Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum FAQ and Q&A

[Insane]

Hi!

I was wondering about the "bonus point coupons" that we get extra points on. Where I live there are around 10 SDM in the area. If I purchase one of these items that gets 1000 bonus points at each store(with a separate coupon at each) Would I get 1000 bonus points at each store?

Thanks.

It depends on the coupon. If it says one per account then no.

[Insane]

updated with a question about coupons and promos

[seakingasia]

is there a website or a website that you can check out the point on optimum point ? I got my sister card and it has not been used for a while. Thank you

[wpgafwife]

Okay, I haven't seen this info but if I have a coupon from Glow stating that I can get x amount of points for buying a product. Is that best used outside of a 20x event or during that event. I presume that the bonus points given with that coupon wouldn't be multiplied by 20.

[Insane]

Okay, I haven't seen this info but if I have a coupon from Glow stating that I can get x amount of points for buying a product. Is that best used outside of a 20x event or during that event. I presume that the bonus points given with that coupon wouldn't be multiplied by 20.

You can use those types of coupons anytime. But you'll get the bonus amount of points, but the bonus won't be multiplied by 20. Only base/regular points get multiplied. If you use it on a redemption you won't get the points. So don't use it on a redemption.

[bargaincoupon]

I was wondering on redemption day if you purchase a product that has bonus points do you receive the points?

[Vov76]

I was wondering on redemption day if you purchase a product that has bonus points do you receive the points?

Yes. If it's buy this product, get 1000 points type of promo. If it's 10x or 20x the points, you will not get those points.

[BOGO]

What is Shoppers Drug Mart Optimum?
It's a loyalty program by Shopper Drug Mart. Currently you earn 10pts for ever dollar, rounded DOWN to the nearest dollar. There are many ways to optimize and earn more but the base point amount is 10pts/$.

What is Plus status?
Basically, it's a perk for people who earn 15,000 base points in a calendar year. This is excluding bonus points earned from promotions.

What's the big deal with plus status?
With plus status you get invited to special offers. You used to get bonus points back when you redeemed, but effective July 1 2010, you no longer get that. You get special promotions and coupons emailed to you mostly, so make sure your email is up to date with them!

I just earned plus status. When does it take effect?
Plus status takes effect immediately when you earn it. You will have plus status for the remainder of the calendar year and the next calendar year. You must re-earn it each year though. For example...if you obtain plus status in 2010 you will have plus status for 2010 and 2011. But in 2011 you will need to accumulate the needed base points to have it for 2012.

How can I optimize my points?
http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/113369-...mizing-canada/

What are bonus point coupons? Where do I find them?
They are coupons that SDM issues where you get a certain number of points for buying a product. And yes you get them when you are redeeming! You get them in emails, on the website, through mail outs, in Glow magazine or here....
http://forum.smartcanucks.ca/127519-...-often-canada/

What is a 20x point event?
Several time throughout the year Shoppers offers optimum member 20x the points on their purchase when you spend a certain amount (currently $50). Therefore, instead of earning 500 points on a $50 purchase, you'd earn 10,000. It's an amazing deal and definately worth your while. These are good events to purchase big ticket items as well, or fragrances/cosmetics that rarely go on sale. Be sure to check your emails, as sometimes these events are through coupons emailed to customers.

Can I use coupons during a 20x points event?
YES! Currently (and as with anything it's subject to change) you earn points on $ off coupons (not coupons for free products). Therefore, you can maximize your points during a 20x points event by spending $50 BEFORE coupons. For example, you spend $50 but have $20 worth of coupons (excluding free product coupons). Your out of pocket would be $30 (and the tax of course) but you'd still earn your 20x points.

Will I get 20x if I buy a Gift Card?
No. Like everything in life, there are exclusions. You don't get bonus points on GC unless it's a SPECIFIC GC event.

What is a bonus redemption day?
Several times a year Shoppers optimum runs a promotion where you get more money off for your redemption. If you redeem 50,000pts you get $100 off (instead of $85) and if you redeem 95,000pts you get $200 off (instead of $170). Some times these events are for the entire store (with exceptions) and sometimes they are for cosmetics and fragrances only. Once so far, they've been mega redemptions which got you even more. No idea if they'll do it again though. These are also great times to use any mail in rebates that you have. As with everything in life, it is subject to change.

Can you redeem for gift cards?
No. Shoppers or otherwise.

What is refer a friend?
A couple of times a year they run a promotion where if you refer a friend (they must sign up under your name using the e-vite you send them through the program) you get bonus points. You and your friend must shop during the specified days and spend a certain amount. The last event you earned 8,000pts per friend. This is by far the most effective way of earning points, especially if you get a few friends together. Restrictions, ect.... are posted with the event.

