Sam’s Club employees receive a comprehensive package of benefits, including a complimentary membership and specific merchandise discounts. The company, a division of Walmart, offers these perks to help associates save money and support career growth. This structure provides financial advantages and support for both full-time and part-time staff.
The Primary Benefit: Complimentary Membership
Sam’s Club associates receive a free membership to the warehouse club as a standard employment benefit. This perk removes the annual cost of club access for the employee and their household. The benefit generally covers the higher-tier Plus membership, which provides additional privileges beyond the standard Club membership.
The Plus membership includes free shipping on most online items, free curbside pickup, and access to the Tire and Battery Center services. Plus members also earn Sam’s Cash rewards on eligible in-club purchases, typically at a two percent rate, up to a maximum annual amount. The complimentary membership card allows the associate to designate an individual in their household to receive a free household card.
Understanding the Associate Merchandise Discount
The merchandise discount for Sam’s Club associates is distinct from the free membership benefit. Unlike Walmart associates, who receive a broad ten percent discount, Sam’s Club employees generally do not receive a store-wide percentage discount on their purchases. Instead, the discount is highly specific and applies only to certain categories of goods.
Associates receive a ten percent discount specifically on fresh produce items throughout the year. This limited discount is sometimes expanded during the holiday season, typically between November and January, to include other fresh products like meat, bakery, and deli items. The standard Walmart Associate Discount Card does not work for purchases made at Sam’s Club locations.
Eligibility Requirements and Waiting Periods
Eligibility for employee benefits at Sam’s Club can vary based on an associate’s employment status. The complimentary Sam’s Club membership is available to all field associates upon employment. Access to more substantial benefits, such as health coverage and retirement plans, requires meeting specific tenure or hour requirements.
Health Coverage
Full-time hourly associates generally become eligible for medical coverage on the first day of the month after their 89th day of employment. Part-time hourly associates may also access health insurance, but they must usually maintain an average of at least 24 to 32 hours per week over a year to qualify.
401(k) Retirement Plan
Associates can begin making contributions immediately upon their hire date. However, the company’s matching contributions usually do not begin until the employee has worked for one year and been credited with at least 1,000 hours.
Other Key Employee Benefits
Sam’s Club provides a comprehensive suite of benefits intended to support an associate’s overall well-being. The company offers various forms of insurance, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, with options for critical illness and accident insurance. Full-time employees are also provided with company-paid life insurance and may be eligible for maternity and parental leave after meeting specific tenure requirements.
The Live Better U program is a significant educational benefit, offering associates the opportunity to earn a college degree, certificate, or high school diploma with the company covering the full cost of tuition and books. This benefit is available to both full-time and part-time hourly and salaried associates starting on their first day of employment. Furthermore, the associate stock purchase plan allows employees to buy company stock through payroll deductions.
Rules and Limitations for Using the Discount
The use of the Sam’s Club associate benefits, including the limited merchandise discount and the membership, is governed by specific company policies to prevent misuse. The complimentary membership card is intended for the associate and their household. Misusing the card, such as buying items for resale or allowing non-household members to utilize the membership, can result in disciplinary action up to termination.
The ten percent discount on fresh produce is automatically applied when the employee uses their associate membership card at checkout. Associates are generally prohibited from using the discount on items that are already marked down or on specific categories like tobacco, alcohol, or fuel. Furthermore, the discount cannot be combined with other promotional offers or applied to purchases intended for commercial or business use.