@WoozyPolarBear
Here is what one of the original posts said:
Joining Public Points is optional for all existing customers.
Your current rewards will remain the same. You’ll continue to earn in the same ways,
and save the same amount.
Once we launch the new program, all new customers will earn their rewards through
Public Points.
If you’re interested in learning more about Public Points, and how you can join, we’ve
provided some information below.
I occasionally copy the OP into PDF format and save.....and it has been edited since day one.
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It will be 100% phased out, that is inevitable.
I think that statement is fear mongering and some what over exaggerated.
The question is how long can we wait it out? The thing to realize is, when any company creates a rewards or loyalty program, the program is always best in the beginning when the company tries to get people to sign up, but once those companies get the increase in business, they always dial back and modify the rewards to offer less.
Correct what happens is the company looks at the value in $'s of uncashed rewards and says "what happens if they are cashed in one day"...yikes not good for business. But that is not the case with the old rewards....as they are cashed every 30 days. The resolution at the board table is....let's dissolve the value or end the program. I don't see this with PM and look at your referrals if you have any.....what is the retention of "your" referrals? Attrition will likely dissolve accounts with rewards.
Just look at Starbucks for example. A few years ago, you could get any food or drink item for free on your 7th visit (with any purchase). Starbucks then changed it to basically make it so you can get a free medium coffee after spending about $200.
Starbucks is a niche market and many can live without them!!! And I agree their points system......is pointless to even waste your time to read what it is. But do look and Tim Hortons!!! And I don't know about the new one at MacDonalds as I refuse to patronize them....but I imagine they are competing with both Tim Hortons and A&W. A&W are sitting like losers right now with cute commercials while slapping out rewarmed hamburgers at the drive through and no loyalty program (just the odd coupon in the mail that they don't know how to process when presented). What you see on TV vs what you drive away with is two different things.....and WE all know it. (<==another place that I refuse to patronize).
There have been many case studies on companies baiting and switching using reward points, etc. Air Miles actually got into legal trouble for doing so a few years back by increasing the number of miles required to book a trip, and heavily limiting how many seats were eligible to be used with Air Miles. Some laws were even created to stop the nerfing of reward points. The whole law about gift cards not allowed to expire came from this topic.
Another one to NOT compare too......Air Miles......was crooked, is crooked, and there have been many TV documentaries on how a reward would show, then disappear and was all based "against you" while others could get what you wanted. They would also totally rip you off by selling Air Miles to you to go on a trip.....you would wind up using all your Miles that took years to save and then pay for more Miles only to find that you paid more for the trip than if you went a travel agency and booked it yourself. And realize this......any company offering Air Miles usually, competitive wise, has higher prices for the same items. Ie. Compare Rona prices to Home Depot......Home Depot usually (not always) wins.
