in the coming months. Sam’s Club bosses have confirmed that warehouses are being remodeled and transformed into outlets of the future.
Reports have surfaced that traditional checkout lanes will be stripped out, with shoppers forced to use scan and go technology.Again, this move has sparked division among customers. Some members fear the impact of a change on certain groups, such as parents.
“Please don’t change to an all Scan and Go model!” a shopper begged.“That’s going to affect a major group of your shoppers which is the Mothers with multiple kids. “Checking out yourself is such a stressful experience when you have little ones with you because you have to keep and eye on them at the same time, and they like to run off right when we’re scanning or fight over wanting to scan things themselves.
”The mom explained she would prefer to wait in a line – even if it means standing behind fellow customers.Membership and store cards on offer from major retailersHere 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: $65 per year, shop all Costco stores and online with two additional cards for your household.
Executive Membership: $130 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 hereSam’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 hereTarget: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 hereWalmart: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+ hereOthers have claimed a move to scan and go technology wouldn’t benefit elderly shoppers.“Dear Sam’s, once you change this over completely, you have lost our business,” a shopper warned.Members have also claimed that they would stop shopping at Sam’s Club warehouses if they changed the checkout policy.
Some shoppers issued a blistering warning, saying they cannot wait for a Costco store to open in their local area. Top 5 receipt checking tips from a lawyerCamron Dowlatshahi, a Los Angeles attorney, spoke to The U.S.
Sun about receipt checks and customer's rights and options when it came to being asked to show your receipt.There has been a lot of debate around the legality of a retailer asking to see your receipt, but if it is within the store, it is completely legal. “There’s seemingly nothing illegal about that.
You’re still on the company’s premises and their reason to do it is to prevent thefts,” Dowlatshahi confirms.However, if they are chasing you out of the store, that changes things, Dowlatshahi said. “Location matters,” he explained.
“If you’re outside of the store you’re in the parking lot and they come and start accusing you of theft and that you have to show your receipt, I think that’s a bit of a different situation because now you’re on your way.”While customers are allowed to say no to receipt checks, it may cause issues if you do and the store suspects you of stealing. “You can say no, maybe it creates an unnecessary hassle for yourself because now you may have the police come to your house and follow up,” said Dowlatshahi.
If you are being barred from leaving a store because you refused a receipt check, you could have a legal case — but the store must have held you for a long time. “Let’s say it’s for hours, that’s certainly false imprisonment, and they didn’t have any impetus for doing so,” Dowlatshahi explained. “If a customer has been emotionally traumatized by being held for false imprisonment, I would definitely encourage [them] to sue.
”“I would say, show your receipt,” he concluded. “It’s just a really simple thing to do. If you didn’t steal anything, it’s relatively simple to do,” the lawyer advised.
(According to Camron Dowlatshahi, a founding partner at Mills Sadat Dowlat LLP).
