Shop Your Way Rewards - Free and Bonus points thread

[Hexen]

Welcome. Yes, I think the 'island' stores are some of their most profitable. I know the Guam Kmart is probably the most profitable single location in the whole company.

@garaje We now have confirmation that the 'island' stores (Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands, and Guam) are all going to be among the last stores kept open.

 

[garaje]

Thanks! I've counted 31 stores in Puerto Rico (including the Naranjito Hometown, feeling the rest are either regular Sears or Kmart), 4 in the US / Danish Virgin Islands and the Guam Kmart.

I've just counted 3 stores in my hometown, so it feels the Hometown location (in the part of the city where I live) is NOT on the list, as probably most of PR's Hometown locations (strange, as I felt those would even survive the regular stores for a few more months).

For any Spanish-speaker out there: (para los Hispanoparlantes en la audiencia, en "recuadros"

[El link provisto incluye todas las tiendas de Sears Brands que NO aparecen en ninguna lista de cierres y que al menos tienen garantizado no comenzar con trámites de liquidación por cierre al menos hasta 15 Diciembre 2018. No se especifica si son Sears, Kmart o Sears Hometown (están identificadas por el número de tienda dentro de la red), pero detecté una que hay una Sears Hometown, en Naranjito. En total aparecen 31 tiendas en Puerto Rico, 4 en Islas Vírgenes y 1 Kmart en Guam. Espero que esto les ayude en su búsqueda de "gangas" en cualquiera de estas tiendas. Si alguien quiere comentar en Español sientanse en confianza de hacerlo aquí qué les responderé en la medida posible...]

 

[Doohickey]

And the Wild Wednesdays continue...

G3tUr$$

 

[XJPat]

Thank you Hexen for posting these lists.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[Doohickey]

Thanks! I've counted 31 stores in Puerto Rico (including the Naranjito Hometown, feeling the rest are either regular Sears or Kmart), 4 in the US / Danish Virgin Islands and the Guam Kmart.

I've just counted 3 stores in my hometown, so it feels the Hometown location (in the part of the city where I live) is NOT on the list, as probably most of PR's Hometown locations (strange, as I felt those would even survive the regular stores for a few more months).

-------------

I haven't seen any news about Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores going into bankruptcy, but their stock did take a hit after the bankruptcy news about their former parent company.

A long time ago, a Hometown store owner told me that SHOS was setting up their own contracts with vendors. I would not be surprised if they are already prepared to replace Kenmore appliances on the floor with an increase of the other brands. They already have a selection of SBD power tools (DeWalt and Porter Cable), so I wonder if it's possible for the SBD version of Craftsman to eventually make its way into Hometown stores. Then again, one Hometown store decided to get rid of their tool section a couple years ago, because the owner didn't feel it was profitable.

 

[Hexen]

Thanks! I've counted 31 stores in Puerto Rico (including the Naranjito Hometown, feeling the rest are either regular Sears or Kmart), 4 in the US / Danish Virgin Islands and the Guam Kmart.

I've just counted 3 stores in my hometown, so it feels the Hometown location (in the part of the city where I live) is NOT on the list, as probably most of PR's Hometown locations (strange, as I felt those would even survive the regular stores for a few more months).

For any Spanish-speaker out there: (para los Hispanoparlantes en la audiencia, en "recuadros"

[El link provisto incluye todas las tiendas de Sears Brands que NO aparecen en ninguna lista de cierres y que al menos tienen garantizado no comenzar con trámites de liquidación por cierre al menos hasta 15 Diciembre 2018. No se especifica si son Sears, Kmart o Sears Hometown (están identificadas por el número de tienda dentro de la red), pero detecté una que hay una Sears Hometown, en Naranjito. En total aparecen 31 tiendas en Puerto Rico, 4 en Islas Vírgenes y 1 Kmart en Guam. Espero que esto les ayude en su búsqueda de "gangas" en cualquiera de estas tiendas. Si alguien quiere comentar en Español sientanse en confianza de hacerlo aquí qué les responderé en la medida posible.

Sears Hometown locations are franchises, individually-owned by local entrepreneurs. The franchising company Sears Hometown & Outlet Stores split off from the main Sears corporation in 2012. The lists I've been posting (this week and throughout this year) are only about corporate Sears locations, not Hometowns, so that's why none of your Hometown stores are on it. Although some Hometown locations have been closing due to their own difficulties, they are too hard to keep track of, since big lists never get released for those closings.

