Originally Posted by the_traveler
But the thing is - I got the 1-day pass handed to me (with my checked receipt) from the checker at the door
on the way OUT!

(Not by the one on the way
IN!)
That doesn't make sense!
Probably were hoping you'd pass it along to a friend. Free advertising, especially if you like Sam's Club and "rave" about it to your friend.
Since Sam's charges a 10% service fee when you use these passes, they have nothing to lose.