Back in November, we were all speculating about changes with Rite Aid’s UPR. When January 1st came, nothing happened. We all breathed a sigh of relief.
Well, Rite Aid has confirmed that three test markets will begin for this new feature. (Should I call it a feature?) Rite Aid will begin testing loading UPR directly to your wellness card.
There are no real details listed on how it will work – i.e. which UPR it will use etc. I am personally not a fan, but would love to hear your thoughts on this.
As we continue to enhance our wellness+ program in ways to deliver even more value and convenience that you’ve been asking for, we’ll be testing an exciting new Load2Card feature in three markets: Richmond, Salt Lake City and Seattle beginning today. In this test, we’re making a few changes: 1) +UP Rewards will be automatically loaded to members’ wellness + cards so you no longer have to worry about keeping track of your paper receipts and 2) a +UP can be used starting at 6 a.m. on the day after it was earned and will remain valid for 14 days. Nothing has changed outside these test markets – the +UP’s generated on your register receipt can still be used on same-day next purchases.
Thoughts?
Annie says
Wow – I just came back to search for this post that I remembered and can’t believe how strongly so many people feel about this program. I happened to not shop at Rite Aid for most of February and when I finally did and experienced the UPR loading directly to the card, it was different but not necessarily a bad thing. I’ve never had a problem with Rite Aid before – cashiers are nice, coupons and UPR work fine. But I did experience my first problem with my UPR not loading to my card. I just e-mailed Rite Aid so I hope it gets sorted out. I’m hoping to take advantage of some of the deals and fortunately, I have several stores around me that I can just pop into when I am running my errands. But I can understand why some people are so upset. It makes me wish I had a smart phone so I could check things online before I make my purchases. I did notice that a woman in front of me was pleasantly surprised when her total was much less than she anticipated because she obviously wasn’t very aware of the UPR program. But I definitely was disappointed when my UPR didn’t apply to my transaction. I checked on Rite Aids facebook page that you can opt out of having the UPR loaded directly to your wellness card but was wondering if there were still problems with that. Any updates?
Gini says
I understand everyone’s frustration. I’m contemplating going today for a deal. but then I wonder is it false advertising because you can’t get the ups. @Matt I think you went a little over board. There are some that like to go in with 40 of one item and clear the shelves, please keep your comments to yourself. Some are not shelf cleaners and just like to keep a few items on hand.
When an item is advertised, the store should follow through. When a store doesn’t with the sale price or the promise after price is upsets consumers.
You can’t expect people not to be upset when getting ripped off. Example what if you went to buy a car and the sale sticker said, $5,000.. bargain! and you were charged $15,000 on your card. You would be totally let down. Some save at least $10,000 a year by not having to spend out of pocket on meds and personal care.
So let’s not attack people. We can’t do anything about the dishonest because it would take away from the honest. Because the dishonest will always find a way!
Gabi says
Follow up to my ups from yesterday’s shopping trip. I just checked to see if/what was loaded to my card. $20 WR, $5 Pampers, but only one $2 GE Light Bulbs. No sign for the 3 $2 Stayfree. Now I have to make time to call tomorrow.There is no explanation about unclicking coupons so they won’t be used. I don’t dare do anything, especially shop again, for fear of losing the ups. The date of expiration is the same as printed on the receipt.
Shannon says
Gabi,
Thanks for keeping us up to date! This doesn’t look like its going to be easy.
shelli says
@Matt, your comments were harsh. I am poor and would be living a very different life without coupons. I try to never hold up a line but whether I have 3 orders (because I have 3 cards) or 1 they normally call someone to ring me up just because the coupons take alot of time since the cashiers are older.
@Jenn, I think her name was,
I have 3 cards because I shop for my mom, who has cancer, and her husband since i’m not currently working. I was told by the employees that I could use the UPS on any card. So I’m not sure that is cheating the system. Perhaps the employees told me wrong but I assumed they were tied to the card until someone told me. For me, I am not doing it to cheat. I simply just combine all of our ups together and organize them by order of expiration and use them first.
