[Keter]

Just wondering what other people's experience with the Ikea Family card program has been. Do you like it? Has it discounted anything you wanted? Obviously, they are using it to profile shoppers - does this bother you? Have you found any undocumented ways to use it to get freebies or discounts? Do you swipe it every time you buy even if you aren't getting a discounted product?

Ikea wants me to do a survey about this card program, and frankly, I'm pretty blah about it so far. Wondering if I'm missing something.

[Chuck]

To me, the Family card isn't much different than any other "frequent buyer" program other retailers - like your (not so) local drug or grocery chain, sporting goods store, art supply house, etc. - run. It tracks your buying habits, helps the store market to you and others like you, etc. One more "big brother" element, if you will, but one I "volunteered" for.

I received a 20% discount on a laptop bag I bought, though I'll be returning the item when I get home in January, as I'm not thrilled with the piece - there's nothing specifically wrong with it, it just doesn't work for me.

[Susan]

Interesting that you're so blasé about it. I know it took them forever to get it launched in the US, and in the EU there's far more to it, with special offers for the credit card, and such but the US doesn't have any of that. I had taken some notes for an article that I planned to write, but never got to...

One of the 'undocumented' things that I think someone mentioned is that there's a longer return period. I'll have to go back and look - it would be in my notes on my asbestos contaminated desk in my office, but I may have made some digital note of it as well....

I'll see what I can find. Need to write that article anyway.

Susan

[Tigratrus]

Eh, I think we've found the most use for the periodic offers in the restaurant. If Susan's right about the extended returns period that would be a major reason to use it. It's could be a life saver when doing as complex/long a project as a DIY kitchen remodel!

James

	DIY defininition DIY means Do It Yourself

[why]

I like it because I get the free coffee in the restaurant! I thought I overheard someone say there was an extended period for the "benefit of sale"...and couldn't get there when they put the toys on sale around Thanksgiving.

[RmovingV]

of the $5000 in kitchen and other assorted items that I bought a few weeks ago it saved me $2.49. The only thing I purchased that it had any savings on was a wine rack I bought as a gift for my brother in law.

Since I dont live near an Ikea, it will probably never save me more than that though I will get my free coffee next time, cause I will need it after the very long drive.

[Tigratrus]

Originally Posted by why

I like it because I get the free coffee in the restaurant!

Originally Posted by RmovingV

Since I dont live near an Ikea, it will probably never save me more than that though I will get my free coffee next time, cause I will need it after the very long drive.

Exactly.

It's nice when they have the chocolate bars on sale too.

My favorite sale in the restaurant is the one where you can use your receipt from the restaurant as a credit when you check out at the main register... And you can buy Chocolate AT the restaurant! Free Chocolate!? Sign me up!

James

[Phoenix42]

Originally Posted by Keter

Obviously, they are using it to profile shoppers - does this bother you?

They don't need a loyalty card to track your purchases, a credit or debit cards works just fine for that. Here is a good, but long article on what companies can do with this data. This is a short version, with just the highlights.