If you’re a bargain hunter or simply looking for a deal, Sam’s Club has just made waves in the warehouse-membership world by offering a year of membership for just $19.99.
That’s a steep discount compared to Costco’s $60 membership and BJ’s $55 entry fee. But, as with any great deal, there’s a catch.
How the $19.99 Deal Works
This incredible price is only available through specific flash-sale platforms, not at the register. Sam’s Club partnered with CertifiKid in March, offering the deal with a $20 travel-and-entertainment credit, effectively making the membership free. However, the deal sold out quickly.
Following that, StackSocial offered a similar deal in May, and now Mashable is running a $25 version of the promotion.
The deal sounds fantastic, but it’s crucial to remember that after your first year, the membership will auto-renew at the regular $50 price unless you turn off the auto-renew feature.
It’s all about timing, and the key is to cancel before the 12 months are up to avoid getting hit with a renewal fee.
Why Sam’s Club Is Offering Deep Discounts
Getting new members is a costly endeavor, but once a customer is inside the Sam’s Club ecosystem, the company expects them to spend significantly more.
Walmart, which owns Sam’s Club, says that members spend about nine percent more annually than non-members once they’re part of the program. For Sam’s, offering these deep discounts is a short-term loss for long-term loyalty.
Here’s a breakdown of why it might be worth it:
- Fuel Discounts: If you drive a mid-sized SUV, filling up your tank at Sam’s Club could save you $61 per year (with fuel averaging 34 cents less per gallon).
- Affordable Staples: A rotisserie chicken at $4.98 and a 26-pound bag of dog food for less than what PetSmart charges—Sam’s membership pays for itself quickly.
- Prescription Savings: Sam’s members, especially diabetics, saved an average of $21 last year on insulin pens.
The Auto-Renew Fine Print
While the deal seems too good to pass up, the auto-renew feature is something to watch out for. If you don’t cancel before the end of the year, you’ll be charged the full $50 for the next year’s membership.
Sam’s Club makes it easy to cancel—just toggle the switch under your account settings—but it’s easy to forget, and that’s how the company bets on keeping you as a long-term member.
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If You Missed the $19.99 Window
Don’t worry if you missed the super-low $19.99 deal. Deals like these tend to pop up regularly, especially on platforms like Groupon or StackCommerce. Make sure to set up Google Alerts for “Sam’s $20” to pounce on the next opportunity.
What About Costco?
While Sam’s Club’s momentum grows, Costco remains largely unfazed by the competition. The warehouse giant raised its base membership fee from $60 to $65 last year, and still saw record traffic.
Analysts believe that Costco’s appeal goes beyond the price; its treasure-hunt aisles and community-focused experience make it a different kind of shopping experience altogether.
Still, Sam’s Club’s offer of deeply discounted memberships is a compelling option for those who live within driving distance of a club. It’s a risk-free deal if you cancel before next year’s renewal.
What are your thoughts on Sam’s Club’s aggressive membership deal? Do you think other warehouse clubs like Costco will respond? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more updates on great deals and money-saving tips, visit ridgecrestpact.org