I feel really sad after reading the comments. Being poor, and sometimes treated like a criminal by employees for getting a bargain is depressing enough. Believe me, I wish for the day when I can buy food i’m hungry for instead of what I can get free.
and back to Matt, I think most people complain to vent a bit of course but for me it is about letting them know what we like and what works. Sometimes the ones making the decisions don’t shop much and really know what works best for consurmers.
My opinion: paper is better for ups- it is a clear reminder of what you have gotten, when it expires, and control over when you can use it.
I would like it perhaps if they pooled the ups together to use any amt. like a gift card AFTER Manufacture’s coupons.
I also don’t have a computer or internet so keeping track or managing coupons online would be difficult. There are time limits at the library.
I almost never roll coupons from the same day because I have to go home and check and divide everything to the right families but occassionally I find I don’t have any from the previous week, and it’s nice to be able to use the ones I just got from my order on my mom’s. Again, I have never heard that is cheating and my store is the one that told me I could do it.
Gabi says
Went to RA today to test the waters. First thing one of the employees pulled me aside to tell me the program is chaos. They hate it. (My store is fabulous. All employees are coupon friendly, especially manager.)
The checkers figured out that if they ring everything up, deduct coupons, then scan wellness card things will work better. This was done for me. My cashier made a point of saying–just wait with the card. I still had some non scanning coupons, but not like some days. My receipt showed 4 of the ups that should be loaded, but not the 3 Stayfree. So I’ll have to call tomorrow. The irony of this mess, is that a $3 coupon for Centrum Pronutrients printed with barcode.
When you use the loaded coupons you have no choice over date of expiration, it selects them arbitrarily. Since I haven’t been able to check what actually loaded, I can’t tell if the click on/off for up usage is working. Other comments on various sites have reported that their ups have disappeared when clicked off for not using that shopping trip.
Store AM told me that it is not just 3 cities in the test, but rather 3 regions–this can involve multiple states in some regions. So you can’t easily drive to a non-participating store. I don’t live in one of the 3 cities, just dragged into it by region.
Two cashiers said that next week the opt-out option would be set in place. Let’s hope so!!!
Shannon says
Thanks Gabi.
B says
I am in the test market and there is one thing that people are not talking about……ups loaded to your card comes off first – depending on how many Ups are loaded to your card – it could take your balance down to zero and you won’t even be able to use your manufacture or Rite Aid coupons. So if you buy something for $5 and you have a $4 up on your card but you also have a $3 manufacture coupon – the up comes off and you can’t use the coupon at all. I am hanging out until the end of the week to see what happens – hoping they will stop this madness. Up rewards are money – and I don’t let anyone else have control over my money.
Gabi says
I agree with you! Some software testers and programers forgot completely about the human factor. The opt-out option was disabled. My store manager told be last week that we will be able to opt-out. He thought the whole program was unwise and stated that the company trainer knew that it had flaws and the customers would not be happy. So, does this make sense.
Dave says
It does have flaws, that’s why it is a “test” market. Let it mature. Give them the card last, problem solved…
Gabi says
I went to RA today. I did give them the card last, but that didn’t solve the following problems from my previous shopping trip: 4 of my ups weren’t loaded onto my card–called CS & they’re sending new ones. Unclipped 2 ups so that they wouldn’t be used for today’s shopping trip–they disappeared, had to call CS & they’re replacing those. Loaded ups will come off as soon as your card is scanned, therefore, I couldn’t use all of my paper ups which expire this week. When I check tomorrow on the newly loaded ups, I will have to unclip them so that I can use my paper ups. I won’t know if they’ll disappear until I actually do it. Both fellows at CS told me the opt-out option will take place at the store by Friday. My store manager said that it will most likely happen next week.