 

[thertel]

Well a little bit of fun times with SYW support today on a cancelled order and my points. Instead of just returning my points, she somehow managed to apply a spend $75 get $75 offer to my account 2 extra times. So I got $75 just now, $75 pending on 10/20 and another $75 on 11/20. Overall it sure takes the sting off most likely losing installment points next year. I'm gonna try any place a knipex order and see if they cancel it this time.

 

[Hexen]

Well a little bit of fun times with SYW support today on a cancelled order and my points. Instead of just returning my points, she somehow managed to apply a spend $75 get $75 offer to my account 2 extra times. So I got $75 just now, $75 pending on 10/20 and another $75 on 11/20. Overall it sure takes the sting off most likely losing installment points next year. I'm gonna try any place a knipex order and see if they cancel it this time.

Very nice! I got a $75 off $75 around this time last year as a 'sorry you got hit by a hurricane' gift. Maybe she hooked you up with the Michael special.

I won the $2 game this morning, at least.

 

[2manytools]

Well a little bit of fun times with SYW support today on a cancelled order and my points. Instead of just returning my points, she somehow managed to apply a spend $75 get $75 offer to my account 2 extra times. So I got $75 just now, $75 pending on 10/20 and another $75 on 11/20. Overall it sure takes the sting off most likely losing installment points next year. I'm gonna try any place a knipex order and see if they cancel it this time.

All Knipex items I clicked on today said unavailable.

I haven't seen any news about Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores going into bankruptcy, but their stock did take a hit after the bankruptcy news about their former parent company.

A long time ago, a Hometown store owner told me that SHOS was setting up their own contracts with vendors. I would not be surprised if they are already prepared to replace Kenmore appliances on the floor with an increase of the other brands. They already have a selection of SBD power tools (DeWalt and Porter Cable), so I wonder if it's possible for the SBD version of Craftsman to eventually make its way into Hometown stores. Then again, one Hometown store decided to get rid of their tool section a couple years ago, because the owner didn't feel it was profitable.

The Hometown store I stopped in today had a white erase board at the front stating they were "not declaring bankruptcy."

 

[7avalon7]

All Knipex items I clicked on today said unavailable.

Yep same here. Hopefully they will return to available, but it will not surprise me if they will not be available along with other brands. I do notice some brands like Gearwrench is still showing available. Not sure if that really means available, or they will just cancel it once you place your order.

This is one example:
https://www.sears.com/gearwrench-serpent-be/p-00905089000P

 

[Whoismiked]

I do notice some brands like Gearwrench is still showing available. Not sure if that really means available, or they will just cancel it once you place your order.

I ordered a Knipex item the other day with my points, it was canceled, so I placed a new order this time for a gearwrench item and it shipped yesterday so it seems that they are not canceling gearwrench (at least for what I ordered).

 

[Zippercat]

No schedule changes Wed.

Thursday expected game schedule:
8-11am CT $2 bonus in app
1-3pm CT $3 bonus in app
2-3pm CT $2 WW Xtra
4-5:30pm CT $2 bonus in app
4-5pm CT $5 WW Xtra
7-8pm CT $3 WW Xtra
7-9pm CT $5 bonus in app

Presume this is correct.

 

[7avalon7]

I ordered a Knipex item the other day with my points, it was canceled, so I placed a new order this time for a gearwrench item and it shipped yesterday so it seems that they are not canceling gearwrench (at least for what I ordered).

Thanks! So there is hope some things are available

 

[surgeofprotection]

I ordered a Knipex item the other day with my points, it was canceled, so I placed a new order this time for a gearwrench item and it shipped yesterday so it seems that they are not canceling gearwrench (at least for what I ordered).

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Gearwrench generally are shipped from Sears warehouse/stores while most Knipex are shipped from an authorized seller like directly from Knipex. There are still a couple Knipex left on the website which some Sears stores/warehouses have available and can be shipped. Some vendors pulled out, but looked like some came back in. Perhaps, Knipex might too.

 

[Whoismiked]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but Gearwrench generally are shipped from Sears warehouse/stores while most Knipex are shipped from an authorized seller like directly from Knipex. There are still a couple Knipex left on the website which some Sears stores/warehouses have available and can be shipped. Some vendors pulled out, but looked like some came back in. Perhaps, Knipex might too.

