PRIVILEGES FOR SPENDING MORE?

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

I checked my Sephora cart this morning to put it through for the sale. Another three items were sold out. Only one item left. VIBROUGE was able to purchase first and receive 20% off. I’m a VIB and only get 15% off. I’m not sure what the INSIDER’S level receivers or when they are permitted to shop the sale. The levels are based on how much you spend during the year.

Nordstrom ropes off areas w/ bright yellow ribbons for Nordstrom Card Holders Only. This leaves others left unable to shop the sale until a later date and many items or sizes are sold out.

QVC does the same thing with the Q Card. Extra easy payments only using their card. The incentive to get the card varies from a $20-$40 credit to your account.

The more I thought about this monetary “caste” system, the more it bothered me. I don’t think Ulta’s 21 Day Sale has any hierarchy of spenders.

I cleared the last item out of my Sephora cart. It does not sit well with me.

haddon9 · ‎03-09-2010

I have a Q card and wish that they would send us real savings like coupons instead of more ez pays!!! I think that stores should offer benefits to those who are willing to open a store CC or buy more.

There is a small local shop near me that sells olive oil that I love. They offer frequent buyers' cards...if you make so many purchases they will give you a free bottle...I like that.

Maestra1 · ‎03-28-2019

@Shanus wrote:
I checked my Sephora cart this morning to put it through for the sale. Another three items were sold out. Only one item left. VIBROUGE was able to purchase first and receive 20% off. I’m a VIB and only get 15% off. I’m not sure what the INSIDER’S level receivers or when they are permitted to shop the sale. The levels are based on how much you spend during the year.

Nordstrom ropes off areas w/ bright yellow ribbons for Nordstrom Card Holders Only. This leaves others left unable to shop the sale until a later date and many items or sizes are sold out.

QVC does the same thing with the Q Card. Extra easy payments only using their card. The incentive to get the card varies from a $20-$40 credit to your account.

The more I thought about this monetary “caste” system, the more it bothered me. I don’t think Ulta’s 21 Day Sale has any hierarchy of spenders.

I cleared the last item out of my Sephora cart. It does not sit well with me.

I'm Rouge and items I had in web cart for midnight 8/20 were already sold out and unavailable.

I use this sale to purchase gifts (Chanel L'Eau body spray, LaMer lip balm)

I like to think it is the Cosmos telling me i have enough already

The Rewards at Sephora stink and when a decent one comes in they sell out immediately in the 2000 point ranges. I use other rewards as stocking stuffers as we get closer to Christmas.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

At ULTA isn’t it points for dollars? You just redeem them at checkout? I’d rather have cash back for purchases.

Years ago I was VIBROUGE. I never took advantage of any perks except free shipping once in awhile. I’m usually in that store or a dept. store to purchase what I need. Nordstrom free ships all the time. Neiman’s, too. I never went for free makeovers or any “parties” to preview a new product. Spending that much money in one store was not worth keeping the “status”. If I needed one thing, I felt pressured to purchase more. Emails kept reminding me I had to spend more or lose my standing and drop to a lower level. OMG! Would I survive?

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

All the jumping up & down w/ excitement for free shipping days? Come on, Q. That’s, most of the time, a savings of $3.50. Not an incentive to purchase for me. How about a code for % off, a real sale..not a clearance on old, tired items w/ limited sizes and colors. Uh, by the way, over the weekend, many stores offered fall clothing and other items at 40% off!! Shop at Q with no discount? Why?

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@ShanusI believe all the incentives are designed to get customers to spend more. They are not "rewards" for anyone, they are not signs a company "cares" about us as individuals. They do care - they care if we spend more!

I use sales, coupons, etc. but I do best "saving" money at retail when I buy less. In fact, I've stopped thinking about buying with incentives as a saving technique. I'm still "spending" - 60%, 75%, 80% etc. And just like in the casinos, the house winds all the time, we shoppers win once in a while.

wonderfulworld · ‎12-05-2012

I am with you Shanus.

Last year I ordered a number of things and Sephora said they were not available...evn though they showed up on line after my order was cancelled. Things like a Clinque lipstick. Because I didn't get the points I lost my VIB status. They did offer me a consolation coupon but was too chintzy to bother with.

I am done with Sephora.

Isobel Archer · ‎04-04-2015

About the only retail shopping "rewards" I really use are those offered by Talbots. Free shipping, and ability to shop some sales before other people etc.

It may be a "caste" system, but I appreciate it. And I don't see anything really wrong with rewarding loyalty and spending.

What annoys me are the companies which offer significant discounts to new customers, but never offer anything to people who have been with them for years.

Shanus · ‎05-17-2010

@millieshops wrote:
@ShanusI believe all the incentives are designed to get customers to spend more. They are not "rewards" for anyone, they are not signs a company "cares" about us as individuals. They do care - they care if we spend more!

I use sales, coupons, etc. but I do best "saving" money at retail when I buy less. In fact, I've stopped thinking about buying with incentives as a saving technique. I'm still "spending" - 60%, 75%, 80% etc. And just like in the casinos, the house winds all the time, we shoppers win once in a while.

Ah, thank you @millieshops . That’s the exact point I’m trying to make. It’s almost “forced spending” for some w/o willpower.

millieshops · ‎03-09-2010

@Shanuslol Ulta has lots of company - those that give points, cash back certificates redeemable only in their stores, anything so they get more of our money going forward. Exactly why I believe in the long run, they benefit more than I do!

Although I never followed his plan, I think Dave Ramsey's advice to use cash and planned buying works well for consumers who have difficulty controlling their spending when they shop with plastic.