The reason the 3 city districts were chosen were these: Utah has the highest % of coupon usage in the nation, Richmond the lowest and Seattle in the middle. They wanted a little bit of each.
The problem is not yet solved. And, by the way, I don’t care if I have to wait until the next day to use my ups. I seldom do multiple transactions in one trip. Our store is super and I can get what I need. I’m at Gold and close to 300 points already.
Suzanne Winters via Facebook says
I agree Raynetta…Rite Aid has really stunk for me lately. I think the prices are high too!
AKelly says
Well, let me add my whining complaint! :P Aren’t these the same test markets that Walgreens used for their rewards card program?? I ask because we lost out on all RR deals at Walgreens, and now we’re getting UPs loaded to our card here in the Richmond area. I’ll forget if I have UPs and what their dates are. I’ve fallen out of love with RA. So, while I’m not fond of change, I don’t think this will ever sound like a win.
Jaime Taylor via Facebook says
I got $9 in +ups on my card yesterday – haven’t tried to use them yet, cause I couldnt until almost a hour ago :)
Sally Brady says
I hate this because I had 2 negative experiences with a CVS similarity. I receive email promotions from CVS offering a $5.00 off $30 some weeks and a 20% off on other weeks. I used to print the coupons and then they offered a “Send it to your Card” option so I tried it. When I went shopping, it was Not showing on the card and I had no proof. When I got home I tried to print it but it wouldn’t let me do that either so I lost out. Personally, I’d rather have the paper with the expiration date that I just carry in an envelope with the applicable coupons I’ll be using for that store.
Raynetta Maggiacomo via Facebook says
I think rite aid better lower their prices in general or they will not make it in this market with those changes. They might get that once a week shopper who can do only one up reward per item. What they are trying to do is get you in there everyday so you will buy more items because your too tired from coming each day. Big mistake!
Danielle says
I will not repeat what so many others have said so well….just that I agree – haven’t shopped Rite Aid in months (been sticking to CVS & Wags) and I won’t be going back if this happens. : Very sad!
Matt says
Sorry, but RA will survive AND thrive with this change, regardless of whether the extreme couponers like it. Its just amazing that you all complain about a business after giving you the amount of money back that they do. Really, how much free or absolutely dirt-cheap product do you need from them? 3 years ago there were no +UP rewards, so I’d have to say, this is still a good thing when considering that you could just pay full price for everything. For those of you who are complaining because you won’t be able to stand in checkout and hold up lines to make 5 transactions in one trip, boo-hoo to you! And some of you other people and the comments you’re making are just sad. Like the person who hasn’t gone back sine the Visa card mistake. You’re mad because YOU couldn’t scam RA for 14 bucks. Seriously, that’s kinda pathetic.
Laurel H. says
For the overwhelming majority of honest couponers, the new +UPR system will most likely effectively end our ability to provide for our families and our communities for very little money out of pocket. RA makes numerous mistakes as it is, with the current system of printing +UPR; sometimes they do not print, etc. Also, the test markets are reporting that errors are even more numerous. As others here have indicated, how will the +UPR you use be selected? How will non-computer users track their rewards? I have seen many senior citizens purchase very necessary items using their +UPR; how will they fare with the new system?
I personally routinely donate extra products to the local women’s shelter, the local Salvation Army, the local food and non-food banks, the local homeless ministries, etc. Also, as my husband and I were recently downsized and lost nearly 75% of our income, this has been a real blessing, in providing for my family’s needs. I am not alone; other couponers are extremely generous, and use store credits to purchase necessities (they might not otherwise be able to afford), as well.
