one of the major differences between shopping in asia and shopping in america is that in asia, consumers are often getting fun freebies with purchases. many retailers have a little reward system set up that allows you to earn gifts on the spot — bigger the purchase, bigger the gift. i’ve gotten umbrellas, bags, all sorts of high quality, practical items while shopping in korea. my friend luna got this awesome green shopping cart by spending 88 yuan (about $13 USD) on P&G products here in China (seriously, when’s the last time that P&G gave YOU anything free in america?!). and unlike limited-time offers like “Clinique Bonus Time,” many of these freebies are offered all-year round. i imagine this kind of reward system is probably effective for driving impulse purchases (and yes, yes, it’s very effective on people like me).
this is quite different from the system that many american retailers have set up, which seems to be based more on loyalty, repeat purchase, frequency of visit, etc., etc. stores are always offering membership cards, and you can only earn your freebie/gift/whatever after making purchases over long periods of time. for someone like me, who is loyal to very few brands/stores and is always losing reward cards, it is very rare that i get around to claiming my rewards. one exception would be credit card rewards, which are completely different, in my personal, humble opinion.
there must be a significant difference between asian and american consumer behavior that motivates companies to choose immediate rewards (asia) vs. delayed rewards (america). but what IS that difference? are asians more impulsive shoppers? are we less likely to be brand-loyal? TELL ME!
I have to admit, although I have a few favorite brands, I will jump ship if I got a better deal for something that was pretty close. But I think that in the States, they try to create long term relationships with the customers, thus the delayed rewards.
But, speaking of rewards, I have a question for you, which stores offer a student discount? I remember you telling me that BR or JCrew might. Also, Ms. Consummate Consumer, please tell me, do they give you the student discount on top of sale prices?! (I’m work clothes shopping now, and want to get the most “bang for my $”)
J.Crew offers 15% off full price items for students — but they’re really inconsistent about whether or not they apply the discount on sale items. it depends entirely on which cashier you get stuck with — i always ask anyway. i also always check jcrewaficionada (i think it’s a blogspot — you should google it. i’d check for you, but i can’t open it bc i’m in china) because she always has discount codes on her blog that are often way better than the 15%.
i don’t think BR offers student discounts, but you should get on their mailing list, because they offer 30-40% off discounts at least twice a week (at least it seems that way). you should never have to pay full price at BR or Gap!
Oh I love these tips. Keep em coming! I don’t want to pay full price ever again, on anything!!!
Thanks Eunnie, soon I’m going to dub you “Queen of Retail”!
If you remember other good tips, please pass them along.
I really wish that more companies here in the States would do ‘instant giveaways’. I’m tired of signing up for rewards programs! I don’t want to earn points, and I don’t want your My Panera card! I don’t want to tell you my birthday or zip code. And my wallet doesn’t have any more room in it. There must be a solution that doesn’t involve my moving to Asia.
but, felicia, moving to asia is obviously the most logical solution!
Most logical, yes. Most realistic? No.
But, speaking of– when can we come visit? I can’t wait to go running madly through a Chinese supermall with you.
AHH! that sounds so fun! can’t wait!! but our sked is sorta up-in-the-air right now because the academic calendar is still being revised or something. we’re totally flying by the seat of our pants here!