I have a confession. I am so sick of email. If you're anything like me, your inbox is flooded with daily deals. While I'm not opposed to saving a buck, I am numb to the multiple offers. I rarely even look at them anymore.
Recently I had the opportunity to try a new type of discount shopping that is a little different than the daily deal type presented by Groupon, Juice in the City, Plum District, etc., that you may be familiar with.
It's called the Marqeta card. Marqeta partners with local merchants to reward consumers additional dollars for committing to spend a specific dollar amount at the business.
For example, one of my favorite pizza places, Pizza Schmizza, right now is offering an additional $10.00 if I agree to spend $40.00 up front. The money I commit never expires, but I have 2 months to use the additional dollars. My family of 5 will burn through $50.00 of pizza pretty easily. Since this is a business I go to anyway, this makes using the Marqeta card a no brainer.
I have only used the Marqeta card once and I have to let you all know it didn't go as smoothly as described in the pretty literature.....
I was the lady with the rejected Marqeta card at the register.
It was kind of like the time I was at the discount grocery store and forgot my wallet after I had bagged my own groceries.
Apparently Finnegan's Village Toys, where Craig and I had gone shopping, had switched their card processing system the day before and were not online with Marqeta yet. It was a little embarrassing, but I was willing to take one for the team in the name of research. I'm sure the problem has been worked out now.
Craig and I still considered the day a win. We had a great time at the coolest toy store in the Portland metro area and even found a portrait of Craig's long lost twin brother.
Here is a quick summary of my thoughts on the Marqeta card:
PROS
- You don't have to carry a coupon - LOVE that.
- I haven't been flooded with a ton of email. (I suppose this could change when they add more merchants, but hopefully you will have ability to change settings)
- You have more control over what you want to purchase.
- It is tied to your debit/credit card, so you can go over the amount of the offer when you are at the business without hassle.
- No credit check.
- Committed dollars don't expire
- Can transfer committed dollars to other offers at no charge
CONS
- It's relatively new so they're still working a few kinks out. Remember I was the lady with the rejected card at the register.
- There aren't a ton of merchants yet.
- One more thing to keep track of.
Also, Marqeta will be loading two lucky Portland area cards with $1000.00 to spend at Marqeta merchants with their "Strike Gold With Marqeta" promotion. Be sure and check it out.
Disclosure: Marqeta funded my card with $100.00 to try it out at Finnegan's Village Toys. Even though Hank believes his Dick is magic, the real $100.00 was welcome to supply toys under our Christmas tree.
What a cool idea, so this is only in Portland?
Posted by: Jessica | 12/16/2011 at 03:56 AM
I know. I'm so tired of all of the shopping emails too. Why did I think it was a good idea to give so many places my email?
Posted by: Missy | 12/16/2011 at 07:38 AM
I like that. I never carry coupons, not ever. I've been known to go home and print out a Michael's coupon and then go back to the store.
Posted by: Kristin @ Peace, Love and Muesl | 12/16/2011 at 09:45 AM
Good for you! An extra $100 at Christmas is pretty nice!
Posted by: Eva Gallant | 12/16/2011 at 01:05 PM
I am down with paper coupons, and up with convenient technology! Plus, I really don't think the whole Groupon phenomenon is sustainable, because it is so hard on many merchants. I am hopeful that Marqeta will get all the kinks worked out quickly. I used my own money and put $50 towards Finnegan's, then I added another $5 for free w/my TriMet ticket, and it all worked just fine. $50 committed, $65 to spend. :)
Posted by: @kristalswan | 12/16/2011 at 08:14 PM
Oh, sweet Hank.
May he always believe his Dick is magic; may he always feel like he's struck gold.
And God bless us, everyone!
(Sorry, *Tiny* Tim.)
Posted by: julie gardner | 12/17/2011 at 04:31 PM
Oh pizza...
I haven't had pizza in months.
I love this idea. Really. i know that you put that 100 bucks to good use on buying me something really nice.
What?
Posted by: Kimberly | 12/18/2011 at 11:18 AM
What a good idea! too bad I don't live near ANYTHING so its useless.
Posted by: Audrey | 12/20/2011 at 07:25 AM
They will be adding more merchants, but so far it appears they are only in the Portland and San Francisco markets. I really do hope it catches on because I like the idea of saving money at places I would go to anyway.
Posted by: Poppy | 12/21/2011 at 07:13 PM