I know it is easy to paint all couponers with a broad stroke of the brush, and assume we are all like the outliers, but that is simply not the case. Hopefully this helps–OH, and on the rare occasions when I have a 2nd transaction, I step away from the register and go to the end of the line. :)
Dave says
Very well said. I am shocked that the number of haters towards a system that is still being tested and modified. Living in Seattle, the changes so far have been great! So what if I can’t use my UPs the same day – use them towards next weeks’ sale. In the end, you’re saving the same amount. No more loosing paper receipts, and your UPs can be very easily viewed online. It’s a lot easier than using Register Rewards at RR and having them scan the ‘barely scannable’ barcodes, having to make sure there is one coupon per item and being able to score only one item per trip. Rite Aid. And best of all, this will eliminate those performing multiple transactions at one time. So if all of you go away (although I know you won’t), looks like a better store experience for me!
Carol says
Horrible idea!!!
How will you keep track which +up expires when?
Which one are they using 1st, the one that expires the sooner or the one that matches the amount of your purchase the closest?
They said you need to wait until the next day to be able to use the +up reward that you just got from your order. Terrible. You should be able to use them right away.
Holly says
Seems like we won’t have any control over using them or not. Like if our total is $3.01. Will it use $4 of UPRS?
Carolyn Pate via Facebook says
boo~hiss!! Rite Aid “Love O Meter” will go to ZERO for me if this happens. :(
Jodi says
Boo! Hiss! My question is how will I know what I have on my card? Also, what if I want to use a $5 up but it pulls a $2 up off instead? I like having the control to use what I want to use. Of course paperless, means no losing them but I think this will be harder to track! Hope they don’t end up doing this at my RA!
Nancy C says
My concern is having to manage the UP Rewards expiration on the computer and that they expire in 2 weeks. What about people who don’t have access to a computer? The nice part is that the information on the amount is printed on the receipts, so if it is not credited, you have the documentation. We have a great Rite Aid store in Maryland. The cashiers and managers are very friendly and they also call for back-up if there is more than 2 people on line. The manager does a great job on stocking up for sales and they are re-stocked on Friday afternoon.
Laura says
I left feedback on rite-aid’s facebook post. I do think companies listen to their customers concerns – the load2card feature is one people seem to like and is probably a response to complaints about having to deal with all the paper UPRs. I also think people really just like to have enough information and control to plan their purchases without surprises at the register. If the program is cumbersome, confusing or unfair the more customers who express their concerns directly to Rite-Aid the more likely it is to be adjusted. We really do make a difference in how companies operate!
Evan says
I am pretty indifferent to the change. I very rarely use UPS the same day anyway, so that is not a big concern. Like when they started limited UPS, it will likely help cut down on shelf clearing, which I think is better for the majority of RA customers who only want to 1 or 2 of the weekly deals. Also on the plus side, having them be electronic saves having to scan UPS, which has gotten better, but often still have to be manually entered due to poor ink quality.
The one question I have is whether you will now be able to split UPS. For example, if you have earned a $20 UP and buy something with only a $5 OOP cost, will it let you consumer that amount of the total, and keep the remaining $15 banked? Or even better, if you have a $5 UP and a purchase that is $4.99 OOP, will you not have to buy filler items to use up the complete $5?
If they allow you to split and bank UPS dollars, I look forward to the change and think it will be mostly positive for the casual RA coupon user.
Shannon says
Evan,
good points. I am hoping you can choose what you use. I don’t want my husband going to Rite Aid buying candy and soda (he does) and using my UPR! LOL
Gabi says
The will not let you split ups. They will not consider expiration dates and if you don’t unclick your +ups from your account, they will be deducted first. Then you will not be able to use any of your manufacturer’s coupons.
The program has taken away all of your options. Go on facebook and read comments of those who are not having their ups loaded correctly and losing them on their account already.
Customer Service is already hearing questions which answers weren’t addressed before the test.
I’m going tomorrow for the first time. I don’t live in the designated city, but lo and behold, my store is in the test any way. I will be loading as little as possible and having a chat with the store manager with a list of questions.
Shannon says
Hey Gabi, would you be willing to share some more information with us when you find out. I would love a to be able to provide more information for everyone.
Heather C says
I’m not a big rite aid fan, although I just found a cashier I liked at one, so I was starting to head back there again.
