Every now and again, I make purchases from different counters and every now and again I get the same questions “Are you a XXX Brand member?” It appears that every brand has their own loyalty membership system now aside from the department store loyalty memberships. I know its a way for the brand to track their customer’s spending patterns and what they buy and the members benefits are just to sidetrack us from this.
Recently, I went to the Dior counter to pick up the Spring blushes for friends and when they pulled up my record, it showed that I’ve been to 2 other Dior counters to apparently pick up the same items 
It was quite creepy, and I can tell you the sales assistant was puzzled but to her credit, she didn’t say anything, just asked if the other counter did not have what I wanted haha! No, it did, I told her. I’m just getting more. She must think I snort blush or something
But the thing is this though – I don’t monitor my loyalty points nor do I actually know or care how many points I get. I know I don’t usually get enough points to redeem anything. Last year, I received a few statements from some brands I’d signed up as members for. I saw that in one brand, I wasn’t too far from being able to redeem a cash voucher, while in another, I was light years away from redeeming anything. The first brand even called me up to tell me to top up my purchases so I could get a voucher.
So, did I go and top up my points so I could redeem a cash voucher? Or maybe did I top up purchases to be able to redeem something? Would you?
Well, no. I honestly couldn’t be bothered haha!
I guess I’m just not that bothered nor that loyal when it comes to collecting brand loyalty points. Perhaps if I was a lipstick away, I might think about it if I was already at the counter. But if I wasn’t and had no intention to buy anything, or to visit the particular counter or brand, then I’d just let it slide.
Are you dedicated when it comes to collecting brand loyalty points to redeem products or vouchers?
As you can tell, I’m not. The only thing I’m a little more dedicated to is department store membership points so I do tend to shop quite exclusively at certain department stores so I can collect points which entitle me to cash rebates. But otherwise, I’m not fussed.
Paris B
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Well, one thing is for sure, I’d never “top-up” just to get points to redeem stuff. I’d just end up getting stuff that I’d never use and busting my budget.
I used to keep track of my points from Shiseido really diligently. But that was years ago, when I used to be really really loyal to them. Then the makeup/beauty-crazed-lady in me came out, and I can’t help but keep trying new products from different brands. So, can’t be bothered trying to keep track of point anymore. Haha.
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:27 am
You know, I used to *hangs head in shame* I’d be suckered in by the GWPs all the time and top up but I would try to share with a friend so the pocket didn’t feel the pinch so badly. Thinking back, it was pretty dumb, but it tells you the strategy works! Haha!
I don’t anymore. I used to for Clarins and Shiseido. Then I realized it was just silly as I always ended up spending much more than I needed!
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:41 am
I used to be very loyal to Estee Lauder for their GWP haha! Thankfully that insanity is out the window and along with it went my point collection thing too! Now I’m mostly loyal to department stores – easier to collect points that way
Twitter: fortheloveofme
January 22, 2013 at 9:30 am
You’ll laugh if you see the number of store loyalty cards I used to carry. I actually needed another purse to carry them because they wouldn’t fit my wallet!
I used to monitor my loyalty points. But after carrying that many cards in my bag for so long, I realised that I never did get anything back from any of them. E.g. I spent well over $1000 for 3 years on groceries and only gotten a $20 cashback last year. I have to spend $2000 per year on another card to get a $20 gift voucher. My parents used to monitor their Bonuslink points like crazy, and all they received was a lousy rice cooker or something like that
Now I just carry a few cards with me that I know will at least give me back something. Priceline does quite a good one. As for the rest, I sign up to their newsletters instead, so that when they’ve got good sales coming up, then only do I carry my card with me to the stores. If not, they go back to the drawer.
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:44 am
No I wouldn’t, Tine. I used to carry loads of these cards too! haha! I’ve scaled back a lot. I stopped Bonuslink because I didn’t like using their partners – I’d rather pump petrol at a station that gives me cashback (almost) through my points
I always get a funny look whenever I tell the cashiers at Watsons that I don’t have their loyalty card. Erm, why should I again? 
Twitter: Bronzerbunny
January 22, 2013 at 9:35 am
I do keep track of all the points, deals and stuff, and I do choose where to buy things based on what kind of rewards I would get. For example, I’d rather get space NK points for buying hourglass than the dumb sephora points! LOL. We don’t seem to have as many brand specific programs as you guys do though, and I definitely don’t make a purchase (usually) just to reach a points level.
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:45 am
I think department store/ store loyalty cards make more sense sometimes. There are more options available in a store vs within a brand. I mean, after a while, do you seriously need that much skincare from 1 brand? And realistically, would I be that loyal? Hmm… no
Twitter: synical
January 22, 2013 at 9:43 am
To answer the question – I don’t buy enough to join, so… no. I hate the ones with a deadline (buy x amount to “renew” membership, etc) more.
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:46 am
Ugh I hate those renewal ones too but I thought most brands give the memberships for free anyway – no need to buy anything to join?
