M & S vouchers

I have also been caught out with this one time use malarkey and I now only use it for something I know that I won't be returning. It is very annoying.

I've never worked out what the advantages are in having a Sparks card.

One advantage is that my sister bought some clothes in M&S and when they swiped her Advantage Card it came up as 'Your purchase is free'. The assistant said that they do that on rare occasions. My sister was thrilled as you can imagine.

Sparks Card I mean.

Kate1949

One advantage is that my sister bought some clothes in M&S and when they swiped her Advantage Card it came up as 'Your purchase is free'. The assistant said that they do that on rare occasions. My sister was thrilled as you can imagine.

It's never happened to me! They used to send vouchers with money off but no longer.
Even when I twigged on to the fact there were freebies (thanks to a Gransnet thread) and clicked for a free loaf of bread 😁 I got charged for it.

DH gets Sparks offers of treats, money off or discounts from Sparks. My main benefit because I use mine less is the donation to my chosen charity each time I use it. I rarely get a treat, and any discount or otherwise always comes from my occasional use of my M&S credit card. I just know if either of us ever get the 'Your purchase is free' bit it will be when we've nipped in for a single sandwich

DH pays for Premium club which is why we use his card most.

It's never happened to me either! My sister had bought underwear. She was wishing she'd bought a lot more stuff.

I’ve recently had 20% or 15% discounts for use with my Sparks card, across their whole range and not for single use only, useable for about 2 weeks. I don’t know what happens regarding exchanges outside the time when the discounts are valid, usually about 2 weeks. These discounts occur fairly frequently so, for me, the Sparks card is worth having.

An assistant told me if an item paid for with vouchers is returned customers should be offered a gift card for the voucher value even if it’s the one. time offer type. I’ve never dare try it and with clothing only use them for things I’m sure will fit.

cornergran

An assistant told me if an item paid for with vouchers is returned customers should be offered a gift card for the voucher value even if it’s the one. time offer type. I’ve never dare try it and with clothing only use them for things I’m sure will fit.

This is what happened for me. Had bought online with vouchers and had to return. Was given gift card in exchange, which is better as has two year use by date!

Callistemon, I agree completely. I had a sparks card and my inbox was crammed with emails inviting to take 'advantage ' of various offers - that I had no interest in! I eventually cancelled it and that was not an easy task . IMO the M&S Sparks card is a complete con , it was of no value whatsoever to me . I recognize others may have a more positive experience but for me it was a definite NO !

I'm happy with my Sparks card. I don't receive emails about offers etc. I just check my offers online each week.

I wasn’t aware of the issue the OP mentions but if I do an order using vouchers it’s usually for several items so I’ll still get the money off.

I think the card is quite good value. I bought a long line summer weight cardigan for £5 on Friday! I had a £15 voucher in the post plus an online Easter £5 voucher so only had to pay £5.

I’ve used the ‘loyalty’ vouchers (the ones you get for having spent £XYZ pounds in M&S), sometimes in combination with money off offers to buy cashmere jumpers. I know I’ve never paid full price for one and I have at least six now.

Along with the free coffees and money off foods, it’s worth us having the Premium Club.

Shelflife

Callistemon, I agree completely. I had a sparks card and my inbox was crammed with emails inviting to take 'advantage ' of various offers - that I had no interest in! I eventually cancelled it and that was not an easy task . IMO the M&S Sparks card is a complete con , it was of no value whatsoever to me . I recognize others may have a more positive experience but for me it was a definite NO !

I have a Sparks card with my email registered but don't get any emails
DH doesn't have one but receives emails 🤔

Shelflife

Callistemon, I agree completely. I had a sparks card and my inbox was crammed with emails inviting to take 'advantage ' of various offers - that I had no interest in! I eventually cancelled it and that was not an easy task . IMO the M&S Sparks card is a complete con , it was of no value whatsoever to me . I recognize others may have a more positive experience but for me it was a definite NO !

I agree too. The Sparks card has been a complete waste of time for me and I do a reasonable amount of shopping in M & S.

I did get refunded the price of the loaf next time I went in, flappergirl 😁

But, apart from that, I have not seen any advantages for years since they stopped sending out vouchers.