If they were available immediately, I’d be a fan, but I’m not going o go back and back and back.
I hit cvs two or three times a week, and often do two or three transactions each time, but I will go through the store three times rather than make people wait behind me in line. This will deter me from using riteaid, as I ALREADY don’t prefer it.
Jamee says
I havent shopped at RiteAid since the Vanilla Visa fiasco. If I did, I wouldn’t be impressed by the change. My biggest concern would also be chance that the rewards wouldn’t show up on my card. With paper in hand, I know it’s available. Computers are computers, and it seems like RiteAid has definitely had it’s problems in the past with the rewards printing, can’t imagine what it will be like if we have to pray that the rewards will be on our card when we go to use them.
teresa says
I’m not sure sure this will work out smoothly either. RA has already had computer issues & trying to get anything straightened out with customer service @ the 800# is not even worth my time. I don’t live close to a RA so I end up with rain checks all the time & this will probably mean loosing the UPR all together. I had actually ran to 3 different RA’s trying to find a store that has the item I need to purchase. I will probably be forced to shop elsewhere if this change is enforced!! I was also told by the cashier the other day that I couldn’t use the UPR I had earned in the same day but I had several that were older to use so it wasn’t an issue but I didn’t appreciate the way I was told!! She automatically assumed since I wanted separate transactions that I was going to do that when really I just wanted the 3 Pfizer items on the same receipt to mail in for a rebate. I don’t like to be treated negatively & hassled just because I use coupons! I will probably have to stop shopping @ RA due to the inconvenience of multiple trips when this is implemented. I will find someplace else who appreciates my business! What a shame!!!
Joanna Espinoza via Facebook says
Boo! Im just learning how to roll rewards. =(
Mary says
Where did you get this information from?? I’m guessing it did not come directly to you, but from another source :-)
Shannon says
LOL Mary, from Rite Aid :)
Gio says
Lately Rite Aid has been such a hassle, First the cashiers have become extremely rude, to the point that they snatch coupons out of my hand, they never say thank you or hello or anything nice for that matter. There scanning machines do not work properly and most of the coupons need to be entered manually even UPs don’t scan. I never used to shop at CVS before, but now my loyalty is totally with them. The cashiers are so pleasant, if an ECB doesn’t print, they will print it for you, as apposed to Rite Aid having to call CS and wait 4 weeks to get them. (last time I waited almost 2 months to get my UPs that didn’t print) This program will totally cause issues, will the register know how many UPs to use toward a purchase, will it go into one big UP pool, how about the expiration dates????? I guess we’ll have to see.
Bob says
It is easy to jump on the “I hate Riteaid” bandwagon and I am sure that I will be seeing tons of messages regarding these new policies. I always vote with my feet. After thinking about it, I do not see this as an unreasonable change.
I love get something “better than free” or “free” as much as the next person. It is great fun and it does save the family money. However, each time I see a posting that someone finds a loophole that allows them to get more than necessary (lets start with a six month supply) they feel like it is their right to clear the shelf. Then I see them rationalize it as they are giving most of the stuff away.
OK ….. What is twisted is they they are making it harder for the people who need to save and are willing to do it themselves. I love the fact that everyone is willing to share “a find” on this website. It makes it easier for us all.
Yes … If I do not have any +UP rewards in my wallet this will make the OOP more but with a little planning, that can be minimized. I do feel bad for those people who must drive 20 minutes to the store. I applaud Riteaid for two things: 1) Telling us about it. 2) Making the change in a test market first to see what the glitches will be.
OK …. I am off my high horse and I am going to score some free pads, Tilex and Revlon products. I managed to get the last $20 reward with less than $5 OOP. I am sure I can do it again …..
