The best loyalty scheme out there! (Boots Advantage Card)

Member Name: snow_white_forev

Product:	Boots Advantage Card
Date:	11/09/09 (97 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Easy to use,

Disadvantages: Can encourage you to spend more money

Many people are suspicious of stores loyalty schemes and believe that they only encourage you to spend more money rather than save anything. However, in my opinion no one should think twice about taking out the Boots Advantage card, as it is one of the most generous and easy to use loyalty cards available.

I've lost track of how many years I've had my Boots Card but it has defiantly saved me a small fortune. I'm a beauty addict who loves to try out new cosmetics, hair products, cleansers, moisturisers and all those girly goodies. Since becoming a student, however, I've had to drastically cut my beauty budget and as Boots is one of the more expensive shops for such products I've had to switch to alternatives such as Superdrug and supermarkets, that have the same branded products much cheaper. However, I still regularly check Boots as they frequently have amazing offers, especially for Advantage Card holder, that have saved me far more money in the long run. I also have the most amazing mum who after a few months swaps her card with mine so I can spend her much higher points balance while she has my much meagre points.

I find the point system on many loyalty cards difficult to understand, the maths is often so tricky that I never know fully how much money I've saved, but even with my total math retardation I always know where I am with my Boots Card. When using your card you receive four points per pound spent, and each point is worth 1p, so 100 points equals £1, which is effectively a discount of 4% on Boots shopping. To build up points it could not be easier, you just hand your card over with your purchases and the cashier will scan the card updating your points account instantly. The points balance is clearly visible on the bottom of every receipt.

In most Boots stores there is an Advantage Card Kiosk that looks a bit like a cash machine, and if you want to maximise your points then do not ignore this. At these machines when you slot in your Advantage Card, then screen lights up with your details and converts your points balance into available credit, and displays a wide variety of offers available in store that day. Offers can include discount on items in store or increased points on particular purchases, for example double points on a certain hair dye or 500 points when you spend over £15 on Boots own cosmetics. If you want to take advantage of a particular offer all you need to do is tap the 'print' button on the screen and hand the print out over with your items at the till. It is important to use this machine wisely as these offers are designed to make you spend more money but if there's an item that you genuinely want then you can save £s, I check the kiosk as soon as I enter the store.

Points can also be collected when shopping online via the Boots website, but to do this you first need to register the card online via the 'my account' link on their website. Registering should only take a few mins at most, but unfortunately whilst you can collect points online you can only spend them in store.

Spending points in store is as easy as collecting them, to do so I always mention to the cashier that I wish to pay with points before they scan the items, they will then take the card and all you need to do is wait for the receipt. However, when spending in points you will need the full amount, as they do not allow you to pay part in points and part in cash, so defiantly make sure you've added up the purchases correctly before taking them to the till. Also points cannot be collected on or used to pay for prescriptions, stamps, gift vouchers, infant's milks (up to 6 months), mobile phone top-up cards and insurance products.

If I've convinced you that the Boots Advantage card is for you, then I urge to join the scheme as it's completely hassle free. There are a variety of ways to join: either online on their website, by phoning 0845 124 4545, or by picking up an application in store. Personally I feel that the easiest way to join is via the application form which contains a free card that you can use instantly. After the first use to keep gaining points you need to fill in the simple form and return it to any Boots store or send if freepost to the address on the back.

As well as building up points being an advantage card holder has many additional benefits too. For example their Health and Beauty magazine, which is usually priced at £1, is free, and you can join their free Parenting Club or Health Club (for those over 60), where you get advice, information and many more exclusive offers on related products. It is also possible when you sign up for the card, to join the NHS Organ Donor Register, which I would strongly recommend doing.

If you lose your card or if it is stolen you'll need to phone 0845 124 4545 and a replacement card will be sent in 2-3 weeks with your points balance transferred.

Summary: Spending points is such fun!