What is a Spend $X get Y points event? What about coupons in these events?
These events when you spend the minimum amount you get a set # of bonus points. If you go over the minimum threshold, you still only get the same # of points. You can most definately use coupons during these events. Regular cents off coupons will reduce your out of pocket (OOP) but still get you the points. So if it is spend $75 and get 18,500pts, you can use $20 (or whatever amount) and only pay $55 but get the bonus points. Bonus point coupons on particular products can also be used during these events.

What is code 2001 and 2002?
These are the "codes" that the cashier enters to tell the computer what kind of coupon is being used. 2001 is supposed to be used for regular $ off coupons. You earn points on these coupons, but pay taxes on the amount too. 2002 is for free product coupons (try me free type coupons). You do not earn points on these coupons but you also do not pay taxes. There are other codes such as 2003 but they are rarely used.

My points were not added when Shoppers said they would. Who do I call?
1-800-SHOPPERS (really it's SHOPPER cause you only need 7 letters but SHOPPERS is easier to remember and the extra digit doesn't matter when you are dialing!)

Do I earn points on gift cards?
You earn points on Shopper's gift cards but not on the other gift cards they sell. Occasionnally they have promos for bonus points when you buy some of the other types.

Do you pay taxes on redemptions?
Taxes are payable on the total before redemption. So if you are redeeming for $170, you have to pay taxes on the full $170.

Do I earn regular points on redemptions?
Nope. You earn points on the portion you pay (aside from the taxes). So if you have $90 worth of stuff and are redeeming for $85 you will earn points on the $5 you are out of pocket. Certain bonus promotions will work with redemptions (ie buy X product get Y points) but not all the promotions work that way.

Can I use coupons with a redemption?
You bet! Go ahead and maximize your redemption with coupons!!

I want to redeem for $170 but only have $125 worth of stuff in my cart. Can I get the rest on a GC?
No. You forfeit any difference. So if you want to redeem for $170 anything under $170 is forfeited. Alternatively, you can redeem for a lower level (ie $85 off instead of $175) even if you have enough points for the higher level. So if you only want to spend $85 but have enough for the $175 redemption, you can simply redeem for the $85 level, but you have to inform the cashier.

Do my points expire every year?
No, points are carried over. However, points expire after 12 mths of inactivity.

How many redemptions can I make?
According to section 25 of the terms and conditions you can make 2 redemptions at any level per day but only 1 redemption per transaction.

Is the Gift Card promo WUS before coupons or after?
If you ask SDM they will tell you that ALL offers and promos are before coupons. However, promos that are bonus points (ie 20x the points or bonus points for spending a certain amount) are automatic. The cashier does not control them. In this case, you will receive the points. However, promos that require the cashier to do something (ie give you an item or give you a GC) are usually after coupons. Usually, because the majority of cashiers will refuse to give you the GC if your total falls below the threshold after entering your coupons. It's open to change at any time though. In summary....automatic promotion before coupons, cashier dependant promo after coupons.

More to come.....

THANK YOU! This saved me getting VERY disappointed at SDM when I tried to redeem for a GC using Optimum points and also for not getting more points on redeemed points. LOL

OK, probably saved me embarrassment as well. It's always embarrassing when I break down in tears in the middle of SDM. hahahhaha To be on such a high getting all those points and then a big letdown when I can't do what I had bulit up in my mind.

Still LOVE SDM!!

[alicia]

Thanks for all the great tips. It's so nice to see it all in one place. Since joining SC my optimum points went from a measly 5000 to 93000 in a little over a month, (and I DEFINITELY did not spend $9300!)

[ashokia]

Yay! Can't wait for them to finish the SDM down the road from us!

[kelsie94]

Thank you SO much for this thread! I just read every single post and am now well informed! All of the questions I had have been answered and I didn't have to spend loads of time hunting for those answers!! Love it!

[JessicaGreer]

Thank you SO much for this thread! I just read every single post and am now well informed! All of the questions I had have been answered and I didn't have to spend loads of time hunting for those answers!! Love it!

Same here. So useful

[LIVE SIMPLE]

today went to buy always infinity with FPC coupon
it was entered 2002/ i think i saw 2002/ and had to pay tax?
any ideas?
it was a young guy and he said there was a tax on free coupon?

[twolamedogs]

Is 95,000 the maximum amount of points that can be redeemed?

[FallenPixels]

yes, the most you can redeem at once is 95k points but you can split your order up and redeem twice (not if it is an item for $250 though, it would have to be product totalling $200 and a second transaction with others etc)