Twitter: synical
January 25, 2013 at 10:48 am
Not in my experience. Oh well – less for me to deal with
only ones I collect is the shopper optmium points ( spelt it wrong sorry )
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:46 am
Is that from a store? I think those make the most sense because its easy to pick up different items from a store
Twitter: huixin
January 22, 2013 at 10:21 am
i prefer to accumulate points in department store too, since the chances of getting cash vouchers are much higher when groceries and clothes can be purchased at the same place too. having that said, i did top up once to be eligible to redeem a RM50 cash voucher as I was only short of less than RM30
xin recently blogged…Your Say: Would you use an unknown brand of skincare even if it’s damn good?
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:48 am
Haha I remember your dilemma whether to top up or not
I think if you are that close to getting something back, and you were going to pick something up anyway, it makes sense. But to ask me to drive halfway across town to shop at a specific store to buy things to get a RM50 voucher, I’d pass. My petrol may cost more HAHA!
Twitter: shusheshe
January 22, 2013 at 10:30 am
LOL I’m not really loyal enough to any single one brand to ever earn any loyalty points!
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:49 am
Haha! That’s a good point too!
I accumulate points on groceries, drugstores and department stores but when it comes to brands, I used to collect points for Paul & Joe but it sucks that the brand left the country! So yeah, since I’m into trying out different brands, I don’t see the point of collecting points especially on makeup now! Skincare — hmm..maybe!
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:51 am
LOL I know what you mean Nikki
With stores, its much easier to collect points because there are so many different things we may need or want to get. With a specific brand, we’d have to be pretty darned loyal to get anything back at the end of the day!
Twitter: ChloeAsh
January 22, 2013 at 11:35 am
Nah, I couldn’t be bothered. I’m just too lazy to keep track of these trivial things. I will never be THAT loyal to a certain brand. If I happen to be entitled to redeem certain things, cool. If not, so be it. I don’t top up just for that purpose.
Lily recently blogged…A Brief Write Up On Shiseido Perfect UV Protector SPF50 PA+++
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:53 am
It does take effort to keep track of these. As if we don’t have enough to worry about already LOL!
I am one of those people who used to get suckered into these “loyalty programs” especially if the point are close enough. *shy* Well not just loyalty programs, sometimes at the counter they would push for XXX amount of sales to entitle you to a gift and I would cave too (conveniently forgetting I already have a lot of sample/trial sizes waiting at home) haha.
I have better self-control these days, constantly reminding myself that I will only buy what I want/need and not for the sake of “topping up”. I just have to be firm and tell the BA “No, that’s all I need”, while convincing myself
. You’re right about departmental store rebates, most dont have qualifiers and would send you vouchers- so no need for unnecessary spending! And you get the rebate to spend towards whatever you fancy storewide 
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 10:55 am
Haha you aren’t the only one Xen
I used to be suckered into topping up to get a GWP despite, as you said, having a ton of samples at home. I used to share with a friend sometimes but the point is, I now feel a little dumb being suckered into it. That said though, it tells you the strategy worka! I am much happier now with just department store rebates – at least when I get cash vouchers, I can get more uses out of them! 
I think it’s good of you that you don’t go and top off points so that you can redeem products. It defeats the whole purpose, doesn’t it? Admittedly, it’s a rather smart business plan for these companies, but I’m much more susceptible to sales, especially offers that are one day/weekend/short amount of time only. Sometimes I just have to take a step back and go “No, better to not spend any money at all than spend only a little bit of money on a good deal. That’s still spending more money than I would otherwise.”
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:03 pm
I like your philosophy, Laura
You are absolutely right. Sometimes, its so easy to be suckered into a “good deal” only to see the same “good deal” pop up a little while later >.< These days, I evaluate first and even if its a “very good deal” if I have no need for something, I walk away.
I rarely buy enough from a brand to score enough points so don’t bother with them. However, I do like a few department store credit cards that offer rebates, coupons and other lovely benefits. I don’t shop there exclusively but if an item I want is available in several places, I usually will purchase it in the store that allows me to accumulate benefits for shopping there. If I don’t, it’s often because a SA was very helpful and I want to express my appreciation — or perhaps an item comes with a nice gift with purchase. So my “loyalty” depends on what is offered: points, service or gift, whatever has a higher value at the time.
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:04 pm
Ooh that’s what I do too, Kay
If I can get something from different places, I go to the one where I can collect points on the department store loyalty card which also happens to be nearest to me too. Sometimes, the SA plays a part, but in my case, quite rarely.
Twitter: FabLushLuxe
January 22, 2013 at 1:33 pm
I usually don’t buy enough to merit a membership. And even if I do I’ll just end up forgetting that I’m a member and shop wherever that gives me a better deal at that point of time.
Christine recently blogged…Hey sir, you’re looking real fine there!
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:05 pm
How interesting that you too mentioned buying enough to join a membership, Christine. Usually, I’m told that joining as a loyalty member is free (except for some department stores) so I had the impression it was always free!
I don’t collect brand loyalty points anymore. I used to but realized that I get to spend more rather than save because I force myself to buy something that I don’t really use. But for department stores and groceries, yes I do because I always buy the essentials there.
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:06 pm
Haha sounds a lot like the way I shop right there!
