Memberships come in two common types – Plus and Club memberships. While they may sound similar, these two options often have distinct features and benefits.
Plus membership
A Plus membership is typically an upgraded version of a standard membership. It usually offers extra perks and benefits beyond regular members.
Key features of Plus memberships
Plus members often enjoy wider benefits than standard members. These include faster shipping, bigger discounts, or access to exclusive products. Many Plus memberships come with priority customer service. This could mean shorter wait times when calling for help, dedicated support lines, or faster response times to emails and chat messages. Plus members often have exclusive access to upcoming products, sales, or content. This perk allows them to be first in line for popular items or enjoy content before it’s available to others. Plus memberships offer tailored experiences. This might involve personalized recommendations, customized offers, or special content curated based on the member’s preferences and behaviour.
Club membership
Club membership is often associated with a specific interest, activity, or community. Memberships are common in sports, hobbies, and social groups. Club memberships bring like-minded people together.
Key features of club memberships
Community Focus – Club memberships usually centre on a shared interest or goal. Whether it’s a book club, a sports fan club, or a professional network, the main aim is to connect members with others with similar passions. Club memberships involve regular gatherings. These could be weekly meetings, monthly events, or annual conventions. The frequency and format depend on the club’s purpose and size. Some Club memberships offer opportunities to learn and improve skills related to the club’s focus. This might include workshops, training sessions, or mentorship programs. Clubs often provide chances for members to network with others in their field or interest area. In both the personal and professional realms, this can be beneficial.
Comparing plus and club memberships
Cost structure
- Plus memberships – Usually involve a higher fee than standard memberships. The cost is often justified by the additional benefits and services provided.
- Club memberships – Fees can vary widely depending on the club’s nature. Some clubs have yearly dues, while others charge per event or meeting.
Purpose
- Plus memberships – Primarily aimed at enhancing the customer or user experience with a particular service or platform.
- Club memberships – Focused on building a community around a shared interest or goal.
Exclusivity
- Plus memberships – Exclusivity is often based on willingness to pay for upgraded benefits.
- Club memberships – Exclusivity might be based on shared interests, skills, or other criteria specific to the club.
Interaction level
- Plus memberships – Generally involve less interaction with other members. The focus is on individual benefits.
- Club memberships – Often encourage high levels of interaction among members through events, discussions, and shared activities.
Flexibility
- Plus memberships – usually offer more flexibility in usage and benefits. Members can often choose when and how to use their perks.
- Club memberships – May have more structured participation requirements, such as attending regular meetings or events.
Duration
- Plus memberships – Often available monthly or annually, with cancellation or renewal options.
- Club memberships – May have longer commitment periods or be tied to specific seasons or yearly cycles.
Think about how much time you can dedicate to your membership. Plus memberships usually require less time investment, while Club memberships involve more active participation. If building connections is critical to you, Club memberships often provide better networking opportunities. Plus memberships typically focus on individual benefits. Consider how much flexibility you need. sam’s club plus membership usually offer more freedom in how and when you use benefits, while Club memberships have more structured requirements.