I thought the same thing since the gearwrench item I was interested in stated "sold by sears", but once I ordered, it showed "fulfilled by Sears Authorized Supplier" which is the same thing the Knipex item I ordered said, so I thought that it might get canceled too, but it didn't.

 

[Hexen]

Presume this is correct.

Yeah, sorry, got ******* with other stuff last night. It is unchanged from last week.

 

[Hexen]

I thought the same thing since the gearwrench item I was interested in stated "sold by sears", but once I ordered, it showed "fulfilled by Sears Authorized Supplier" which is the same thing the Knipex item I ordered said, so I thought that it might get canceled too, but it didn't.

Yeah, it all depends on the specific vendor on "Sears Authorized Supplier" orders. Some vendors have put their product listings into unavailable status, some still appear as available but any orders for them will be cancelled, some have remained truly-available throughout this time, and others were holding or cancelling orders for a few days but have started letting orders go through again now. If you want to be sure of what the situation is before placing an order, you should call the vendor directly, as people were talking about earlier this week in the Sears thread.


Here's today's schedule again.

Thursday expected game schedule:
8-11am CT $2 bonus in app
1-3pm CT $3 bonus in app
2-3pm CT $2 WW Xtra
4-5:30pm CT $2 bonus in app
4-5pm CT $5 WW Xtra
7-8pm CT $3 WW Xtra
7-9pm CT $5 bonus in app

 

[Zippercat]

Yeah, sorry, got ******* with other stuff last night. It is unchanged from last week.

Yeah, you should apologize! You keep up this sloppy work and we're going to have to cut your pay for this work you do as a volunteer virtually every single day to benefit the rest of us.......um....errrr......Never Mind!

 

[Hexen]

Yeah, you should apologize! You keep up this sloppy work and we're going to have to cut your pay for this work you do as a volunteer virtually every single day to benefit the rest of us.......um....errrr......Never Mind!

 

[Doohickey]

I thought the same thing since the gearwrench item I was interested in stated "sold by sears", but once I ordered, it showed "fulfilled by Sears Authorized Supplier" which is the same thing the Knipex item I ordered said, so I thought that it might get canceled too, but it didn't.

Apex Tool Group (i.e. GearWrench) probably has the biggest Sears Holdings contract for manufacturing Craftsman tools.

If you see something bad in the news about their relationship with Sears, then that's when you have to worry about your GearWrench orders.

 

[garaje]

OK, friends! Have any of you have had any notification of YOUR ACCOUNT IS BLOCKED on Sweeps and/or Xtra (whether on the app or the web page)?

It occured to me after 13:00 CDT (14:00 in the Island) and told me to call the Customer Service # (1-800-991-8708) or send an email (and make it LOST ON THE CLOUD? No, thank you...). Called after 16:00 CDT and they (talked w/a Spanish-language speaker to make sure "not to go the Indian route" ) told me NOT TO WORRY that it was an UPDATE on the software and should be back by tomorrow Friday (supposedly NO MORE GAMES FOR TONIGHT ).

Hope that DOESN'T GET CONTAGIOUS ...

PS: It does seem NOT TO AFFECT BONUS GAMES, as I was able to try for the 16:00 BONUS SPIN (swung and missed...), but probably would affect the ones on Xtra...

 

[upgrading]

I won 5000 points on the VIP Points for Treats! Sweepstakes game today.

 

[7avalon7]

OK, friends! Have any of you have had any notification of YOUR ACCOUNT IS BLOCKED on Sweeps and/or Xtra (whether on the app or the web page)?

It occured to me after 13:00 CDT (14:00 in the Island) and told me to call the Customer Service # (1-800-991-8708) or send an email (and make it LOST ON THE CLOUD? No, thank you...). Called after 16:00 CDT and they (talked w/a Spanish-language speaker to make sure "not to go the Indian route" ) told me NOT TO WORRY that it was an UPDATE on the software and should be back by tomorrow Friday (supposedly NO MORE GAMES FOR TONIGHT ).

Hope that DOESN'T GET CONTAGIOUS ...

PS: It does seem NOT TO AFFECT BONUS GAMES, as I was able to try for the 16:00 BONUS SPIN (swung and missed...), but probably would affect the ones on Xtra...

