Tennessee woman becomes a Sam’s Club member to save money. Then she realizes what she’s actually dealing with inside: ‘No one has manners’

It turns out that even the promise of bulk discounts and membership perks isn’t enough to keep customers happy. A Tennessee resident named Christine Jody Pennington recently shared her frustrations after a trip to Sam’s Club on TikTok, sparking a conversation about the state of customer service and shopping etiquette today.

In the clip, Pennington and her husband are walking away from their local Sam’s Club as she rips into the store. Frustrated, she said, “What’s up with Sam’s Club? Like, we recently became members, me and my husband, and it’s great that you’re getting a discount and it’s great that you can save some money and buy in bulk, but there is not one nice person in the entire place. Whether it’s customers or people that work there, there is none” 

“I don’t know if it’s beneficial or not to go to Sam’s Club. You might save a little money, but you’re going to end up spending that on bond money when you want to swing on somebody,” she declared. In confirmation, her husband chimed in, stating, “Nobody has manners anymore.” Pennington pointed to this statement to note that it takes a lot to get her husband riled up since he is generally very gentle. She then asks, “Is it like that where you are? Your Sam’s Club?”

The community pointed out that it’s larger than one branch

Some thought rudeness was becoming the norm for people. One user commented, “It’s not just Sam’s Club it’s everywhere.” Another echoed that sentiment, writing, “It’s happening all over America not just Sam’s Club.” 

To add to that, some users suggested that she embrace alternative experiences, with one person suggesting, “Same as Walmart. Go to Costco…better people in general.” Another user agreed, stating, “I don’t shop at Sam’s Club. I only shop at Costco. Their business model is so much better than Sam’s. They treat their employees wonderfully, which is why their employees can treat you so greatly– go to Costco not Sam’s.”

According to some employees, however, the problem lies with management. According to one Glassdoor employee review, “the management are rude and disrespetful and treat employees poorly.” Another review from a Cashier at Sam’s Club noted that the “Company does not care about employees, always changing policies, very stressful work environment.” 

Additionally, one TikTok user seemed to speak from the perspective of a weary worker, commenting, “honey…imma hold your hand when I say this ok. we dont get paid enoigh to care. I dont make enough to buy food. so no idc about being nice to you when idk if imma make rent.” Another user simply observed, “everyone is in survival mode…”

If you’re a frequent shopper, Mashed noted that employees have a list of things they wish shoppers knew, especially regarding common pitfalls like curbside pickup. You really shouldn’t be rolling up to a curbside spot whenever you feel like it, as those reservations exist for a reason. 

The outlet also noted that if you’re planning to head inside, use the Scan and Go app. It helps you keep track of your spending so you aren’t blindsided at the register, and it saves everyone the headache of long, backed-up lines. Other tips for a smoother trip include being patient if there’s a line to get in, keeping your cart out of the middle of the aisles, and being respectful when an employee needs to check your receipt at the exit. 

The TikTok community also suggested visiting the store during off-peak hours when the store is less crowded. The reason is simple: it will make the shopping trip easier. Another thing that might put a buyer like Christine off Sam’s Club is the stories about their meat department. For instance, in Washington, a man spotted something off about Sam’s Club’s beef strips. After that, a Missouri man picked up lamb chops from Sam’s Club, only to find them infested with worms.