I look back to this time last year and I think to myself, 'how did I live by just handing over my Boots card and collecting the basic 4 points per pound?' Sometimes, I didn't even hand my card over. I'd put the points on the receipt and forget about them. But now, I think I look after my Boots card more than my debit card - probably because most of the time it has more money on it. I noticed during #bbloggers last week (or maybe the week before?) that many of you did what I used to do and you were interested in finding out how to make the most of what is classed as the best loyalty card in UK shops.
What is a Boots Advantage Card?
Since working at Boots I've noticed that not everyone who spends a lot of money in the shop actually has a Boots card. Even if you don't go in all the time you could still earn quite a bit of money just by spending £25 - if you have vouchers you could even get yourself a free shampoo with the card. A lot of people who shop at Boots still believe that it is a 'store card' which is like a credit card. It is not. It doesn't take anything away from you, it simply gives back. The card returns 4 points per pound spent and every point is worth 1p. If you're pregnant or a parent you can also join the Parenting Club where you receive 10 points for every £1 spent on baby products within the baby area at Boots, regular glossy magazines, access 24/7 to information online including a parenting community and you also receive a free changing bag when you join. If you're over 60 you can join the more treats for over 60's scheme whereby you receive 10 points for every £1 you spend on Boots branded products (and No7), 25% off complete glasses at Boots Opticians when you spend £79 or more, regular health and beauty news, 15% off all hearing aids at Boots and you can also attend exclusive store events.
Boots Advantage Card Vouchers
If you sign up for a Boots card you will receive vouchers through the post with offers, money off vouchers and points vouchers. Use as many of these as you can and never forget them. I've noticed that customers put them where their Boots card is kept in their purse so they never forget them. Some of the points vouchers are very useful and if you use them, you'll soon see a rise in your points. The tills will sometimes print off vouchers with your receipts and although cashiers are supposed to tell you about these, some don't. So always, always check your receipts before you throw them away. The till vouchers read your Boots card and prints off a voucher that suits your need and what you regularly buy.
Boots Health & Beauty Magazine
A lot of people overlook the magazines. Sometimes they'll pick one up (£1 or free to Advantage Card holders) but they'll never check the back for the vouchers. The vouchers are normally there to promote new products that have come into the store so it's definitely worth a look if you're after something new. I've seen many different vouchers in there including money off of crisps and skin care and of course, points vouchers!
Extra Offers Kiosk
SO many people ignore these but these are the best for building your points up or receiving money off of products. Once again, these vouchers are personal to you and the machine will offer you offers on products that you usually buy. Sometimes there is a voucher for an entirely free product on there with no purchase necessary Even if you don't use the vouchers there and then, print them off! You can save them and use them in the future (well, up until the expiry date). You can also check your points balance and update your information at this kiosk.
Treat Street
Boots Treat Street is something that is relatively new. Although I haven't used it that much because I don't tend to shop online, it is extremely useful if you do. Treat Street is basically a way for you to earn points by using other stores. There are a varity of clothing shops, music shops, insurance companies, travel companies etc that offer points on their products if you buy them online. Most of them offer 1 point to the pound (which is less than the Boots 4 points) but still, they add up quickly. If you're going to make a purchase online then Treat Street is definitely worth checking as you may be able to earn some money back. Also, if you sign up to Boots Treat Street today and purchase something, you will receive £2.50 worth of points. The good thing is, you only have to spend £1 so technically, you're earning money back!
One thing to remember is that you can use more than one voucher at a time. If you have a 'spend £20 and receive 200 points' voucher and a 'double points' voucher then use them both! But be careful with double points voucher. If you do the above then make sure you've spent a considerate amount over £20 because you will only receive the double points over the value of £20. For example if you've spent £20.84 and you use your double points voucher aswell you will not receive any points at all because you haven't spent £1. But if you spend £34.50 you will receive £14.50's worth of double points. Get it?
I hope this has been helpful. I'm always preaching the joys of a Boots Advantage card to my friends and family and I believe that everyone deserves to know how to use them to their full potential. If you have any more tips and tricks then leave them below in a comment or tweet me and let me know!
xxx