Ever been confused by the VIP program?

[xboxtravis7992]

So my funny story here. While buying several of the Lone Ranger sets from Shop at Home I signed up for the Lego VIP program. However, I soon realized what I though the VIP program was is not what it actually is. When I first heard of the program I believed VIP points worked like a form of alternative currency. So when I saw catalog pages saying "This set is X VIP points" I believed that is how many points it cost to buy the set. As such, I was under the belief VIP points were a half of deal; buy a set of one value, get another of equal value for free! That is not the case, instead it turned out every 100 VIP points equaled $5.00 USD, a 5% deal and not a %50. Still a nice discount but not as great as the one I imagined!

So has anybody else been confused by the VIP program before? Kinda hoping I am not the only one who drastically misunderstood the program.

[Gryphon Ink]

To be honest, I have no idea how the VIP program works, even though I have bought a few sets from S@H and Lego Stores. I know, I'm a complete failure as an AFOL.

[Fugazi]

I'm moving this to the Embassy, where discussion of the VIP program usually takes place.

[LEGO Guy Bri]

I knew how the VIP worked when I signed up, but what confused me was the amount of points going to my account after using a some during a purchase. Apart from a glitched delay that lasted a few days, I found out you are not credited VIP points for sets for the value of points you use to purchase set (i.e. set cost: $35 with 100pts used = -$5, you only receive 30pts for set). That bit of info must me hidden somewhere in the fine print. Since then I've used VIP points again, and everything has run smoothly

To be honest, I have no idea how the VIP program works, even though I have bought a few sets from S@H and Lego Stores. I know, I'm a complete failure as an AFOL.

VIP is simple. Every dollar spent on a set = 1 point. So, $1=1pt. 20 VIP pts = $1USD set; 100pts = $5. When LEGO offers double pts, it obviously double points for sets purchased. I read somewhere on here, a long time ago, that points are good for around two years. I don't know this as a fact, but I haven't kept points much later than a year.

If you buy the majority of LEGO through one of their stores or S@H, I would recommend signing up! You also get nice little bonuses, like for Valentines, we received a chrome red minifig key chain

[Drachmyre]

I got an email awhile back that my wife's VIP points were about to expire. (She signed up at Disney when I wasn't there to use mine) It said that two years were about to pass. So yes, two years. However if your balance keeps changing I'm not sure if points continue to "age". Personally I end up with about $100 worth of points and the I can't help using them.

[CopMike]

You can read more about the VIP Program here.

[Rook]

Nope. When I signed up the points = cash part was really clear. The part that wasn't was the mini models.

Edited May 2, 2013 by Rook

[The Black Falcon]

Wait until you buy stuff in different countries using what you think are the same VIP details. Hey presto! You have VIP points for different countries that cannot be merged. You also end up with different card numbers etc. Basically different accounts. Its like having Lego Euros and Lego Pounds etc.

I had to ring them up to find out what was going on. It got even weirder but I think I will leave the rest of it for another day.....

[Deathleech]

I never was confused, but i did think the VIP was a little better when I initially learned about it It's basically just 5% off though. Compared to Amazon who regularly discounts sets 20-25% off and offers free shipping on purchases over $25 (as opposed to free shipping when you spend $75 at Lego S@H), and this isnt all that great. Even double VIP points (10% off) aren't that amazing. Because of this I rarely buy anything directly through Lego.

Edited June 6, 2013 by Deathleech

[BrickG]

I'll be interested when they let me earn 5x VIP points. Another thing that confuses me is why people get excited for double. That's still nowhere near sales at many other places.