It seems as though Best Buy is taking initiative in trying to become a top contender in the gaming industry. Beginning September 12, Best Buy is changing the way their rewards system functions. Best Buy will begin offering subscriptions to their magazine, @Gamer for $14.99/year which allows customers to be a part of the “Gamers Club Unlocked.” Being part of the “Gamers Club Unlocked” yields the purchaser a one year subscription to the magazine, double points on new software or accessory purchases, along with:
• 10% off all pre-owned software purchases
• 10% bonus credit on trade-in software
• Reward Zone Gamers Club exclusive offers
This all sounds eerily familiar, GameStop, anyone?
There has been a bit of a backlash in the forum community when it comes to the details disclosed as of late. The current rewards program Best Buy runs allows customers to enjoy a 500 point bonus whenever they spend $150 on games or game-related items. 500 bonus points, in addition to the 10 point-per-dollar they already receive gives them 650 points. With the new system, there is no telling whether or not they will continue giving out bonuses thus changing a $150 purchase, for example, from 650 points, to 150 or 300 points (strictly dependent on what you buy). Hardware purchases have been counting as double points since June 1 and it seems it will stop counting as double come September.
My guess is that customers should get their bonus points while they can, there’s no telling if the bonus will remain after September 12.
Pulled from the email:
The game is changing. New benefits. New rewards. It’s a whole new way to play the game.
Reward Zone® Gamers Club is leveling up. On September 12, 2011, you will begin earning double points on new game software, including digital content and accessories purchases. Plus, for $14.99 per year, you can join the optional paid level—Gamers Club Unlocked—where you’ll enjoy access to even greater benefits: REWARD ZONE GAMERS CLUBBetween now and September 11, 2011, you will continue to earn 500 bonus points for every $150 you spend on video games, PC games and video game accessories at Best Buy® stores or BestBuy.com®.
Then on September 12, 2011, you’ll automatically be part of the new Reward Zone Gamers Club. And you’ll have the opportunity to visit a Best Buy store and ‘level up’ to Reward Zone Gamers Club Unlocked. And because you’ve been a loyal Gamers Club member, we want to give you a preview of the new club. So going back to June 1, 2011, you’ll also earn double points on all new software and accessories purchases.
All this plus the Reward Zone points you earn every day for nearly all your Best Buy purchases, including gaming hardware. For the latest Reward Zone Gamers Club information, visit MyRZ.com.