Mine and my wife's are working fine today. Usually accounts are blocked due to multiple account that belong to single person. Lots of discussion about that on Slickdeals.

I am not sure I am buying updated software story. If it really is, it should impact everyone.

 

[btoonsis]

Mine and my wife's are working fine today. Usually accounts are blocked due to multiple account that belong to single person. Lots of discussion about that on Slickdeals.

I am not sure I am buying updated software story. If it really is, it should impact everyone.

This.

Go to SD... and read up on it. I've never been blocked so I haven't paid too much attention... but I do recall people saying they couldn't buy online... but could use their points in-store.

 

[Hexen]

Apex Tool Group (i.e. GearWrench) probably has the biggest Sears Holdings contract for manufacturing Craftsman tools.

If you see something bad in the news about their relationship with Sears, then that's when you have to worry about your GearWrench orders.

Oh, I forgot Apex makes GearWrench stuff too... Apex is among the top companies Sears owes money to, $6.6 million , but it sounds like they haven't cut off shipments unlike some smaller vendors (and Apex might be among those more likely to get paid on the pre-bankruptcy bills as a 'critical vendor').

 

[garaje]

In MY case I've NEVER made more than A SINGLE SYWR ACCOUNT, EVER! So I SHOULD KNOW it's NOT that issue...

Let's see if they really DEBLOCK the account on Friday... Meanwhile I'm sitting on ~ U$18.50 in points gotten in the last 5-6 days, all for games and wanting to unload most of them tomorrow in a B&M...

 

[Hexen]

In MY case I've NEVER made more than A SINGLE SYWR ACCOUNT, EVER! So I SHOULD KNOW it's NOT that issue...

Let's see if they really DEBLOCK the account on Friday... Meanwhile I'm sitting on ~ U$18.50 in points gotten in the last 5-6 days, all for games and wanting to unload most of them tomorrow in a B&M...

They have apparently been blocking quite a few people lately... If you've been following the rules and got included in it by mistake, they will probably unblock you like they said. They did that to me and a bunch of other legit people several months ago, and we were all unblocked in a couple days.

 

[Hexen]

No schedule changes Thu.

Friday expected game schedule:
11am-12pm CT $3 bonus in app
2-3pm CT $2 WW Xtra
3-4:30pm CT $4 bonus in app
6:30-9pm CT $5 bonus in app
7-8pm CT $5 WW Xtra

 

[7avalon7]

In MY case I've NEVER made more than A SINGLE SYWR ACCOUNT, EVER! So I SHOULD KNOW it's NOT that issue...

Let's see if they really DEBLOCK the account on Friday... Meanwhile I'm sitting on ~ U$18.50 in points gotten in the last 5-6 days, all for games and wanting to unload most of them tomorrow in a B&M...

Dude someone at SD said that SYW is closing PR accounts. Not sure how reliable the info is, but maybe that is why...

https://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=120813319&postcount=35149

They did said that SYW will keep going for now, but did not say until when exactly...we all may not have much time. Not trying to sound paranoid here, but that maybe the reality...

 

[thertel]

Dude someone at SD said that SYW is closing PR accounts. Not sure how reliable the info is, but maybe that is why...

https://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=120813319&postcount=35149

They did said that SYW will keep going for now, but did not say until when exactly...

Did they get kicked out of the USA or did they vote not to stay? Either that or someone at SHC read the terms and conditions and noticed it said "Contiguous United States" and decided to save some money on SYW redemptions.

 

[Hexen]

New Xtra codes:
This week's FANtasy Friday = K!CKOFF
Learn About Earnin = l3arnEarnin
Fall Fest = Th1sFall

 

[Hexen]

Did they get kicked out of the USA or did they vote not to stay? Either that or someone at SHC read the terms and conditions and noticed it said "Contiguous United States" and decided to save some money on SYW redemptions.

If they have suddenly decided to stop allowing Puerto Rico accounts, presumably it's motivated by wanting to keep more of that extra island profit margin Garaje was talking about, so I wonder if they're kicking out Guam and Virgin Islands people too. (And maybe even Hawaii?) Very unfortunate/unfair... they should've at least given the affected people some advance warning with an apologetic email.

