Overworked, minimally staffed, but better than nothing - Cafe/Bakery Associate Sam's Club Employee Review

1.0
20 Feb 2012
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

On the upside, the pay is fairly good as compared to similar jobs. Management is also quick to recognize any sort of intelligence an employee may have (given that it’s somewhat few and far between), which results in an offer to be promoted to a department lead (I was offered a position after my first week). It's also an interesting study on human behavior, in that you get to speculate on why someone would wait in line at the cafe in excess of half an hour in order to buy a 64+ oz. soda (which is easily and readily available at the local gas station). And then watch them explode when their preferred brand of cola is out.

Cons

Major complaint is that they are chronically understaffed to the point of madness. This results in tired, overworked employees, long lines, and neglected, angry customers. The managers are unsupportive, if you can even find one (granted, they’re overworked as well). There is no flexibility with the least bit of overtime (as little as 3 minutes-no joke), valid reason or no (like a customer stops you to ask a question, and you had to show them where item X is located… etc.). This results in a written and verbal warning, to be followed by possible termination if it occurs again.

Explore other reviews about Sam's Club

5.0
18 Mar 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Consistent Schedule and expectations. Every employee in the store is helpful

Cons

Can get very busy and sometimes understaffed

1
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Sam's Club Response
3mo
Thank you for being a valued part of the Sam's Club team and for sharing this review.
3.0
15 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Good pay, less stressful than many kitchen jobs, guaranteed break times no matter what, good benefits

Cons

Communicating with managers is almost impossible. There are too many managers, and they are unaware of what the other ones do. The lead who writes my schedule changes constantly and I get a schedule that doesnt even make sense Ill go a week or more without seeing them (Different shifts they are at another store etc) and when I finally do talk to them they tell me to ignore what the app says. When I do that it dings me on points that affect how much PTO i accrue.

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Sam's Club Response
6d
Thank you for being a valuable part of the Sam's Club team and for sharing this detailed feedback.
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