10 Sam’s Club Shopping Tips from Retail Experts

Sam’s Club shoppers are focused on saving money and buying in bulk to get the best deals. But simply having a membership doesn’t mean you know everything there is to know about scoring high. In fact, there are plenty of hidden tips and tricks that even the retailer’s most diehard fans may not know about. Want to know what you’re missing out on? Read on for 10 Sam’s Club shopping secrets retail experts want you to know.

1-They won’t let you use coupons, but there are other offers to keep.

Bargain shoppers beware: If you head to Sam’s Club hoping to redeem a coupon, you’ll be disappointed because the retailer won’t accept them.

Although Costco has a similar policy, DealNews.com consumer analyst Julie Ramhold says you can still expect to see promotions and additional discounts when you shop there. But while you may be disappointed with Sam’s Club’s coupon policy, it could also be a blessing in disguise.

“The fact that they don’t accept coupons may make the process easier because you don’t have to worry about presenting a coupon for redemption,” Ramhold explains. “Instead, you can confidently purchase promotions to get the best price.”

That said, you can wait to buy “instant deals,” which come around once a month and mean special offers and bigger discounts.

Ramhold says, “This means it’s a great time to stock up on your favorite items and to try new things.” He adds that sometimes stores replace these events with special offer weeks. When those arrive, it’s a great time to buy high-priced tech products.

2-You can use Walmart gift cards.

You may know that Sam’s Club is a subsidiary of Walmart, but you may not have realized that Sam’s Club will accept any Walmart gift card that will blow your wallet.

“Walmart and Sam’s Club gift cards are interchangeable,” says Ramhold. “So if you have some from Walmart, use them on your next Sam’s Club trip!”

Ramhold did warn about unit pricing between Sam’s Club and Walmart, which is often very similar – if not identical.

“The only real benefit of Sam’s Club in these cases is that you’re buying in larger quantities,” she says. “If you already have a membership, that’s great, but if you’re planning to become a member just because you think Sam’s Club prices are better, then you may want to reconsider.”

3-You don’t have to wait in line at the register.

Standing in line for groceries can be a pain, but Sam’s Club actually allows members to skip that step through the app.

“With Scan & Go available on the Sam’s Club app, you can scan products as you go,” Ramhold says. Once the cart is full, you can check out directly on the app and present your digital receipt as you leave.

Ramhold adds: “This is a huge benefit for Sam’s Club shoppers and one that Costco shoppers were eager to have implemented.”

4-You may find better deals in-store than online.

You may find better deals in-store than online. For those of you who prefer to shop in a brick and mortar store, you’ll be happy to know that this is probably the best place to find great deals at Sam’s Club. According to Ramhold, in-store price reductions are usually better than when shopping virtually.

“Shopping online means having to worry about shipping, so price reductions there may not be as good as what you’d find in the store, where you can purchase the item and take it home right away,” she said. “If you have your eye on something, be sure to check your local club to see if there’s a better price.”

5-There are a number of ways to address membership issues.

Warehouse clubs usually require a membership, but you may be able to find other ways to join. Sam’s Club used to offer 24-hour guest memberships that allowed you to sign up and shop in-store. At checkout, there was a 10 percent non-member fee on purchases. According to the Sam’s Club website, this benefit is no longer offered, but thanks to a new partnership, there is a workaround.
Like to shop from your couch? You’re in luck. You don’t need a membership to shop and place orders through Instacart, but you’ll see higher prices on the platform, according to Slickdeals. If you think the increased prices are worth it, keep in mind that they could end up costing more than the $50 basic membership fee at Sam’s Club.

6-If you are just looking for certain items, a membership is not required at all.

If you want to fill your prescriptions at Sam’s Club, you can bypass the membership requirement altogether. The Warehouse Club confirms this on its website, “For scripted medications, there is no charge for non-members.”

Want to buy alcohol or fast food from a cafe? Those don’t require membership either. You can also take advantage of a retailer’s photo center if you need your photos developed in a hurry.

7-There is more free stuff than you think.

Most Sam’s Club shoppers are aware of the free samples scattered throughout the store in the warehouse. But savvy shopping expert Eloisa Hife suggests you also look for Freeosk, a kiosk usually located near the entrance to Sam’s Club stores.

“This is where you can scan your membership card for free samples, coupons, and even surprise gifts,” she says. “It’s like a scavenger hunt with guaranteed rewards.”

8-There is a code on the price tag.

Don’t forget to look closely at the price tag, especially in the lower left corner.

“The letter reveals valuable information,” Hef explains. “N is for Never Out because it’s a store staple, so there’s no need to rush to buy it. p is for a limited-time sale, so stock up if you like it.”

9-Shopping during certain months can help you save money.

Hife says that “October is the golden month” for Sam’s Club shoppers. It’s often the retailer’s Member Appreciation Month, so you can take advantage of exclusive discounts, special offers and bonus cash back.

“Plan your shopping trips during this time to maximize savings,” she advises.

10-There are other services you can utilize.

While you may go to Sam’s Club to buy your groceries in bulk, Hife wants shoppers to remember that Sam’s Club offers much more than that if you have a membership.

“Members get access to pharmacy services, travel deals, eye care, and even insurance options,” she says. “You can explore these benefits and unlock additional value beyond the grocery aisle.”