If you already know Costco's display rules, you are halfway to understanding Sam's Club. But halfway is not good enough. Sam's Club pallet display requirements share the same GMA pallet foundation as Costco, but diverge on labeling format, pricing presentation, testing expectations, and how the buyer approves a new display.
Sam's Club operates as a membership warehouse club under Walmart Inc. The display standards borrow from Walmart's retail discipline while maintaining the club store format — pallet-based, high-volume, pre-filled preferred. Vendors who treat Sam's Club displays like a Costco project risk getting rejected at the receiving dock for label format errors or missing documentation that Costco does not require.
This guide covers the specific Sam's Club pallet display requirements that every vendor should know — including the key differences from Costco, labeling standards unique to Sam's Club, structural testing expectations, and how to get buyer approval.
How Sam's Club Display Requirements Differ from Costco
The most common mistake vendors make is assuming Sam's Club uses the same display standards as Costco. They do not. While the pallet footprint is the same, almost everything else has differences.
Key Differences
| Requirement | Costco | Sam's Club |
|---|---|---|
| Pallet base | 48×40 GMA | 48×40 GMA (same) |
| Height limit | 72–84 in | 72–80 in |
| Pre-filled requirement | Strongly preferred | Required for most programs |
| Label format | GS1-128 (SSCC-18) | GS1-128, but different data fields |
| Retail price label | Member price required | Sam's Club specific format |
| Printing quality | High quality expected | Walmart-level consistency required |
| FSC certification | Preferred | Increasingly expected |
| Buyer approval process | Buyer + compliance | Buyer + Walmart compliance system |
| Chargeback policy | Strict | Very strict (Walmart system) |
What This Means for Vendors
- You cannot reuse Costco labels on Sam's Club displays — the data format and fields are different
- Sam's Club has stricter consistency requirements because displays may also need to work in Walmart locations
- The buyer approval process is more structured and takes longer on the compliance side
- Sam's Club chargebacks follow the Walmart chargeback system, which is more automated and harder to dispute
For Costco-specific requirements, see our Costco Pallet Display Requirements guide. For Sam's Club display options, see our SAM'SCLUB DISPLAYS product page.
Pallet Base and Footprint Requirements
Sam's Club uses the same GMA pallet footprint as Costco, but there are subtle differences in what is accepted.
Standard Pallet Size
| Specification | Sam's Club Requirement |
|---|---|
| Pallet size | 48 × 40 in (1219 × 1016 mm) — GMA standard |
| Forklift entry | 3.5 in clearance, four-way preferred |
| Overhang | Zero — no product or display beyond pallet edge |
| Pallet condition | Good condition, no broken boards, no protruding nails |
| Pallet color | Typically brown wood. Some programs specify CHEP pallets |
Half Pallet Options
Sam's Club accepts half pallet displays in the same configurations as Costco:
- 48 × 20 in — Half-length GMA, used for endcaps
- 24 × 40 in — Half-width GMA, used for action alley positions
Height Limits
| Position | Maximum Height | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard floor | 72–80 in (183–203 cm) | Includes pallet base height |
| Endcap | 60–72 in (152–183 cm) | Lower for endcap visibility |
| Action alley | 48–60 in (122–152 cm) | Must not obstruct sight lines |
Always confirm the exact height limit with your Sam's Club buyer. Heights vary by club location and building configuration.
Why the Pallet Base Height Matters
The standard GMA pallet base is 5–6 inches tall. This is included in your total display height. If your display structure measures 76 inches and the pallet base is 5.5 inches, the total height is 81.5 inches — which may exceed the Sam's Club limit. Always calculate height from the floor surface to the highest point of the display.
For detailed pallet base specifications, see our PALLET DISPLAY product page.
Sam's Club Labeling Requirements
Labeling is where Sam's Club differs most from Costco. The label format, data fields, and placement rules are specific to Sam's Club and Walmart's supply chain system.
