You’re probably already well aware from other blogs that a pretty tempting Club Carlson 24-hour flash sale just ended. During the sale, you could have essentially purchased points for less than a penny each. From the perspective of many, the sale was a fantastic offer, and ever better than the Club Carlson sale that was offered in the Daily Getaways that sold out earlier this week.
Throughout the duration of the sale, I have been getting countless texts and emails asking if I was going to buy any points for myself. Simply put, the answer was no – I don’t buy points.
You might be wondering why I would let such an amazing offer fly by.
Here’s why:
In the points and miles world, we are constantly bombarded with “OMG” sales, “limited-time-only” credit card offers, mistake fares, and other “hurry-up-and-drop-everything” moments. With all of the “NOW, NOW, NOW” pressure, it’s hard to really catch your breath and face a reality check.
While I am all about “acting now, and thinking later” (especially when it comes to booking great flight deals) and spontaneous travel, I have also been trapped before. For instance, I learned the hard way that sometimes booking a mistake fare really is a mistake.
Returning back from the tangent, here’s a few reasons why I don’t buy points:
- I don’t need them. To be more specific, I already have a healthy amount of Club Carlson points from the sign-up bonus when I opened up the Club Carlson credit card, plus some. I’m also really good at maximizing the perks of having the card. I always make sure I get the “free night” benefit when I make a Club Carlson points redemption.
- I earn and burn. I am the opposite of a hoarder. In general, I hate “stuff”, and I have the same behavior with my points. Yes, I like to have enough in my reserves for emergencies and last-minute fun, but I tend to “earn and burn”. I don’t ever like to sit on large amounts of points and miles because of my next point…
- Devaluations. We’re seeing program devaluations left and right. In fact, we’ve seem more this year than in years prior. I’d bet my bottom dollar that this trend is here to stay.
- Peer pressure is bad. Bloggers (and other enthusiasts) often hype up deals for various reasons. While one deal might be good for one person, it may be a waste to another. Just because the majority of people are getting in on a deal doesn’t mean I have to. I’ll be ok… really.
- It’s not the end of the world. Some people get really bummed when they miss out on a sweet deal (I have too), but guess what? There will be more opportunities. At least that’s what the optimistic part of me wants to believe!
The bottom line is this: Unless you have an immediate idea/usage of points in mind, it’s probably not the best idea to buy them “just because”. Sure the spontaneity of this game is fun and exciting, but it’s never fun when you’re faced with a huge devaluation and then you’re stuck scrambling to use your points and miles before it’s too late.
What do you think? Do you buy points? Why or why not? Would love to hear your perspective!
For those of us that aren’t able to travel when we like, due to jobs, money etc. Buying points during a fab sale like this is a good thing as I, personally can use the points I have bought towards my road trip next year. Some people rely too much on getting bonuses from credit cards and the like. Nothing wrong with buying points and in some cases buying a room with points is a better deal thannusing cash!
Never met a point that I wouldn’t buy, for the right price. I tend to keep inventory in 54 programs for flexibility in travel plans.
You make a good point (pun intended). I have never bought points either.
I’m with you! I don’t need Club Carlson points that badly. If I have plans, I can easily MS the amount of points I need with enough notice with the US Bank Club Carlson card… and at a MUCH better rate.
I am using $2000 of USdm points I bought and flying first class TRANS pacific on Ana valued at $19,000 if I paid for first.
Greatest deal ever!
So you’ve never bought daily getaway packages?
I buy points selectively, if they are a great deal and fit my travel plans:
The Club Carlson points are a great deal for me: I have their credit card, bought their points and booked six nights in Paris and London for 150k points. The average cash rates for those hotels around New Years Eve is roughly $500/night.
So while I agree with your points above, never say never…
I was busy and missed this sale despite knowing it was coming up. At first I was disappointed but I’m glad this post brought me back down to reality. I have a good amount of points already and I have no upcoming travel that I can even use them for, save one night in Sao Paulo where the point redemption would be foolish. I think the mantra holds, don’t buy points unless you have an upcoming use for them.
@Daydreamer: I totally agree! If you have plans in mind before buying the points than it’s an amazing value!
@Aloha: Yes, flexibility is the key to this hobby!
@Mike: Yup, MS is the way to go.
@Matteo: Nice! See, now that’s a perfect example of how buying points works out for the better!
@tim2: Nope, the last DG purchase I made was 2 years ago and I immediately transferred the points into airline miles.
@RK: That’s another great use of the purchased points!
@Nick: Yup, I agree 100% :)