I am somehow dedicated
If it is a brand I use regularly and if there is a chance where I can get something free out of them, then I may follow but usually I just don’t have the energy. Also as a new years resolution I am cutting waaaay down on beauty purchases, only necessaries (or some limited stuff if I like it very much!). Plus usually the discounts are way more profitable than collecting bonuses..
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:08 pm
Good resolution to have, Casey
Its nice to be able to enjoy what you have right now beauty wise, instead of stockpiling it as is wont to happen if we have too much 
The only one I keep track of the points is my Genting card. lol. I got many free rooms or other things with that
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:08 pm
Hahaha! I think I have a Genting card… somewhere but I have never gotten enough points for anything
Nope, I can’t be bothered either. Besides, I don’t shop in any place enough to accumulate enough points to redeem something. I just can’t be that loyal to a brand when there are so many good ones around.
gio recently blogged…Product Review: Bottega Verde Intense Eyeshadow Trio in Pink Nuances
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:09 pm
You’re right Gio, and it would appear few of us are actually loyal enough to just one brand haha!
Twitter: TheBeautySample
January 22, 2013 at 4:14 pm
I don’t pay any mind to those kinds of things either. I’m not signed up to any brand memberships or even department store cards. The only one is Sephora and that’s because I shop so much there anyway because of the brand they carry and the lenient return policy. It would be smart to open a Nordstrom card or something like that for me because that’s the other place I like to buy my beauty products but there is just something about them tracking my purchases that creeps me out and I don’t like it. LOL!
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Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:10 pm
Hahaha not even if you can get special deals at Nordstrom for being a member?
I don’t know if you have those sort of privileges there, but sometimes, department store cards give us special discounts or additional discounts on items in store so that makes it worth the while 
No, just don’t do it. Only purchase what I want but never really purchase anything extra just to get points.
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:11 pm
Good policy to adopt, Marla – no point buying more than we need
Unless there’s something on my wish list which gives me a good excuse to top up my purchase and get what’s tempting me. Or if I’m not too far away from the needed points and unless the “rewards” are tempting, else I don’t bother. Eg sephora here has been offering free lifelong membership and though I do make some purchases on and off, I did not sign up for it.
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:12 pm
Good point about Sephora! I refused to join when they made us purchase above a certain amount, but when they opened up free membership, I thought “What the heck!” and signed up. The interesting thing is… I haven’t bought anything from there yet! Hmm…
Hello Paris! =D I used to go all out just to reach that next tier just so I can get my ‘money’s worth’ but I’ve since stopped and resorted to collecting departmental store points, just like you! Being really fussy with good customer service, I also tend to purchase products from counters that provide decent service and avoid all those who don’t.
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Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:13 pm
Hiya Sukie! How have you been?
I was just like you too haha! Too excited about getting a “good deal” until I realised I was spending too much money on inconsequential products. Besides, I think we get better deals with the department store cards 
Meh. I wouldnt search what to buy just to get the vouchers or products. Although if I get -20% from sephora or like now -15% on guerlain products, I will likely buy what I already planned or wanted for longer time.
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:14 pm
*swoon* 15% off on Guerlain?! I’d buy out the store! Ok maybe not but I’d definitely do some major damage LOL
I do have membership at alot of the places I shop at but, I don’t really keep track of them because sometimes it’s a buy once a year thing.
Instead, I keep track of my credit card points. I use only 1 credit card and collect as many points as I can and then redeem something out of it!
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 12:15 pm
That’s a smart move using just 1 credit card! I do that too to maximise the point collection
Its quite scary though just how much points we can rack up 
Hahahahaha!! Maybe you do really snort blushes! :p Is that how you get the healthy glow? :p
Well, the only membership cards worth keeping (for me, that is) are department store cards (yes to The Mall and Central!), and Boots Advantage. The redeem is easy cash back coupons is better than lousy rice cooker or laundry basket.
As for credit card points… I really can’t be bothered because I never receive any info in English. Booo hoooo! Use it just because that’s the only one I have. :p
Twitter: paris_b
January 25, 2013 at 3:11 pm
LOL! I erm, doubt it >.< I saw that you had Boots Advantage points! I’d read so much about how they are one of the best loyalty memberships to participate in, in the UK so when I saw it in Bangkok I was all “ooh! You have them there too!” Its a pity we don’t have Boots stores here. I wonder why not…
You have Guardian and Watsons over there, which I think already saturate the drugstore chains business. :p :p
Sometimes I wonder too why is it that Malaysia & Thailand are so near to one another yet we don’t get lots of brands here (and vice versa). Boo hooo! And high cosmetic tax in this country is really… killer!
That’s the reason why we really need the advantage points and department store points. Even after using these points for purchase the final price we pay is still… higher than what you are paying over there. 
Twitter: paris_b
January 28, 2013 at 8:05 pm
I did notice that prices of many brands are higher in Bangkok but some can be cheaper. I used to stock up on Loreal sunscreens in Bangkok because it was up to RM10 cheaper in Bangkok than it is here in KL. ditto other Loreal products but in recent times I’ve noticed that the price has gone up
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