Sonja says
Initially I am not enthused about the possible changes coming. I want more details that it seems RA may have not thought out yet. But in fairness to them, they are a business and I am sure the whole point of +UP rewards was to get people to come back and spend more. As couponers, we were smart enough to figure out how to play the game, and make the most of our “rolling” dollars. Just like rebates and coupons themselves, companies are taking a bet that they will be forgotten, but they are a ploy to get consumers to buy. I can’t fault RA for adjusting it’s marketing strategies — that is just part of business. If they are not making the necessary profit margins because of the popularity of their programs, of course they are going to adjust so that they can stay in business. We as consumers get to vote by whether we shop at the merchant or not – that is our card to play. This will be very interesting to see how things pan out, that is for sure!
Jennifer Nicolosi Geraci via Facebook says
They will lose money in the end bc so many people don’t use the rewards and now everyone will with them on the card.
Janet says
Why are they forcing people to use their rewards! Some get them and just don’t care AND won’t notice even when it’s on their card!
RuE says
That is true.
But I read recently about a coupon fraud charge made against Walgreens. They billed a manufacturer for reimbursement for register rewards and it was the details of that claim that caused the fraud charge.
Anyway, the fact that Walgreen’s bill the manufacturer for the rewards made me wonder if that’s how UPRs work. If that’s the case, then RA doesn’t lose money.
Lydia says
Yes, that is the case Rue- they get reimbursed from the manufacturer.
Janet says
Yes, I read about the fraud charges against Walgreens. That happens because there is no card to control the issuance of register rewardss and it appears to be an “internal” problem with employees either theft or how they are dealing with deals and the lack of stock for them.
OneFamily says
I’m not sure I will like this either. I don’t usually try to do multiple transactions on same day, but how will it work with the +UP rewards on my card – will I be able to choose WHEN I want to use them? I have made purchases before that I did not use my UP reward on because I wanted to use it towards a different purchase. If the rewards just automatically deduct on my next purchase I won’t be too happy.
Jillian says
This sucks
rachel says
I am in a test market and will be passing o nthe moneymaker stayfree this week since it is only a dollar and I would have to spend 6 oop to make three on the deal and I don’t need pads. How long is the test market? I am in UTAH one of the highest couponed states and I am really disappointed. It is not worth the 18 minute drive if u can’t roll. U will need to invest like 40 and roll week to week to make it worth it. IDK what to do in a few weeks they have some good deals that are moneymakers and I can use the money on swiffer refills I need but whata pin. U have to have your card too!!! I am really bummed cause I always get my diapers here!
Katie Landry via Facebook says
I live 15 min (each way) from Rite aid some weeks I do 3 or 4 transactions in one stop because I don’t want to come back 4 days in a row. The money I would spend on gas would make the deal bad. I really hope people join together and stop shopping at rite aid for a few months. Maybe even one just to make our point!
Dianne Kruchensky via Facebook says
I hope those in the test market make some negative noise. Even though I never use mine the same day because it’s always a crapshoot if mine even print correctly. I have to take them home and check them, because once you remove one, you have no proof if one didn’t happen to print out. I was never into the multiple transactions anyway. I’ve had to wait in line while one lady did 3 of them.
Janet says
I do like to roll my rewards…BUT I try to just do one transaction and then move to the end of the line so as to not hold people up and do the next if needed.
Grace says
Boo Rite Aid!
I agree on liking having the paper UPS vs. on your card. I feel like I have that money in my hands.
Linda says
I have heard that CVS is doing the same thing I believe starting in February. The only thing that would make this better is if they made your UP Rewards into one big account with just a total of your balance that can be used as you need it. With all the individual rewards this is going to slow the check out process considerably if the cashier has to ask each customer “you have this $ reward available, do you want to use it, how about this $?”
Shannon says
Right now you can load your quarterly onto your card or you can have it printed at CVS.
Melissa Fosnaught says
It seems like every other week, I do not get an up-reward I expect. I do not know how this new system would work with errors like this. I don’t mind not using them until the next day, but it would be nice if they could give us longer to use them.
rosie says
our store doesn’t allow you to “roll” the +ups like some of you said. if you get a +up, you can’t use it the same day, period, verified by the store manager. so that aspect doesn’t matter to me. my questions are:
* how will you choose what +ups to use on your next order? this seems like a whole can of worms that they don’t want to open!
