追溯高价山姆：价差、压价与中间人

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the challenges faced by Sam's Club in maintaining its reputation for "good products at low prices," as recent price discrepancies and changes in product offerings have led to member dissatisfaction and trust issues [2][3][4]. Pricing Discrepancies - A comparison of prices between Sam's Club and Walmart revealed that approximately 25% of the sampled products were priced higher at Sam's Club, with significant price differences noted for popular items [2][7]. - For instance, a Clarins Double Serum was priced at 699 yuan at Sam's Club, while it was available for 599.31 yuan on Walmart's platform, indicating a price gap of 99.69 yuan [6][7]. Supplier Selection and Pressure - Sam's Club has a stringent supplier selection process, where suppliers often enter the system through intermediaries or distributors, which can complicate the procurement landscape [4][15]. - Suppliers are under increasing pressure to provide lower prices, with reports indicating that Sam's Club is emphasizing lower pricing in its selection strategy, which has led some suppliers to withdraw from the partnership [12][10]. Membership and Trust - Membership fees at Sam's Club are set at 260 yuan or 680 yuan, and the trust of members is built on the promise of quality and competitive pricing [10]. - The shift in product offerings and pricing strategies has raised concerns among members, leading to a potential erosion of trust in the brand [3][4]. Expansion and Supply Chain Dynamics - Sam's Club has been rapidly expanding its store presence in China, with plans to open 8 to 10 new stores annually after 2025, which increases the demand on its supply chain [14]. - The expansion has led to a continuous adjustment of the supplier network, with some suppliers exiting due to capacity constraints or inability to meet pricing demands [14][12]. Internal Referral Systems - Many suppliers rely on "internal referral" systems to gain entry into Sam's Club, often facilitated by long-term trade partners who have established relationships with the procurement team [15][16]. - There are also service providers claiming to offer "internal entry channels" to Sam's Club, charging significant fees for their services, which raises questions about the transparency of the supplier selection process [17].