Martin Lewis' MSE slams Ikea's new loyalty club for unexpected reason
Ikea has completely revamped its loyalty scheme, offering customers the opportunity to earn points on every purchase.
The Money Saving Expert (MSE) has criticised Ikea's revamped loyalty club, suggesting that the new reward offerings may not be as generous as they seem. The Swedish furniture giant recently overhauled its membership scheme, offering points for every purchase made in-store and online.
But Martin Lewis' MSE newsletter wasn't 'that impressed' with the new reward offerings, claiming you'd have to buy a lot in order for it to pay off. Their advice reads: "Sadly, we're not that impressed as it doesn't seem like a particularly generous scheme.
"For example, you'd have to spend £110 just to get a 10p Daim cake (normally about £2), and £625 to get £10 off an in-store or online spend."
When you have a sufficient number of points, you may claim a reward of your choosing - whether that's a discount on the delivery of large items, food orders at Ikea restaurants or purchases over £11. As you redeem, the points will be deducted from your balance and a voucher code will be sent to your email.
Voucher codes reportedly expire after one month, but points within your account will be valid for 18 months. Aside from the Daim cake example, MSE also claimed that you'd have to bag 100 points for £10 off delivery or 68 for a nine-piece breakfast at 50p.
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These voucher codes reportedly expire after one month, but points within your account will be valid for 18 months. Aside from the Daim cake example, MSE also claimed that you'd have to bag 100 points for £10 off delivery or 68 for a nine-piece breakfast at 50p.
Although MSE wasn't especially impressed, they did say that 'owt's better than nowt' when it comes to money-saving schemes, particularly if you're an Ikea regular. But, problems could arise if you don't spend enough within 18 months and all your points expire, reports the Mirror.
Nevertheless, fans of Ikea have given the Family Club a lot of praise - even before the new revamp. One wrote: "IKEA is your friend. I'm not a big shopper by any stretch but somehow, it's my favourite store. And if join their Ikea family club you get a free coffee every visit."
Another added: "Free days out this summer, Whilst most museums are running free summer holiday projects including national history new garden & walk-in art club. IKEA have free kids' play centre plus adults get free tea and coffee if apply (for) free family membership."
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In response to Martin Lewis' thoughts, an Ikea spokesperson said: "As well as through purchases, IKEA Family members can also earn points without needing to spend money; including attending events, planning appointments, and even by creating wish lists and logging into their account.
"So, the more customers connect with IKEA Family, the more points they collect. We’re proud to be able to offer a loyalty programme that thanks our customers for their loyalty and in such a way as offers them a broad range of rewards of their choosing."