* how accurate will it be? things are constantly getting messed up with our store & the +ups. for example, we hit the 100 mark for the 20+up last month, verified with the store manager, but no reward would print, we had to get one hand written from the manager instead. how could they possibly handle these types of things with a new system, when they can’t even handle the one they have now? i would much rather have a paper in my hand that is money to me (to spend at rite aid anyway) than have it all in their hands to mess up!!
it’s not a good idea at all, in my opinion, but i have had so much trouble with them lately, that i’m just not sure it’s worth it. although, paying 2.10 for 2 gallons of milk is pretty awesome (20% discount for ?gold member? and 3+up from maybeline last week). there are good things and bad, we’ll just have to see ~
thanks for sharing this info!
Janet says
It’s sounding like I may have to cut out Rite Aid from my shopping stops! If the store had all that I needed and I could do a one stop trip it would be great but with 3 in my area I have to keep popping in to all to find what I’m looking for…getting to be alot of effort….
Nichole McKinnon via Facebook says
My RA wouldn’t let me roll today :( I still got paper UPR’s though they weren’t loaded on my card.
Jaime @ AlittleSaver says
I had a long talk with my local manger, I think she was under the assumption that “Seattle” meant Washington. She also, told me there will be a 24hr time period before +ups can be used, she could not answer me about continuing to use on same product. There are now Manu. Coupons you can load, and therefor, those coupons would be deducted first (if you have a $3/1 and you happen to have a $.55/1 loaded, it will use the smaller one first. :(
I don’t know if it is related, but they were not even able to print my ups, even after reringing 3x….
Hmmm I love rite aid, but am wondering about this move….
Carilyn Strawbridge via Facebook says
My RA told me the same thing about no longer being able to use UPR the same day!
Liz Creamer via Facebook says
I don’t like having to wait to roll my +UPs! So glad I’m not in the test market!!
Jen T says
I’ve stuck with Rite Aid through all the changes until now, but if this feature is forced on us then I don’t think I can shop Rite Aid anymore. It could be a nice feature for people who WANT to use it, but it would have to be an optional feature and not a new requirement of the program. For me, having and using the UP rewards is like having cash. I know exactly how many I have and it’s a physical thing in my hand. If you put it on a card then it becomes like a credit card/debit card, which I’m HORRIBLE with. I can tell you I let rewards expire all the time at K-mart and Toys R Us because I’m unaware of their existence or I forget I have them. I also don’t shop often at either place because the rewards aren’t an incentive for me – I accidentally let them expire over half the time, so what’s the point?
Heather says
It will be more money for RA if people forget to spend their UPRs. Out of sight, out of mind….Maybe it’s a financial strategy for them???
Kelly says
Ugh I will hate not being able to roll UP Rewards on the same day! I already have to go to our grocery stores several times a week just to work around their coupon policy and now it looks like I’ll have to do the same thing at Rite Aid if they follow through with this. Another thing is without having the actual UP Rewards in front of me I will have a hard time keeping track of when they expire.Hope these test markets fail and they keep UP Rewards the same lol!
Jessica S. says
This will not be good for “rolling” UPR or doing mulitple transactions in one trip since they can’t be used until the next morning. However, it will help cut down on the couponers who abuse the RA coupon policy by having multiple cards in their name (or borrowing friends, family’s, etc…), avoiding the UPR limit on deals by using the different cards, then use all the UPR from the different cards on one purchase (since UPR earned are technically supposed to be used only by the same card they were earned on). Cheating the system only hurts the system and makes more and more restrictions be put in place. If we want to keep on couponing for years to come, we need to act with integrity when using the coupons, otherwise Rite Aid and other stores will continue to have to put more and more restrictions in place. Good deals can still be had with integrity!
