Saving 101, Store Secrets, Tips & Tricks
17 Sam’s Club Shopping Hacks to Help You Save Big
Although becoming a Sam’s Club member can easily pay for itself in the first shopping trip, there is much more to making the most of your deals and Sam’s Club promo codes. We’ve scoured the web and the warehouses to gather up the most helpful shopping tips that actually work. Check them out and gear up to save at Sam’s Club with these shopping hacks.
1. First things first: Become a Sam’s Club member.
For a one-time fee of $45, you’ll get to shop at Sam’s Club as an exclusive member. This membership gives you access to warehouse prices, meaning you’ll be buying products in bulk but because of that, you’ll get the accompanying discounts. You’ll receive extra offers on top of the already low members-only prices plus one free card to share with members in your household. Sign up for a Sam’s Club Mastercard to save more beyond the warehouse, like dining, travel and more. Learn more here.
2. Buy a Sam’s Club membership on Groupon.
Occasionally, you can find exceptional savings on a membership when you shop on Groupon. This one, for example, is $35 ($85 value) for a 12-month Sam’s Club membership plus these perks:
- $10 gift card
- $25 eGiftCard delivered via email after first SamsClub.com purchase ($25+) made in first 30 days of membership
- Free rotisserie chicken
A second 12-month membership option for $45 ($118 value) includes:
- $20 gift card
- $25 eGiftCard delivered via email after first SamsClub.com purchase ($25+) made in first 30 days of membership
- Free rotisserie chicken
- Choice of any two of the following premium dips:
- Member’s Mark Bacon & Cheddar Ranch dip
- Member’s Mark Avocado Salsa
- Members’ Mark Raspberry Chipotle Dip
- Member’s Mark Jalapeño Artichoke Dip
- Member’s Mark Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Member’s Mark Buffalo Style Chicken Dip
- Member’s Mark Smoked Gouda Pimento Cheese Dip
- Member’s Mark Classic Hummus
You might be able to find a similar offer on Living Social as well.
3. Get a free membership until June 2020.
Buy a Sam’s Club membership today for $45 and get $45 off your next purchase of $45 or more made within 60 days of activating your membership. This offer is valid until June 16, 2020. Get this offer here.
4. Shop online without a membership.
Register to shop online at SamsClub.com without needing an annual membership. You’ll have to create a guest account and be aware that you’ll be paying a 10% surcharge and won’t get to enjoy services like Club Pickup.
5. Learn the price codes.
Did you know many stores have their own unique pricing structure? At Sam’s Club, full price items end in .99, while discounted items end with a 1 like .91. Additionally, the letters “C,” “N” and “A” offer more insight into a product’s price:
“C” indicates that the item is canceled or won’t be restocked, so prices will likely drop soon.
“N” means “never out,” which indicates items that are always in stock and least likely to go on sale.
“A” means the item is active with several of its kind in stock, so prices typically won’t change.
6. Shop Instant Savings and Shocking Values.
As a Sam’s Club member, you get to indulge in hefty discounts on a variety of products. Instant Savings are automatically applied to your purchase with no Sam’s Club coupons needed, and they change monthly so make sure to check back. Shocking Values are limited-time savings that pop up daily, and you can sign up to receive email alerts about new offers each day.
7. Enjoy free tire repairs and more.
If you ever find yourself with a flat tire, head to the Tire & Battery Center to enjoy a free repair for Sam’s Club members. You can also get free battery testing and free wiper-blade installation.
8. Know when to shop.
It’s news to many everyday shoppers that shelf space is usually rented out by vendors for a specific period of time. If shoppers aren’t as interested in the product as expected, there will be a price drop to get the item off the shelves by rent end. Keep an eye out for these and remember that shelf audits typically happen on Tuesdays, so discounted prices may show by Wednesday.
9. Ask to do a “Return and buy back.”
Swoop in on a popular product but get the lowest price when you head to customer service and request a “return and buy back.” This is usually a great idea for products that are low in stock, which are typically offered at a slightly higher price. When there are only a couple units left at a deeply discounted price, return the items and go to customer service to ask for the “return and buy back.” As long as there is still some stock remaining, you’ll likely get the chance to re-buy the same merchandise at the lower price.
10. Shop Member’s Mark products.
The Member’s Mark brand is Sam’s Club very own private label. These products are comparable in terms of quality to their more expensive counterparts, and the value is unbeatable. Find everything from frozen meat and meals to household goods and baby care items for less. Click here to browse Member’s Mark products online.
11. Buy cheap alcohol, even without a membership.
Liquor licensing laws do not allow the sale of alcohol to be subject to members-only agreements, so even if you aren’t a Sam’s Club member, you can still waltz into the store to buy high-quality alcohol at some of the best prices around. You’ll end saving about 15 to 25% off top-name beer, wine, liquor and more.
12. Buy discounted gift cards.
Just like Costco, Sam’s Club offers gift cards to local restaurants, retailers, gyms and more at up to 25% off retail price. They don’t always have to be gifts for others as this is an savvy way of saving on things you’d do for yourself.
13. Split the bulk to share the cost.
Because Sam’s Club is a warehouse store, most of the items offered in bulk. It’s a lot of savings in the long run, but maybe you can’t get through 5 gallons of milk before the expiration date. Pro tip: Find a friend who is willing to split the cost of a yearly Sam’s Club membership, so you can buy and share the items throughout the year. Another option is just to buy the bulk products and ask a friend to split the cost on individual items with you.
14. Skip the lines with Scan & Go.
Download the Sam’s Club app, scan the barcode of the item in-store, then check out and pay in the app no matter where you are in the store. Completely bypass the lines and simply show your receipt to the associate on your way out.
15. Do more with the Sam’s Club app.
One special feature in the app is Club Pickup, with which you can order and purchase your items online at SamsClub.com, then head to your selected Sam’s Club location to pick up your order at the storefront when you have been notified that it is ready.
16. Try a Sam’s Plus membership.
A Sam’s Plus membership costs just $55 more than a regular membership at $100, but the benefits that come with it make it well worth it to many. Some perks you might love are 2% back on qualifying purchases, free shipping every day with no minimum, early shopping hours to avoid the crowd, free select pharmacy prescriptions, glasses discounts and more. Learn more here.
17. Shop Sam’s Club online and earn Cash Back with Rakuten.
Of course, one of the easiest ways to find Sam’s Club promo codes and sales plus earn Cash Back on your purchase is to shop with Rakuten. Maybe you just don’t have the time to head to your local store or you don’t have a Sam’s club near you. Shopping online at SamsClub.com means you can get everything delivered to your door. Remember, Sam’s Club Plus members get free shipping with no minimum purchase required.
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