Using Gymbucks Part 3: The Madness

Many people get frustrated with Gymbucks. Even those who have a clear understanding of the rules can get frustrated under pressure. For example, to optimize the value of Gymbucks it is important to in as close to $50 increments as possible. So, what to do if you come up 79 Cents short? Or, you are $12 over?

Rule #1: Be willing to walk away. Not all good deals are worth it jumping into. Maintain an objective point of view and don’t succumb to the momentary pressure of that little green and blue coupon.

Here are some tips to help you avoid caving in to Gymbucks:

1. Earn only what you know you will easily spend.

The absolutely most frustrating scenario is not finding enough items to buy when it comes time to spend Gymbucks. Keep this in mind as you are earning Gymbucks. Don’t shoot for purchasing $100 or $150 in merchandise to earn 2-3 Gymbucks unless you see a lot of new inventory and/or early sale inventory (e.g. 20% – 40% off) that you like. These are the items that will be on sale when it comes time to spend your Gymbucks.

If you aren’t inspired by the current lines, don’t bother earning the Gymbucks. It’s o.k. to skip – they will come around again!

2. Know your sizes.

It’s very important to know how Gymboree sizing fits your kids — especially when spending Gymbucks. Remember, you cannot return items and you can only exchange an item for size or you will lost your Gymbucks discount. And, there is a high probability, the size you need on an exchange won’t be available.

I handle this risk by sticking with the basics that I know will work. I don’t buy shoes (too risky). I also don’t venture into new styles or anything that is too form-fitting. And, when in doubt, I buy a size up vs. risking something being too small.

3. Plan your purchase in advance

This is the best reason to shop on-line. It’s much more manageable to take your time and fill, empty, and re-fill your cart than it is to wander through the store with items in hand. Your on-line cart will automatically track your total. In the store, you have to either be good at adding and keeping track in your head, or you have to fumble around with a calculator (or you risk getting to the checkout counter and being a few agonzing pennies short).

However, shopping in a store will save you about another 5% (considering Shipping Costs). If you choose to shop in the store, try to do it on your own — without children and without your husband or significant other. It’s stressful enough trying to put together a purchase that optimizes your Gymbucks without having impatient bystanders waiting for you.

4. Consider selling or giving away your Gymbucks

If you can’t find anything to buy, let someone else benefit from the Gymbuck. The surest way to waste a Gymbuck is to spend it on things you don’t like. Wait until next time.

People are usually willing to spend about $10-$12 on an in-tact Gymbuck (because they will save $25). Or better yet, you can give it away to someone in need. Not only will this feel really good, the universe will pay you back in some way — certainly at a value more than $25.

Lastly (again)…have fun! Don’t stress about Gymbucks. Make it a game — a game you intend to win. Know the rules, have a strategy and plan that you can stick to, and enjoy the rewards!

For more winning Gymbucks tips, see my previous posts on this topic:

Using Gymbucks Part 1: The Rules
Using Gymbucks Part 2: The Strategy

And, stay tuned to this blog. Watch for my last article in this series “Using Gymbucks Part 4: The Rewards”. I’ll walk you through an example demonstrating the real benefits of Gymbucks.

Additionally, each earnings and redemption period, I’ll help you leverage the upcoming sale opportunities and coupon opportunities to get the most for your Gymbucks.

— Suzanne Rielle, Co-Founder, Loobalee.com