Jenn M says
According to the RA’s Facebook page you are allowed up to 4 Wellness cards per family, as long as each one belongs to a different family member. My 17 year old daughter has her own card. She is attending college and does shop for herself. Is that cheating the system?
Shannon says
Jenn,
Jessica did not say that was cheating. She indicated that people have multiple in their name and sign up under their friends and family and use it themselves. I don’t think she said anything about legitimate use by family members. The Rite Aid page does say you cannot have more than ONE in your own name. Lets keep this friendly here.
Jessica S. says
Jenn, I think that’s a wonderful idea for your daughter to have her own card! That is definitely not cheating the system, and your daughter is learning great frugality in her own life as she starts stepping out on her own. I have just known people personally, and read comments from people on various blogs who said to get around the limits, they register for cards under various phone numbers and register their friends, then use those cards themselves… I am all for every person having their own card! I just wouldn’t register my 2 yr. old for a card, or register for two separate cards for myself. Good deals aren’t worth compromising integrity! But that is really cool about your daughter! She should get her friends in on it, too!
Sandie says
My daughter has a card at RA also because she is 21 and sometimes is elsewhere and shops at RA, but her purchases count on with mine as far as limits are concerned because she has the same physical address as mine.
jo says
if this is the problem than they should just do it like cvs where the upr is tied into your card..plus not many deals at rite aide
Limerick says
I found out this morning… :(
An immediate upside would be the impossibility of losing the paper form of the +UPs, but the obvious and unfortunate downside is the loss of the ability to “roll” +UPs in multiple transactions on the same day.
I talked to the employees and they agreed that it was probably a bad idea and that they would lose customers, but I guess all we can do is call corporate and complain.
Why is Richmond always a test market anyway? We had to endure Walgreens’ bonus points program last year, and now this. Ugh.
Shannon says
One thing I really dislike – without a paper trail, I would forget about some UPR. Rite Aid isn’t like it used to be and I often have UPR expiring that I am not using for a deal and figure something out because of expiring – I sure would hate to lose more UPR because I forget they are there.
My other problem is – how we will we know we got it. Did they explain that ? Do you get a notice on your receipt?
Barb says
I agree…also, will we have to use all or can we choose to use only a portion of what is uploaded to our card. I can’t see how this will work.
ashley says
i am in richmond and did the stayfree deal this morning. it printed notifications on my receipt for each of the ups i earned. looks a lot like a regular UP but it says “UP+ reward: $2off has been loaded to your card from the purchase of stayfree good thru 2/19 ….”
the notification takes as much space as the UP so this system isn’t going to save any paper – just add hassle
ashley says
my receipt also says to go to load2cardnow.com to view and manage up rewards.
Amber Watts Lester via Facebook says
My local Rite Aid told a friend that you can no longer use a UPR the same day it prints, even if it prints on the receipt. I haven’t been impressed with RA lately.
Amanda Marie via Facebook says
I like it. It’s to cut down the multiple transactions that hold up lines!!!
Karren Talbert McIntire via Facebook says
They’ll lose business. That’s what I think. People are NOT gonna wanna come back over to the store the NEXT day to pick up the item AGAIN. They could also start re-thinking their purchases, etc.
Nicki Nguyen Lim via Facebook says
How frustrating. It takes a day to load so you can’t even use it towards other purchases same day. Argh
Leslie says
Bad news according to me – if it doesn’t load until the following morning, you can’t roll UPR with multiple transactions.
kelly says
I agree with you Leslie- Bad News and I hate the idea- I have just about stopped shopping a Rite Aid to begin with; if this goes through- Rite Aid will NEVER get my business again. They are going to make it so it will be easier just to buy it someplace else then to keep track of this other stuff and putting time restrictions on stuff.
Gina says
No more rolling rewards? No more business from me!
Sarah Bloedel via Facebook says
so annoyed..I’m in Seattle……