I was informed by my cell phone provider that I have a ridiculous number of reward points in my account. I don’t mean to brag, but let’s just say it’s in the six digits. I earn points for my bill, for data and even for logging into their website. If earning lots of points is the goal of this\u00a0game, I’m a winner.<\/p>\n
The email had enticing pictures of rewards so I clicked the link, logged in (ca-ching, more points) and started surfing. I *could* use a new fitness tracker. They offered one but it came with a backpack I didn’t need and the amount of cash I still had to pay even with\u00a0my points refund was more than Amazon was charging for the just the tracker, which is all I wanted.<\/p>\n
And it turns out there wasn’t much else that was on my wish list. They do have gift cards. You get a 10% discount on the sticker price and give up 1,000 points. But that’s chump change, considering my point total. Gift cards for life!<\/p>\n
My favorite hotel chain isn’t included in the travel rewards. I’m settled in for a lovely homebound winter so shoes, handbags and clothes don’t hold much interest although I did spend time checking out slippers and “lounging” clothes.<\/p>\n
So, did I fail at this game, missing out on\u00a0deals I earned just for using this particular carrier? Or, is this really what it seems to me: a kind of bait and switch commercialism that uses game elements as part of the incentive? Buy things you really don’t want or need at marginally discounted prices to make you feel like a winner for earning points for probably paying too much for cell service in the first place? So, did I win because I wasn’t sucked in?<\/p>\n
I think it’s a stale mate. Let’s be honest: I’m not really playing\u00a0the game. I have this carrier because it’s the best one in my area\u00a0and I didn’t choose them based on their rewards program. And the carrier doesn’t seem to really care if I play. I can’t opt out of earning points but I can opt out of the enticing emails.<\/p>\n
I can’t help but wonder how many people paid too much for trinkets, thinking what a great deal they got just for being a member of this particular tribe? Is this part of our economics education for students? The gamification of commerce?<\/p>\n
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I was informed by my cell phone provider that I have a ridiculous number of reward points in my account. I don’t mean to brag, but let’s just say it’s in the six digits. I earn points for my bill, for data and even for logging into their website. If earning lots of points is … Continue reading Economic Lesson: Playing the Rewards Point Game<\/span>