Life happens. Maybe you got stuck at work, your kid’s soccer game went into double overtime, or you honestly just forgot that you ordered three gallons of mayonnaise and a 48-pack of toilet paper. It’s okay. We’ve all been there. But if you’ve got a notification sitting on your phone saying your haul is ready, you're probably sweating the clock. You need to know: how long will Sam’s hold a pickup order before they put it back on the shelf and cancel the whole thing?
The short answer is 24 hours. But, like most things in the world of retail logistics, there’s a bit of nuance to that window that can save you a massive headache.
The 24-Hour Rule Explained (Simply)
Basically, Sam’s Club officially holds your Curbside Pickup order for up to 24 hours after your scheduled pickup time. If your window was Tuesday at 10:00 a.m., you technically have until Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. to swing by.
Once that 24-hour mark passes, the system is designed to auto-cancel. When that happens, the associates take your items—yes, even that massive rotisserie chicken—and put them back into the club’s inventory.
It’s not just about the space. It’s about food safety.
What about the money?
A lot of people freak out thinking they’ve lost their cash. You haven't. When you place the order, Sam’s puts an authorization hold on your card. It looks like a charge, but it’s not finalized yet. If you don't show up and the order gets cancelled, that hold just drops off. It usually takes about 3 to 5 business days for your bank to reflect the updated balance. You aren't "charged" until the associate actually walks out and confirms you’ve received the goods.
How Long Will Sam's Hold a Pickup Order if It's Perishable?
This is where things get kinda tricky. Sam’s Club uses temperature-controlled holding areas. Your frozen pizzas stay in a freezer, and your milk stays in a cooler. They aren't just sitting in a cart by the front door.
However, club managers have a lot of discretion. If you ordered highly sensitive items—think sushi or custom cakes—and you’re pushing that 24-hour limit, the quality might not be what you expect. While the policy says 24 hours, if you're going to be late, it’s always smart to call the club directly.
Sometimes, an associate will be cool enough to move your window manually if you just give them a heads-up.
The App Requirement: A Big Change for 2026
If you haven’t shopped at Sam’s in a while, there’s a major update you need to know. As of last year, you must use the Sam’s Club app to check in. They officially ditched the old "text us when you're here" system.
If you show up 23 hours late and try to text them, nothing will happen. You’ve got to open the app, hit "I’m on my way," and then "I’m here" once you pull into the designated spot.
Why the window matters for Plus members
If you’re a Plus member, you get that sweet early-access pickup starting at 7:00 a.m. Regular Club members have to wait until later (usually 10:00 a.m.). If you’re a Plus member who misses their early slot, don't worry—you can still pick it up during regular hours. Your 24-hour clock still starts from that original 7:00 a.m. slot, though.
Can You Extend Your Pickup Time?
Technically, the app doesn't have a "give me another day" button. If you know for a fact you can’t make it within 24 hours, your best bet is to cancel and reorder.
But honestly? If you’re only going to be a couple of hours late past the 24-hour mark, call the Club. Ask for the "Member Lead" or the "Pickup Department." Tell them your name and order number. If they aren't slammed, they’ll usually stick a post-it note on your bins and keep them in the cooler for a little longer. They would much rather you take the stuff than have to pay an employee to put 50 items back on the shelves.
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Common Misconceptions About Sam's Pickup
- "They charge a restocking fee." Nope. Not a thing. If you miss your window, the order is cancelled, and you get your money back (via the hold release).
- "I can just go inside and get it." You can, but it’s a pain. The pickup orders are staged in a specific area. If you walk into the club and try to grab your items from the "holding" area yourself, it confuses the inventory system. Always check in via the app and let them bring it to you.
- "The 24 hours starts when the order is ready." Not exactly. It starts from your scheduled pickup time. If your order is ready 3 hours early, that doesn't shorten your window.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Order
If you're worried about missing your slot, do these three things:
- Set a Calendar Alert: Set it for 22 hours after your pickup time. This gives you a two-hour "final warning" before the system wipes your order.
- Download the App Now: Don't wait until you're in the parking lot. Make sure you're logged in and your location services are on.
- Check Your "Pending" Transactions: If you see a charge that’s slightly higher than your total, don't panic. That’s usually just a buffer for weighted items like meat or produce. It adjusts to the exact penny once you pick up the order.
If you miss the 24-hour window, don't bother driving to the club. Check your email first. You’ll almost certainly have a cancellation notice waiting for you. If that’s the case, you’ll have to start a new order from scratch. It’s annoying, but it’s how they keep the milk fresh and the aisles moving.