i got my HDX today. Got it at staples. They only had the 16g and 32g versions, but 32g was fine for me. It came with a $25 amazon gift card, so $404. i had $40 in rewards, so $364. I wanted to use gift cards to effect a 20% discount, but the manager was not particularly cooperative. I ended up using four $50 gift certificates and a $25 gift card. All of that cost me $180. Plus $164 on my discover card for $344 out of pocket. I get 5% staples rewards on everything except the rewards, so $19.45 back. All considered, $325 for a 32g 8.9" Kindle Fire HDX. I'm OK with that, but concerned about my relationship with staples going forward...
The newly enforced rule is five gift cards per order. I usually take all my discover cash back as staples gift cards to enjoy a 20% discount on their best prices. I'm premier member, so I have six months to spend rewards and I alwarys recycle 20 carts, so my rewards is always at least $240. Add five gift cards to this and I can spend $365 at the maximum discount. I can increase that to $490 if I leverage the online gift card purchases, I can go $240 + $250 or $590.
I have $318 in cash back, which would be worth $380 in staples gift cards, but I need to look at other options since I already have $325 in staples gift cards.
Another change that has impacted my behavior is their ink promotions. I used to buy ink when they offered the recycling bonuses. This resulted in the accumulation of ink. Now, the promotions are less attractive and I have to spend $30 every 180 days, so I only buy what I need when I need it and wait as long as possible to make the purchase. Last time I bought ink was $33.99 on 8/26/13. Six months from that would be 2/26/14, but I will recycle on 2/25 and delay my ink purchase until march.
I'm not sure these changes are good for Staples. I know they are not good for me.
Potential suitors for cash back...
LL Bean: 20/25, 40/50
Old Navy: 20/25, 40/50
Crutchfield: 20/25, 40/50
Bed Bath & Beyond: 20/25, 40/50
Or I may switch to a different rewards card. Recommendations welcome. We're planning to fly to Orlando in two years for some Disney.
Edited by len_mullen, Dec 19, 2013 - 1:40 am.