This will be my final comment on the rewards program as I only wanted to share my opinion since I know a very specific CAG member visits this thread.
I'll admit that I may have been over reaching with my "more common 5% rewards programs" statement by including non-gaming retailers (but they do exist), but I feel it is still a valid comparison with NISA. And even then, I conceded that $5 per $100 reward was too much for LRG and said that $25 credit was fine, but needed another lower reward tier.
My point was and still is, aside from the redundant random leftovers, the monetary discount reward could be in a smaller interval, like 8 tix/games = $5 off voucher (basically free shipping within the US). For me, I'd like to use my rewards sooner rather than later with the option to save up for the 'big prize'.
And that's the real problem, the rewards.
Yes, there other reward options. But let's be real, the other options have a far less perceived value than the 'free' game.
Random leftover checklists/stickers (which you get free with purchase already) means you could get something you already have (or don't want). I don't know about you, but I shop LRG for the games. If all orders going forward did not include a sticker and/or checklist I would not stop buying, nor would I demand that lost 'value' be reflected in the game price. So, is redeeming tickets for them really a reward?
Then there's the random labels & cover art. Last I checked these are included with the purchase of a game too, well they're part of the product. Who would want these without the physical game? Again, is this truly a reward?
Random CD? Ok, that's something, but IMHO has very limited appeal. Again, if they never printed another CD, it would not matter to me. Also, @ 25 tickets you're more that half way to that 'free' game, why gamble them away here?
Granted there are 2 exclusive options (sticker and keychain), but @ .62 a ticket*, hardly seems worth it. So by process of elimination; The 'free' game is the best value, provided you spend the least amount of money.
*Because 2 of the reward options are items with a known dollar value, it is only natural to 'convert' that to the value of a ticket. Shipping costs are ignored.
In away, LRG is issuing tickets on dollars spent, but it is restricted dollars and an average. Games on average cost $25 (no shipping). So, you earn 1 ticket per $25 (on average) spent on games. That means you earn no rewards for additional money spent on more expensive games, LRG brand merch (shirts, hoodies) or CDs (individually or bundled with a game). Quite frankly, these items should count. I mean, hoarders/flippers are not buying the LRG branded merch.
As many have said, "they don't need to" reward us. I agree. Literally, they do not need to. Where else can you buy these physical copies? No where. The loyalty is tied to the exclusivity of the product. If you want the cart/disc, you have to go to LRG. In fact, if the average release started costing $30 (no shipping) and there was no rewards program...I doubt many would think twice about it, myself included.
Again, I appreciate the gesture of LRG wanting to reward customers. I feel that this initial effort falls short and seems, frankly, rushed.
