topic Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming in Community Chat

SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

Venezia — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:20:55 GMT

Two days ago I had been running errands and wanted something quick to eat. I was heading to Sam's Club, so I figured I'd get the pizza & drink combo.

Went up to the counter - several staff standing chatting; plenty of pizza, way more than usual. Then a clerk turned around and said "Are you wanting to order food?" "Yes." "You have to do it through your phone. Use the app."

WTH? No register. In order to get a slice of pizza or a hotdog, you now have to download the app and order (and pay) through your phone. I just looked at her and said I didn't think so and walked away.

Then today I read online that Sam's Club is planning to do away with all checkouts - regular and self-checkout - nationwide. Customers will have to use the "Scan and Go" app.

Are they trying to drive away customers? I don't have a digital wallet on my phone and I don't intend to. How many busy shoppers, especially those with children, are going to want to have to order a simple snack over their phones?

Has anyone else heard this?

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

KailaS — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:32:00 GMT

I thought I read a similar post, maybe here, about the same thing. So much now seems to be eliminating people and requiring a phone or other technology. However, for some senior citizens or for people like me with macular degeneration, the new systems seem to be cutting us out.

Some of the changes, if they were options, would be fine. But the "all or nothing approach" keeps making my world smaller.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

Lucky Charm — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:37:35 GMT

I hear ya, I feel exactly as you do about using apps, paying by mobile phone, etc.

But, you bring up the point about parents with children wanting to grab a snack. Believe me they're for it. Phone's in their hands anyway, so order, grab, go. No interaction really with employees. And, less employees needed now, I'm pretty sure.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

SilleeMee — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:38:10 GMT

I don't even own a smart phone so there's the end of that.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

spumoni99 — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:42:21 GMT

We have been using scan and go or a few years, its really simple however we cannot buy alcohol through the app. I cant remember the last time I bought from the snack bar so I am no help with that.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

clearpmurt — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:44:07 GMT

Heck, my phone is on my kitchen counter connected to the wall. Too much personal infor out there for anyone to see

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

Etoile308 — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 00:53:31 GMT

Should be interesting to see if this ever comes to fruition. I belong to Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's. Although Sam's has the cheapest gas, and the closest location I'm not a person who walks around with a phone in my hand, especially when shopping. I can drop Sam's like a hot potato. I imagine others will feel the same.

And how will that work at the gas pumps? You know, the ones that warn you not to use phone while at the pump for safety reasons.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

shoekitty — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 20:20:12 GMT

I don't want to take the time to do things like that. I dislike it! I do know at Costco when you check out you can request pizza or any order from snack bar. Pay for it with order, and show receipt. I would go to management and ask if there is another way to do it? I dont what they do when people don't have smart phones!!!! Geesh. I do many tech things, ORDER online, do instacart, etc. But I can't be bothered to order on app, good grief, I can't even read the menu online on those apps.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

bmorechick — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:10:35 GMT

Been using the scan and go on the phone for about a year now and we love it. When we are done, we wait for the icon and head out the door. Most times, the camera at the exit catches our purchase and employees at the door just wave us through. Don't miss self checkout or regular check out at all. Haven't been in a line all year long.

I wish all stores had scan and go...

We don't eat snack bar food, so that's a non issue for us.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:16:04 GMT

We are long standing Costco members and have no intentions of quitting. However, recently I was able to join Sam's Club for $20 and thought, why not. DH and I went and I was able to use the scan and go. I found it to be easy. Even so, it's a dumb move to do away with all the cashiers and traditional checkouts.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

ellaphant — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:17:22 GMT

The future is here. I made a home repair appointment by phone today completely by AI.

CS is being phased out.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

sunshine45 — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:19:06 GMT

i have not heard any of this.

i do already use the scan and go app and i love it. i think i have been using it for two years now. very easy to use and to get out quickly. i love that i dont have to empty my cart out and put it onto the belt.

our food area recently got a major makeover. they used to have kiosks where you placed your order and then picked it up at the counter. they got rid of all of the kiosks and you now place your order with a human behind the counter. it has been HOT and i really needed an ICEE lol.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

Venezia — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:28:21 GMT

@sunshine45 - Thats interesting. Our Sam's food court was recently closed for refurbishment and, when it reopened, the register was gone. Laughably, there was just a hole in the counter where it had been. Great job!

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

Kachina624 — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:31:22 GMT

@KailaS wrote:
I thought I read a similar post, maybe here, about the same thing. So much now seems to be eliminating people and requiring a phone or other technology. However, for some senior citizens or for people like me with macular degeneration, the new systems seem to be cutting us out.

Some of the changes, if they were options, would be fine. But the "all or nothing approach" keeps making my world smaller.

@KailaS. This policy seems at odds with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Unless they want a big lawsuit, they better come up with a way to serve visually impaired customers or anyone who, due to disability, can't use a cell phone.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

Venezia — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:36:38 GMT

@shoekitty - I spoke to a staff member before I left. She said she could fill in a paper order and run it through the register and I could then pick up my food on the way out. But she said that option will only be available for a month, then it will only be the phone app option.

She made it pretty plain the staff aren't happy.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

SilleeMee — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:37:46 GMT

@Kachina624

I can't use a smart phone b/c my hands are so messed up that I can't hold one in my hand much less use my fingers to touch the screen. It's a problem.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

Venezia — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:45:56 GMT

I'm happy for those who like Scan & Go, but I think a retailer trying to force its customers to use it, with no other option, is making a mistake.

They've already lowered some of the benefits for Plus members. This may be the last straw for me. There's nothing I can't buy elsewhere.

It will be interesting to see how this pans out.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

SharkE — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 01:47:16 GMT

What about if you want to buy jewelry ?

It's hard enough trying to get somebody to wait on you how U gonna buy any jewelry if it's that scan and go bullnookie

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

Maizie Green — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 02:28:06 GMT

Sams is not getting rid of cashiers. They are doing away with self checkout.

I also read Costco has done an about face and is looking at the implementation of the Scan and Go like Sam’s uses. I belong to both Costco and Sam's. I love the scan and go.

Re: SAM'S CLUB - Changes coming

pdlinda — Tue, 15 Jul 2025 02:28:13 GMT

@Venezia Is a "digital wallet" like Apple Pay? I heard the term but don't know what it is.

I had my bank acct hacked about 2 yrs ago and the mgr at the bank told me that the thieves used APPLE PAY to steal A LOT OF $$ (that the bank completely reimbursed me for) but it was a horrifying experience.

On the basis on that, I never pursued digital paying systems. May I ask how they work? Thank you.