"Fulfillment" is probably the easiest department to operate, often outsourced due to low skilled/temp workers to get the lowest cost possible.
Don't know if GS outsources or just doesn't care about inconveniencing its customers, but if you search here, you'll find the 3rd-grade-level effort of sending cards to PAYING customers is something GS refuses to take seriously.
IMHO, if you don't get your card within 2 weeks after paying your membership fee, you should request a cancellation and full refund.
It is a recurring theme. It really isn't rocket science. As long as customers continue to accept this disrespectful practice, GS will not make any efforts to correct it.
Shame, really. Soooo easy to fix....