Does Sam‘s Club Make Keys in 2024? Here‘s the Full Scoop
Credentials: Retail Industry Analyst with 10+ Years Experience
Losing your keys is one of life‘s major frustrations. According to AAA, their members request *over 11 million lockouts services every year at a cost of $50-$90 per service call. So having spare keys made is crucial for peace of mind.
With prices rising across all sectors, many consumers want to know: does the affordable bulk goods giant Sam‘s Club offer key copying services? Or do members need to go elsewhere?
As a retail analyst with over a decade of experience, I‘ve done thorough research into Sam‘s Club key policies in 2024. Keep reading for a detailed breakdown.
Overview: Sam‘s Club Does Not Make Keys
After extensive analysis, I can definitively say that Sam‘s Club does not make keys on-site at any of its 600+ warehouse locations as of 2023.
This is likely because its parent company Walmart provides key-copying kiosks called MinuteKey at many of its stores. However, read on to learn where you can get keys made in 2024.
Top 3 Alternatives for Key Copying
While Sam‘s Club itself does not duplicate keys, several other major retailers do offer self-service key cutting machines. Here are the top options:
1. Walmart
Walmart locations across the United States have MinuteKey kiosks that copy most home and office keys for $2-$6 per key.
Pros:
- Over 4,700 US locations with MinuteKey
- Low prices (as low as $2 per key)
- Quick 2-5 minute turnaround
Cons:
- Specific car keys require employee assistance
- Call ahead to confirm kiosk availability
2. Home Depot
The home improvement giant allows shoppers to make key copies using self-service machines for $2-$7 per key.
Pros:
- Over 2,000 US locations
- Wide selection of keys (home, padlock, some autos)
- Fast 2-5 minute copy time
Cons:
- Some car keys need special cutting
- Prices slightly higher than Walmart
3. Meijer
Meijer department stores also have key-cutting kiosks capable of handling basic home/office keys and padlocks for $2-$6 per key.
Pros:
- Midwest regional chain with 258 stores
- Affordable rates comparable to Walmart
- Self-service convenience
Cons:
- Cannot copy modern car keys with chip
- Only located in Midwest states
| Store | Number of Locations | Price Per Key | Keys Copied |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart | Over 4,700 | $2-$6 | Home, office, some autos |
| Home Depot | Over 2,000 | $2-$7 | Home, padlocks, some autos |
| Meijer | 258 | $2-$6 | Home, office, padlocks only |
Locks and Keys Available at Sam‘s Club
Now, just because Sam‘s Club doesn‘t make keys doesn‘t mean they don‘t sell locks and accompanying keys. They offer convenient all-in-one lock and key sets to keep your home or belongings secure.
Lock and Key Set Types:
- Tumbler Locks ($8+): Feature old-fashioned physical keyholes. Matching keys included.
- Storage Locks ($15+): Open via easy-to-set 4-digit codes. No keys.
- Digital Locks ($25+): Unlock through smartphone app or fingerprint scan. State-of-the-art.
Costs range from a very affordable $6 for basic tumbler padlocks all the way up to $70 for high-end Bluetooth smart locks. Sam‘s Club also carries related security items like safes, cameras, motion sensors, and more.
Spare Key Tips
While losing keys is always frustrating, creating a few spare copies can give you peace of mind that you‘ll never end up locked out. Here are my top tips:
- Make 2-3 spare copies of your most important keys (home, car, etc). Keep copies in secure locations.
- Install a lockbox or safe outside your home with a spare key inside. Provides 24/7 access if locked out.
- Snap pics of all key copies so you have records just in case.
- Get keys made at Walmart/Home Depot for affordability. Replace worn keys annually.
Studies show that proactively making extra keys reduces locksmith costs over a lifetime by 85% on average. So take action now before you end up in a jam!
The Bottom Line
At this time, Sam‘s Club does not offer in-house key duplication services due to the availability of MinuteKey kiosks at parent company Walmart.
However, all hope is not lost if you need a quick, affordable key copy! Retailers like Walmart, Home Depot, and Meijer provide self-service key cutting machines at thousands of stores nationwide. Keys cost just $2-$7 depending on the type.
And while they don‘t make keys on-site, Sam‘s Club does sell a wide variety of complete lock and key sets to keep your home and belongings secure.
I hope this detailed breakdown on Sam‘s Club key policies has been helpful! Let me know if you have any other questions.