Required Labels
| Label Type | Purpose | Sam's Club Specifics |
|---|---|---|
| GS1-128 pallet label | Receiving and tracking | Uses Walmart standard format, not Costco format |
| Carton content label | SKU and quantity | Must match Walmart's carton content format |
| Retail price label | Member pricing | Sam's Club specific format with item number |
| Handling labels | Transit protection | Standard "This Side Up," stack limit |
| Country of origin | Customs compliance | Required on all imported products |
GS1-128 Label Differences
Sam's Club uses the Walmart GS1-128 label standard. While both Costco and Sam's Club use the GS1-128 (SSCC-18) format, the data fields and content requirements differ:
| Data Field | Costco | Sam's Club (Walmart Standard) |
|---|---|---|
| SSCC-18 | Required | Required |
| PO number | Required | Required |
| Supplier code | Costco-specific | Walmart-specific |
| Item number | Required | Required — Walmart item number |
| Quantity | Required | Required |
| Weight | Required | Required |
| Ship-to address | Sometimes | Required |
The critical difference: Sam's Club labels must follow the Walmart label format, not the Costco format. If your factory has only done Costco labels, they may not know the specific Sam's Club requirements.
Retail Price Label
Sam's Club retail price labels must include:
- Member price
- Effective date range
- Sam's Club item number
- Unit price (price per ounce, per count, etc.)
- Barcode for point-of-sale scanning
Label Placement
- Minimum two adjacent sides — Front and right side (looking at the display)
- Below the top tray level — Labels should be at a height readable by warehouse staff
- Not covering perforations — Do not place labels over tear strips or opening features
- Readable after stretch wrap removal — Verify scannability before shipment
For label approval procedures, see our SAMPLING page.
Pre-Filled Display Requirements
Sam's Club requires pre-filled displays for most programs. The display must arrive at the club ready to sell — no assembly, no product loading, no label application in the store.
Pre-Filled Standards
| Requirement | Specification |
|---|---|
| Assembly | Full assembly at factory |
| Product loading | All products loaded at factory |
| Barcode scanning | Every product SKU scanned during loading |
| Packing | Stretch wrap, corner boards, edge protectors |
| Labeling | All labels applied at factory |
| Transit testing | Completed before shipment |
What Sam's Club Inspects
When a pre-filled display arrives at a Sam's Club distribution center, the receiving team checks:
- Label readability — All GS1-128 labels scan correctly
- Display condition — No damage during transit
- Product placement — Products match the planogram
- Packing integrity — Stretch wrap is intact, corner boards in place
- Quantity accuracy — Unit count matches the packing list
Why Sam's Club Is Strict on Pre-Filled
Sam's Club operates with even thinner store staffing than Costco. Most clubs have no back-room area for display assembly or product staging. The display must be retail-ready the moment it comes off the truck. Any display that requires in-store handling delays the sale and creates labor pressure on club staff.
For pre-filled process details, see our Pre-Filled Pallet Displays guide.
Structural Testing for Sam's Club
Sam's Club requires structural testing similar to Costco, but the documentation and passing criteria may differ.
Required Tests
| Test | Purpose | Sam's Club Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| ECT (compression) | Board stacking strength | Min 32 lbs/in single-wall, 48+ double-wall |
| Vibration | Transit simulation | No structural failure, no product shift |
| Drop | Handling impact | No damage from 6–12 in drops |
| Tilt | Stability | Display must not tip at 15–20 degrees |
| Pallet jack test | Floor movement | Display must remain stable during movement |
Documentation Required
Sam's Club may require:
- Test reports from an accredited or recognized lab
- Photos of the display during each test
- Video of vibration and tilt tests (upon request)
- Passing criteria clearly stated on each report
Testing Frequency
- New displays — Full test battery required
- Board grade changes — New ECT and vibration tests
- Product weight changes over 10% — New structural testing
- Annual requalification — Some Sam's Club programs require updated reports
For testing procedures and standards, see our Costco Pallet Display Requirements guide — the testing methodology is similar for Sam's Club.
