Loyalty programs are incredibly popular. Retailers go to enormous
lengths to encourage us to sign up to their loyalty programs because they make
sound business sense. If we like a retailer’s loyalty program, we tend to keep
going back there, spending money without bothering to price check elsewhere.
But do
loyalty program save us money?
Money for Nothing
It is tempting to assume that a store’s loyalty program is money
for nothing, but in fact this is not exactly the case. Retailers never give
anything away for nothing and loyalty programs are no exception. Even though a
retailer is offering you loyalty points, money off vouchers or freebies to join
their program, it is important to remember that any discounts you receive are
incorporated into the retailer’s pricing policy. So no matter how generous the
discount or offer appears to be, you are paying for it somewhere along the
line.
Despite this caveat, loyalty programs are worth joining if you are
careful to read the terms and conditions, and you actually use the products on
offer. You shouldn’t let membership of a loyalty program dictate where you
spend your money, but if you were always going to shop there anyway, it makes
sense to sign up to the loyalty program and enjoy a few extra deals, discounts
and free products.
What
is Better - Points or Cash?
Some loyalty programs offer money off discounts whereas others
give you points that you save up and spend in-store. Money-off discounts are
always a better choice. The money you save by joining a loyalty program can be
spent anywhere, but points must be spent with the retailer, which is more
restrictive.
Choose the Right Loyalty
Program
With so many loyalty programs to choose from these days, consumers
are spoilt for choice, so how on earth do you figure out which one is good for
your pocket?
A loyalty program is only worth joining if you like the products
and you regularly buy them. Say for example you love Gimmee Jimmy’s Cookies and
you buy some most weeks as a treat for you and the family. Joining the GJCookies.com loyalty and rewards program is a great way to
enjoy discounts on a product you already buy, so it’s a win-win situation.
Make the Rewards Program
Work Harder for You
It is important to keep up to date with the latest offers on any
rewards program you sign up for. All rewards programs run regular promotions
where extra points or discounts are on offer – often at Christmas and other big
holiday periods. To take advantage of these, sign up for email bulletins and
read the marketing leaflets you receive in the post instead of throwing them
into the trash. If you don’t pay attention, you could miss out on a money
saving opportunity for a product you are planning to buy anyway.
Loyalty programs are always worth joining, but in order to maximize the
value, only spend your cash on products you actually want! And don’t forget to
spend any vouchers that come your way or it will all have been for nothing.
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