I like to keep my wardrobe fairly simple, but I’d be lying if I didn’t confess that my guilty pleasure is dressing up an outfit with a designer statement pair of heels and handbag.
I’m well aware that prices on these types of items aren’t for the faint of heart, so I do my part to try my best to snag them at highly-discounted prices on PoshMark, nearby consignment stores, and even stacking deals on TheRealReal (aka Chanel flats for $110).
However, sometimes it’s really nice to unbox a sparkly new gift in a gift box… with a ribbon and all.
I was gifted a pair of shoes and a bag purchased at a local Neiman Marcus store tonight. Of course, I was gleaming with joy when I opened them and tried them on… imagining an dress I could pair them with for New Years Eve. It was a magical moment that probably deserved an “unboxing” video on YouTube (seriously, those girls behind those videos make bank).
However there was this dark thought lingering in my subconscious mind. I was calculating the amount of points that could be had if ordered via a shopping portal.
United is offering 18x on Neiman Marcus. The Chase Freedom is offering a quarterly bonus of 5x on department store purchases. There was an astronomical amount of points on the line.
This wasn’t the first time I’ve encountered  this “dilemma” (beyond #firstworldproblems, I know), so the decision was easy.
I am planning on wearing the shoes and the bag on New Year’s Eve. Expected delivery is 12/29. No brainer.
With a click of a few buttons, I added the exact same items into my shopping cart, and now I can truly say that this will be a gift that keeps on giving -Â I’m soon on the road to 53,490 fresh and sparkly United miles. I can already taste the caviar at cruising altitude ;).
No shame. I’ll be returning the unworn items in-store as soon as my new goodies arrive.
The breakdown of the earnings is as follows:
- 2,710 x 18x = 48,780
- 500 (that’s all that was left to fulfill on my Chase Freedom 5x category this category) x 5x = 2,500
- 2,210 x 1x (regular Chase Freedom earning on the balance – bummer that I couldn’t split the payment onto multiple cards). = 2,210
Grand total of 53,490 United miles, which I value at a minimum of $1,000!
Now I am not sure if I should feel guilty about the extra gift to myself (the points) for being the highlight of the whole experience.
Bottom line: never leave points behind.
Have you ever done something like this before in the name of earning points?
P.S. I am just now seeing that Bloomingdales is paying 20x via the United shopping portal!
P.P.S. I know my screenshot above shows 53,480. I was lazy and didn’t feel like typing in 2,210, so I went with 2,200.
Can you return in-store and keep the miles??
I think I need to further clarify that the original in store purchase was from my spouse and he didn’t mind my reasoning for ordering the exact same items online and returning the original gift back to the original form of payment once the new items arrive :)
karma has found you for clickbaiting. i shall report you to NM and united mileage
lol report me for what? Ordering a via an offer? Good luck with that. Looks like the grinch came down your chimney this morning.
This comment is hilarious.
Yassss. Slay all day. My one question/concern-Was F&F over by the time you purchased or did the discount have exclusions?
Yes unfortunately we seem to have missed out on F&F discount! But that would have be amazing to further earn 20% off!
It’ll be interesting to see what the lux stores start doing in response to the sharing market for these goods. This season was a fantastic glimpse into it with the crazy deals…and yes we get that $100 off a pair of Louboutins may still not be a deal to someone but…
You are fully sick ;)
I have done something like this. Technically for me your bag is half paid, therefore it’s a super bargain in any of my books. :) Enjoy
Will the points be reversed if you return the items in the store? I’ve had points deducted in the past from other stores if I make a return. How do you make a return and still keep your points?
I think I need to further clarify that the original in store purchase was from my spouse and he didn’t mind my reasoning for ordering the exact same items online and returning the original gift back to the original form of payment once the new items arrive :)
I think what you did was a smart move to garner points. I’m just surprised at the cost of the shoes and bag. I feel guilty when I spend $125 on shoes for myself. When we had young children back in the Stone Age, we really had to watch our pennies. Glad that you are able to do better than us but I can’t help wondering if the cost of the handbag would have done a lot more good as a local donation to a homeless shelter or some other organization. Happy Holidays to you and your family :)
Why are you trying to shame someone who’s giving you free information on how to make the most of your credit card points?
This is great – but now you have to scale it. You can be the “Pudding Guy” of handbags. But 10 of each and you will have over half a million miles – think of all the showers in the sky and narrow flat beds you could enjoy.
Lol now I need a second post advertising for a sugar daddy
You are adorable! We all have our guilty pleasures!