Packing and Palletizing Standards
Sam's Club has specific expectations for how displays are packed and palletized for shipment.
Packing Requirements
| Component | Sam's Club Standard |
|---|---|
| Stretch wrap | 3–5 layers, full coverage from base to top |
| Corner boards | L-shaped protectors on all 4 pallet corners |
| Edge protectors | Required under all straps |
| Layer pads | Corrugated sheets between product tiers |
| Pallet skirt | Printed skirt expected on full-size displays |
| Pallet base | GMA standard, good condition |
Stretch Wrap Rules
- Full coverage — Wrap must cover the entire display from the pallet base to the top tier
- Base reinforcement — Additional 2–3 wraps at the bottom for heavy displays
- No loose ends — All wrap ends must be sealed and secured
- No exposed product — No product should be visible or accessible through the wrap
Container Loading
Sam's Club shipments typically go to regional distribution centers. The factory should provide:
- Loading diagram showing pallet count and arrangement
- Pallet weight per unit
- Total weight per container
- Photos of the loaded container
Sam's Club Display Categories and Tray Design
Sam's Club carries the same product categories as Costco but may have different expectations for how displays are configured.
Snack and Food Displays
Snack and food products are the largest category on Sam's Club pallet displays. The requirements are similar to Costco: pre-filled PDQ trays, printed pallet skirts, and transit-tested structures.
- Tray design: Wide, shallow trays for bagged snacks. Divided trays for multipacks
- Board grade: B-flute to C-flute depending on weight (ECT 28–38)
- Partial sell-through: Test at 30%, 50%, 70% depletion
Beverage Displays
Beverage displays at Sam's Club need the same reinforcement as Costco: double-wall board for bottom tiers, moisture-resistant adhesive, and condensation testing for chilled products.
- Tray design: Divided trays for bottles. Open trays for multipacks
- Board grade: BC-flute double-wall for heavy loads (ECT 48+)
- Moisture protection: Required for all beverage displays
Health and Wellness
Sam's Club has a growing health and wellness category — protein bars, supplements, vitamins, and personal care.
- Tray design: Standard open trays or PDQ trays for boxed products
- Board grade: B-flute or C-flute (ECT 28–32)
- Design tip: Clear product visibility is important. Avoid tall tray walls that block product view
Household and Cleaning
Household products — detergent, paper goods, cleaning supplies — are displayed on pallet displays in the action alley and perimeter positions.
- Tray design: Reinforced trays for heavy liquid containers
- Board grade: C-flute or BC-flute (ECT 32+)
- Weight consideration: Heavy items must be at the bottom. Max 3 tiers
For food display-specific requirements, see our Costco Food & Snack Pallet Displays guide.
Buyer Approval Process at Sam's Club
Getting a display approved at Sam's Club follows a different path than Costco. The process is more structured because Sam's Club operates under Walmart's supplier compliance system.
Approval Steps
| Step | What Happens | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Buyer meeting | Present product and display concept to Sam's Club buyer | 1–2 weeks |
| 2. Requirements confirmed | Buyer confirms pallet size, height, pre-filled requirement, labeling | 1 week |
| 3. Design and sample | Factory develops structural design and sends samples | 2–4 weeks |
| 4. Testing | Structural tests completed and reports submitted | 1–2 weeks |
| 5. Label approval | Labels submitted to buyer and Walmart compliance system | 1–2 weeks |
| 6. Final approval | Buyer signs off on sample, test reports, and labels | 1 week |
| 7. Production | Bulk production begins | 2–4 weeks |
| 8. Pre-shipment review | Pre-shipment sample inspected and approved | 1 week |
| 9. Shipment | Displays shipped to Sam's Club distribution center | 2–4 weeks |
How Sam's Club Differs
- Walmart compliance system — Sam's Club uses the same supplier compliance system as Walmart. Your factory or brand must be registered in this system
- Supplier registration — New vendors must complete Walmart supplier registration before submitting displays
- Automated checking — Sam's Club receiving uses automated scanning. If the label format does not match the system, the pallet is automatically rejected
- No exception process — Costco may allow manual overrides for minor issues. Sam's Club rarely does
For factory selection and compliance guidance, see our Costco Display Manufacturer guide. The same factory capabilities apply to Sam's Club projects.
