2026 Sam's Club Supplier Compliance Checklist

Use this checklist before every Sam's Club PO ships. Each item corresponds to a specific compliance requirement that, if missed, can result in chargebacks under Sam's Club's SQEP program, SIDE program penalties, or load rejections.

1. AI Exit & Scan & Go Readiness

Sam's Club has removed traditional registers in many clubs. Products must pass through AI-powered exit portals without human intervention.

• Computer vision compatibility: Primary packaging has high-contrast graphics allowing AI cameras to identify the SKU from multiple angles while in a cart
• No reflective/holographic foils on top face: Reflective or holographic foils on top-facing surfaces avoided — they interfere with AI sensor accuracy
• Scan & Go barcode placement: Barcodes accessible for member smartphone scanning while item is in the cart
• Omni-directional barcodes (large items): Repeating barcode patterns on multiple faces used for large or bulky items
• Member's Mark reformulation confirmed: All Member's Mark food products free of artificial dyes, HFCS, and aspartame as of January 31, 2026 deadline

2. Supplier Item Data Excellence (SIDE) Program

• Item dimensions audited: Weight and dimensions in Sam's Club system match actual product within 10% tolerance — discrepancies over 10% trigger a $637.97 flat fee plus $122.21 per affected location
• eCommerce shipping sync: For DSV/DTC orders, dimensions match the shipping carton exactly to avoid incremental shipping expense chargebacks
• UPC/GTIN integrity: UPC scanned by member's Scan & Go app is identical to the GTIN in the warehouse routing guide
• Item data reviewed after any packaging change: Dimensions and weights re-audited in Sam's Club system after any packaging update

3. Pallet & Packaging Standards

• 9-block pallet confirmed: iGPS or CHEP 9-block pallets (48" x 40") used — stringer or GMA pallets are strictly prohibited and result in load rejection
• Two-sided shoppability: Pallets shoppable on at least two adjacent sides; labels and branding face members on both sides
• Case weight under 50 lbs: Total case weight does not exceed 50 lbs — cases over 50 lbs require a Team Lift label and Senior Merchant exception approval
• No false bottoms or pallet skirts: Packaging structurally sound and self-supporting; no false bottoms or decorative skirts
• No product overhang: Product does not extend past the pallet footprint

4. EDI & ASN Requirements

• EDI 856 (ASN) transmitted: Sent after shipment departs vendor facility and before arrival at Sam's Club DC — $250 per occurrence for late ASN
• ASN accuracy: Carton and pallet contents match physical shipment exactly; SSCC numbers match pallet labels
• GS1-128 labels on cartons: Applied correctly; meet Sam's Club print quality and placement requirements
• SSCC pallet labels: Applied on two adjacent sides of each pallet

5. Food Traceability (FSMA 204 — High-Risk Categories)

• Critical Tracking Events documented: Initial Production and Shipping CTEs captured digitally for high-risk food items
• Cold chain integrity: Temperature sensors compatible with Sam's Club's Connected Store signals for refrigerated goods

6. Chargeback Reference

• Inaccurate dimensions (SIDE): $637.97 per item plus $122.21 per affected location
• Non-block pallet: Load rejection plus restack fee
• SQEP barcode defect: $200 per PO
• Late ASN (EDI 856): $250 per occurrence

How WarehouseQuote Helps Sam's Club Brands

WarehouseQuote acts as a managed warehousing partner (4PL), providing an extension of your operations team to manage 3PL networks, technology, and retail-specific compliance mandates across Sam's Club and 100+ major retailers.

• Sam's Club-specific SOP development including 9-block pallet builds and AI exit packaging requirements
• SIDE program data accuracy support and item data audits after packaging changes
• Automated GS1-compliant label and ASN generation
• EDI management and exception handling to prevent late ASNs and barcode defects
• Chargeback dispute support and recovery across your Sam's Club business

Talk to our team to learn how WarehouseQuote supports Sam's Club supplier compliance.