Dec 11th, 2008
Falling For it: American Express and WalMart Get me to Spend More
In the midst of holiday shopping, I came across this American Express and WalMart offer: register online, spend $40 in two different purchases at WalMart, get a $20 credit. Sound easy?
I found it a lot more difficult than expected, even in the holiday season.
I went in knowing that I wanted to purchase a $15 iTunes gift card and some coffee (about $4). That would leave $21. It was a very tough $21 to spend; I ended up with some CD/DVD sleeves, Atkins breakfast bars, an oil filter, and some Dove chocolate. Yes, all of these things will be used and yes, they were about the best price I would get, but I thought it would be so much easier to do.
For my next $40 purchase, I think I’ll get two gift cards: one for $15 and one for $25. That ought to be easier, and I know I can use them for gifts or on myself.