Buyer Checklist for Sam's Club Pallet Displays
| Check Item | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sam's Club supplier registration completed | ☐ | Must be in Walmart compliance system |
| Pallet 48×40 GMA confirmed | ☐ | Good condition, no broken boards |
| Height within limit (72–80 in) | ☐ | Include pallet base height |
| Pre-filled assembly confirmed | ☐ | Required for most programs |
| Board grade matches weight | ☐ | BC-flute for heavy products |
| GS1-128 labels in Walmart format | ☐ | NOT Costco format — different data fields |
| Retail price labels in Sam's Club format | ☐ | Member price + item number |
| Structural test reports ready | ☐ | ECT, vibration, drop, tilt |
| Pallet skirt included | ☐ | Printed branding on all sides |
| Stretch wrap 3–5 layers | ☐ | Full coverage, base reinforced |
| Corner boards all 4 corners | ☐ | L-shaped protectors |
| Sample approved with real product | ☐ | Test with actual product weight |
| Container loading plan provided | ☐ | Loading diagram from factory |
Conclusion
Sam's Club pallet display requirements share the same GMA pallet foundation as Costco, but the differences in labeling, compliance systems, and buyer approval process are significant enough that vendors should treat Sam's Club as a separate project — not a copy of a Costco display.
For B2B buyers, the most important steps are: register in the Walmart supplier compliance system, use the correct GS1-128 label format for Sam's Club (not Costco), confirm the pre-filled requirement, and complete structural testing before the buyer reviews the sample. Missing any of these steps can delay approval or cause rejection at the distribution center.
If you are planning a Sam's Club display project, start with the SAM'SCLUB DISPLAYS product page for display options, or review the PALLET DISPLAY product page for structural specifications. For a detailed comparison of club store requirements, see our Club Store Display Requirements guide.
FAQ
What pallet size does Sam's Club use for displays?
Sam's Club uses standard GMA pallets: 48 × 40 inches. Half-pallet options (48×20 in or 24×40 in) are accepted for endcap and secondary positions.
How is Sam's Club different from Costco for display requirements?
The main differences are label format (Sam's Club uses Walmart's GS1-128 format), retail price label format, pre-filled requirement (more strictly enforced), and the supplier compliance system (Walmart system, not Costco's).
Does Sam's Club require pre-filled displays?
Yes. Sam's Club requires pre-filled displays for most programs. Displays must arrive at the club fully assembled, product-loaded, labeled, and ready to sell.
What labels does Sam's Club require on pallet displays?
Sam's Club requires GS1-128 pallet labels (in Walmart format), carton content labels, retail price labels in Sam's Club format, handling labels, and country of origin.
Does Sam's Club accept half pallet displays?
Yes. Sam's Club accepts half pallet displays in two configurations: 48×20 inches (half-length) and 24×40 inches (half-width). These are commonly used for endcap and action alley positions.
Does Sam's Club require structural testing?
Yes. Sam's Club typically requires ECT (compression), vibration, drop, and tilt test reports before approving a new display. The testing requirements are similar to Costco.
Do I need to register as a Walmart supplier for Sam's Club?
Yes. Because Sam's Club operates under Walmart Inc., vendors must be registered in the Walmart supplier compliance system to ship displays to Sam's Club distribution centers.
What is the display height limit at Sam's Club?
The standard display height at Sam's Club is 72–80 inches, including the pallet base. Endcap and action alley positions may have lower height limits.
