Is anyone else here collecting points around shops ?

I have just started collecting Nectar points but flippin' eck you need about a zillion to get a bar of chocolate. What is the point ?

I heard they use the information to see what you're buying. Hmmm, don't like being monitored but hey ho if I got something from it I'd happily phone them up and tell them what I'd bought but points for nothing for ages and then you just qualify for a small thing by the time you've managed to pile up enough points for it.

Is there anyone out there with thousands of points and making this points thing work for them ?

Also another bug bear of mine is that you start collecting these points or obtaining a loyalty card only to find that before you've had it a year the shop has given up on them.  I have had a couple of experiences where I've handed over my card like a dutiful little shopper only to be told "we don't do those any more".

It's just more and more plastic to throw out. How long does it take for a credit card to break down.... definitely much longer than it takes me that's for sure.

Cheers for letting me offload.

They're to keep you going to their shop rather than anyone elses! Because you need so many points for them to be worth anything people start buying EVERYTHING at that store to bump up their points, even if that shop isn't the best value.

Asda is cheap and doesn't have a loyalty card, Tesco and Sainsburys are not cheap but people will argue up and down that they're great value because they can save up their points and use them for days out and stuff like that. I think these cards are good for people who want to believe they're good. Personally, I'd rather shop wherever takes my fancy and save real cash.

I shop at a local supermarket and there are no loyalty cards, just good products and fabulous staff - that gets my loyalty.

Hi Owly,

I've collected various points at different times and the only ones I've found have mounted up to anything worth having are the Boots ones, especially at Christmas time when all the 3 for 2 offers are on.

Tesco points I find add up to nothing compared to how much I end up spending in the there. Just a gimic to make us believe we're getting something for nothing I guess!

Hi Sam,

I remember having a card for Somerfield and I have no idea what benefits I got from it but I used to hand it in when I was at the checkpoint. I seem to remember there may have been something printed out to use next time but I can't be sure and then suddenly they stopped them.

Recently I was encouraged to get a Bon Marche card which I did but can't say it would make me shop there unless I wanted something specifically from them. Don't think they have emailed me with anything special.

The other one was one my Mum has for Iceland which they changed a while ago and we have a new card which entitles us to special offers at the checkout but I don't get there as often as I'd like to so am probably missing out. They do deliver which encourages me to shop there as I don't have to carry it to the car.

At the moment the latest card I've got is a Nectar card and you can pick up points almost everywhere and for that I am quite impressed along with the fact that anyone without a card can have their points added to your card.

I wouldn't say any one shop is better than any other. Some are known for not having things in stock and others for being expensive and one I have used reminded me that they have a reputation for including in the order goods which are close to their sell by date, things you'd watch for if you were buying yourself in the shop.

I think it's all a bit of a swings and roundabouts situation, just finding one that suits a person's needs I guess.

Cheers

Hi Sunshine,

You've just reminded me about my Boots card. I have a ton of points on that because I have no idea how to spend them. If I'm honest I'm a bit embarrassed about the amount of points on there because anyone normal would have been using them up. I am sure just when I get round to buying something they'll tell me "we don't do those any more".. lol

Cheers