Sam’s Club Savings Secrets That’ll Make You Feel Really Smart
Sam’s Club is a treasure trove of savings, but not all deals are obvious. To truly maximize your membership, or save on a new membership, you need to know the best-kept secrets that can help you save even more. These insider tips will absolutely change the way you shop at Sam’s Club forever.
Shop Online Without a Membership
Believe it or not, you don’t actually need a membership to shop at Sam’s Club.
Non-members can shop online, though a 10% surcharge applies.
However, there’s a workaround—if a Sam’s Club member purchases a Sam’s Club gift card for you, you can use it to shop in-store without needing a membership.
PRO TIP: TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SAM’S RETURN POLICY
Their return policy is pretty darn good and worth understanding.
You get unlimited return days on the majority of products they sell.
Plus, I was told by an employee that they give you an “unofficial” lifetime warranty on Member’s Mark items that lets you return it for a full refund whenever you want, no questions asked.
Decode Sam’s Club Price Tags to Know When to Buy
Big thanks to loyal reader Chris for shedding light on how to read price tags at Sam’s Club’s.
Here’s what you need to know to spot deals and clearance items like a pro.
Prices Ending in 1 (e.g., $8.71 or $125.01) = Clearance & Sale Items. It’s a clearance item and marked down for a final sale and typically represents a great deal.
Decode the Shelf Tag Letters
Look at the upper right-hand corner of the shelf tag, where a letter next to the item number provides key insights:
A = Active Item – A regularly stocked product.
N = Never-Out – Always expected to be in stock.
C = Canceled – Will no longer be carried. If it’s not already on clearance, markdowns are coming soon.
S = Seasonal – Available for a limited time, but may be restocked a few times before it’s gone.
O = One-Time Buy – Limited stock, one shipment only. If you want it, grab it now—it likely won’t be restocked.
Score Extra Discounts on Display Models
If an item’s shelf tag has a C (for Canceled) and it’s the last one in-store, ask a manager for a discount on the display model. You can often negotiate at least 20% off!
Watch the Date on the Price Sign
At the bottom of the price sign, you’ll find a date indicating when the sign was last printed. This is a great way to track markdowns and time your purchase for the lowest possible price.
Shoutout to Jenn for this super useful tip.
PRO TIP: SHOP ON A TUESDAY OR WEDNESDAY
Shopping at Sam’s Club on a Tuesday or Wednesday means fewer crowds, shorter checkout lines, and a more relaxed shopping experience compared to the weekend rush.
Midweek shopping also increases your chances of finding fully stocked shelves, especially for high-demand items like fresh produce, meats, and popular household essentials.
With a quieter store environment, you can take your time to compare prices, browse markdowns, and spot hidden deals without feeling rushed.
Score a Club Membership for 50% Off
Sam’s Club frequently runs promotions where new members get 50% OFF the cost of membership.
The current offer expires January 31st, 2025 and gets you a 1-year Club Membership for only $25 (50% off).
I’ll be sure to keep this article updated with the newest membership coupon.
Use the Scan & Go App to Save Time and Money
Sam’s Club members have a game-changing tool at their fingertips: the Scan & Go feature in the Sam’s Club app.
This app not only eliminates the hassle of checkout lines, but also unlocks exclusive digital discounts you won’t find at the register.
Here are the steps to make it happen:
1. Open the Sam’s Club App – Download and sign in with your membership.
2. Scan Items as You Shop – Use your phone’s camera to scan barcodes while adding items to your cart.
3. View Instant Savings – Some products have digital-only discounts that apply automatically.
4. Pay Instantly in the App – When you’re done shopping, complete your purchase with your phone.
5. Skip the Checkout Line – Show your digital receipt to an associate at the exit, and you’re on your way.
PRO TIP: USE SCAN & GO AT SAM’S GAS STATIONS
Members should definitely use the Scan & Go app for fuel purchases, making fill-ups faster and more convenient.
That means no more waiting in line at the pump or fumbling with your card at the payment terminal—just scan, pay, and fuel up effortlessly.
How to use Scan & Go for fuel:
- Open the Sam’s Club App and select Scan & Go.
- Choose “Fuel” when you’re at a Sam’s Club gas station.
- Scan the QR Code on the pump to activate it.
- Select your payment method and confirm your purchase in the app and start fueling.
Also, some Sam’s Club locations offer exclusive Scan & Go fuel discounts, so keep an eye out for extra savings.
Take Advantage of Tire Services at Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club offers free tire repair to all active members, regardless of where the tires were purchased.
So whether your tires came from Sam’s Club or another retailer, take advantage of this valuable perk.
You get lifetime tire repair services for all types of tires, as long as the tire has at least 2/32 inches of tread remaining and is deemed repairable.
Tire repairs at most shops range anywhere from $20 to $30 per repair, meaning that even a single flat tire could make your Sam’s Club membership pay for itself.
In addition to free tire repair, Sam’s Club provides other complimentary auto services to help you maintain your vehicle:
Air pressure check – Properly inflated tires improve gas mileage and ensure a smoother ride. Stop by Sam’s Club for a free air pressure adjustment.
Tread depth check – Worn-out tires can be dangerous, especially in wet or icy conditions. Sam’s Club will measure your tread depth to ensure your tires are safe to drive on.
Battery check – If your car is slow to start, Sam’s Club offers free battery checks to assess whether your battery is in good condition or needs replacement.
Sam’s Club Unofficial 7-Day Price Protection Policy
Sam’s Club does NOT have an official price adjustment policy that guarantees refunds for price drops within a specific timeframe.
BUT….many members have reported to me that often receive a price adjustments within 7 days of purchase, this practice is subject to the discretion of individual clubs.
But I’m here to tell you that YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE by trying. This works especially well if you plan to buy high-ticket electronics or appliances that you may return later.
If a price drops shortly after your purchase, and a price adjustment is not honored, consider returning the item and repurchasing it at the lower price.
With that said, employees don’t want to deal with a “return and rebuy” situation and will often give the price adjustment on the spot, especially if you’re persistent.
Ask the Reader: What not completely obvious Sam’s Club savings hack did I miss? Let me know in the comments.
By Kyle James
I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)