Sam’s Club retail warehouses offer shoppers the opportunity to purchase groceries in bulk quantities at wholesale prices. They also offer multiple solutions for shoppers to choose, pay for, and receive their grocery order.
This means that how your groceries are packed depends on how you do your shopping.
Does Sam’s Club Bag Your Groceries?
Sam’s Club doesn’t bag your groceries. You have the option of using larg cardboard boxes or bringing your own bags to the store. They also sell reusable shopping bags in-store, which include paper, plastic, and canvas.
This article takes a look at Sam’s Club shopping options: what they are, how they work, and how to choose the one that bests suits your needs.
How Do You Shop At Sam’s Club?
First of all, you need to join up. Without an active membership you can’t access any of the Sam’s Club warehouses or services.
Simply head to the Sam’s Club membership page and choose your membership type. Both memberships have a fee, which is paid yearly. You’ll see the perks associated with each membership listed on the page.
Note the availability of curbside pickup (free for Plus memberships and $4 for Club membership) and free shipping for online items (all items for Plus members and some items for Club members).
Once you’re a member, you can shop instore or online. If you have your items delivered, they will be boxed up. Large bulky items will be left as they are. If you choose curbside pickup, the same applies. Small items will be boxed, and larger items packed (by Sam’s Club staff) into your car as they are.
It’s important to remember that many of your grocery items will be large and bulky because you’re shopping at a wholesale warehouse.
So, instore, you can select and cart your groceries and pay at a checkout, and either use your own bags or a couple of the boxes provided near the checkouts.
Read: Does Sam’s Club Blow Up Helium Balloons?
What Is Scan & Go?
Alternatively, you can use Sam’s Club Scan & Go shopping app, which is also used instore. You do this via a free downloadable app which is used on any smart device.
Customers use the app on their smartphone to scan each the barcode of each item before placing it into the trolley. When you’re ready to check out, you can pay via the app. You’ll need to show a staff member your receipt before leaving.
The Scan & Go option is popular because it allows busy shoppers to skip the checkout queues. If you choose this option, it’s easiest (and quickest) if you bring your own bags because you’ll be packing everything yourself.
Don’t Forget About Instacart!
In 2019, Sam’s Club partnered with Instacart, a same day delivery service for groceries and everyday essentials, including frozen items.
You shop online with a virtual cart and can have everything delivered to your door in less than an hour! Your items will be boxed (if they’re small).
The delivery is different to Sam’s Club regular free deliveries in that it’s faster and is available to anyone, regardless of membership. However, Sam’s Club members will pay lower prices through the app than non-members and will receive other membership rewards.
The programme is not offered at Walmart (Sam’s Club parent company), you need to spend at least $10, and there are delivery fees (unless you’re a member of Instacart Express):
- $8.99 on orders $35 or more
- $12.99 on orders under $35
- $10.99 for one-hour delivery on orders $35 or more
- $14.99 for one-hour delivery on orders under $3
- $0 delivery fee for Instacart Express members ($149 a year or $14.99 a month)
Read: Do Sam’s Club Gas Stations Close?
Does Sam’s Club Sell Reusable Shopping Bags?
Sam’s Club sell a range of reusable shopping bags available online and/or instore. You’ll find them in the Household Essentials section, and the range includes bags made from paper, plastic, canvas, with or without handles, insulated, and in a variety of sizes.
If you’re looking online, head to the Sam’s Club main page, and use the search bar to scan all products for what you need. Make sure you check on shipping availability. Often an item is available but is designated pickup only.
Summary
Sam’s Club began investing in alternative ways for customers to access goods some years ago.
They say they’re always aiming for convenience, speed, and consistency – and great savings.
To find the best option for your shopping needs, take a look at the Sam’s Club memberships (and rewards) and choose the services which best serve your lifestyle.