As I mentioned in a recent article about how the recession has changed consumerism in America [1], consumers (that’s you and I!) expect to be paid for our loyalty now.
And shouldn’t we? With all of the rewards programs out there—and there are some really interesting ones—why should we spend our money just to get the product itself?
Reward Programs for All Your Purchases
Below is a taste of the free rewards programs available. Peruse and sign up for some!
- Diapers: There is Huggies Enjoy the Ride Rewards Program [2], and Pampers Gift to Grow Rewards Program [3]. Rewards include magazine subscriptions, coupons for more diapers, baby items, and movie theater tickets. Check out Money Saving Mom [4]’s website as she often posts free codes for you to enter into your account.
- Coca Cola: Paul and I are part of the MyCokeRewards program [5], and have so far cashed in our points for 4 movie theater tickets, and two years worth of subscriptions to the Oprah O Magazine.
- Electronics: Like electronics, DVDs, etc.? Best Buy has the Reward Zone program where you earn one point for every dollar spent in their store and redeem the points for gift certificates to spend at the store. Sony [6] also has a rewards program. Â
- Hardware: True Value Rewards Program [7] allows you to earn points for purchases made that you can redeem for gift certificates on your future purchases. Ace Hardware [8] has a rewards program as well.
- Movies: Earn points for purchasing Disney Movies [9] as well as watching them in the movie theater. AMC MovieWatcher [10], Cobb Theater MovieGoer [11], Regal Crown Club [12] are all movie theater rewards programs that help you earn free tickets, which is great since movie theater tickets are so pricey.
- Office Supplies: Staples [13] rewards program, Office Depot’s Worklife Rewards [14] and Office Max’s MaxPerks [15] are all programs to help you score free office supplies.
- Coffee: My Starbucks Rewards [16], and Dunkin’ Donuts DDPerks [17] will help to make sure your coffee addiction (or doughnut, for that matter) rewards you back.
- Chocolate: Godiva [18] has a rewards program where you get one free piece of Godiva chocolate per month in-store.
- Credit Cards: Rewards credit cards [19] let you earn points for all your purchases. In addition, many offer bonus rewards on certain categories like gas and hotels with cards like the Chase Freedom [20].
- Books: Borders Rewards Program [21] allows you to earn points towards in-store redeemable gift certificates, as well as signs you up for weekly coupons (my favorites are the 40% off any book).
- Orange Juice: Tropicana Juicy Rewards [22] will reward you with experiences for purchasing their product.
- Yogurt: Join My Stonyfield Rewards Program [23] and earn points to spend on more Stonyfield products.
- Airfare: Various airlines [24] let you earn points to redeem for free travel.
- Toys: Toys’R’Us has the Rewards’R’Us program [25] where you get a $5 gift certificate to spend in store for each $150 in purchases made. GameStop PowerUp rewards [26] will help you earn money towards new video games and equipment. GamersGate [27] offers a rewards program as well.
- Vitamins: NatureMade’s reward program [28] helps you earn points towards coupons for future purchases, yoga equipment, and other wellness items.
- Department Stores: Join JCPenney’s rewards program [29] to earn gift certifications to use in store with each purchase. This one is also great because they periodically send you $10 off $10 or more purchase coupons that can score you some really cheap stuff! Accumulate points using FamousFootwear’s rewards program [30] to earn free shoes.
- Yarn: Jimmy Beans Bucks [31] offers knitters a way to earn cash back on their purchases, as well as one free shipping coupon at the end of each quarter. Â
What are some of your favorite rewards programs?