 

[7avalon7]

Did they get kicked out of the USA or did they vote not to stay? Either that or someone at SHC read the terms and conditions and noticed it said "Contiguous United States" and decided to save some money on SYW redemptions.

https://www.shopyourway.com/help/policies/about-shop-your-way

I do not read all of the terms and conditions, but it does say "These Membership Terms are subject to periodic changes that Company may make in its sole discretion."

I read it as they can do whatever whenever, including closing the program. Pretty much all similar reward/points program has this type of standard language.

If they have suddenly decided to stop allowing Puerto Rico accounts, presumably it's motivated by wanting to keep more of that extra island profit margin Garaje was talking about, so I wonder if they're kicking out Guam and Virgin Islands people too. (And maybe even Hawaii?) Very unfortunate/unfair... they should've at least given the affected people some advance warning with an apologetic email.

That make sense @Hexen. Yes I agree if that is the case, it is very unfair, but the ship is sinking at pretty fast rate. In their defense, they are trying to survive, and not thinking how to keep people happy.

 

[Doohickey]

Dude someone at SD said that SYW is closing PR accounts. Not sure how reliable the info is, but maybe that is why...

https://slickdeals.net/forums/showpost.php?p=120813319&postcount=35149

They did said that SYW will keep going for now, but did not say until when exactly...we all may not have much time. Not trying to sound paranoid here, but that maybe the reality...

If they have suddenly decided to stop allowing Puerto Rico accounts, presumably it's motivated by wanting to keep more of that extra island profit margin Garaje was talking about, so I wonder if they're kicking out Guam and Virgin Islands people too. (And maybe even Hawaii?) Very unfortunate/unfair... they should've at least given the affected people some advance warning with an apologetic email.

Puerto Rico residents not being allowed to play sweeps isn't something new.

"(i) legal residents of the fifty (50) United States and the District of Columbia at the time of play"

"(i) legal residents of the fifty (50) United States (excluding Rhode Island residents) and the District of Columbia at the time of play"

I remember someone on another forum complaining about SYW not honoring the grand prize they had won, and blocking their account. After some discussion, it turned out the person was living in Puerto Rico.

 

[garaje]

I have just called again SYWR Customer Service (this time in English) and the rep told me that "they don't handle trouble with the games, only the points", that only could be handled through an email to the webpage!" (since when Sears is a "fly-by-night" company? Did Eddie The Vulture has make them THAT BAD?)

I KNOW THEY'RE GIVING ME THE RUNAROUND!!!

No wonder they're going bankrupt.. (they don't even know what proper Customer Service is all about)

 

[thertel]

I have just called again SYWR Customer Service (this time in English) and the rep told me that "they don't handle trouble with the games, only the points", that only could be handled through an email to the webpage!" (since when Sears is a "fly-by-night" company? Did Eddie The Vulture has make them THAT BAD?)

I KNOW THEY'RE GIVING ME THE RUNAROUND!!!

No wonder they're going bankrupt.. (they don't even know what proper Customer Service is all about)

We're all on borrowed time regarding the SYW points scheme, your time just came earlier than others. Try not to let a failing companies death throes get under your skin. Consider that you've had a good ride, gotten free items, and got some deals. I've been playing about 4 years now, and I've easily redeemed $4-6k in points between freecash, and points offers. I've had a few big wins over the years, an $800 sweeps prize, and got a OTC Ball Joint set on a WinIt spin. It's been fun, it's been profitable, and best of all it actually led me to this forum from SD.

 

[7avalon7]

We're all on borrowed time regarding the SYW points scheme, your time just came earlier than others. Try not to let a failing companies death throes get under your skin. Consider that you've had a good ride, gotten free items, and got some deals. I've been playing about 4 years now, and I've easily redeemed $4-6k in points between freecash, and points offers. I've had a few big wins over the years, an $800 sweeps prize, and got a OTC Ball Joint set on a WinIt spin. It's been fun, it's been profitable, and best of all it actually led me to this forum from SD.

Amen! Added bolding ^ for emphasis.

When I started playing SYW, I have two ratchets (3/8 and 1/2), a few sockets and wrenches of random size. I think I have a cheap hammer from dollar store. That is all I have in my garage. I knew I needed to add some tools as I enjoy tinkering on my cars and do some work at home. I currently do not have as many tools as some of you have, but my collections has grown considerably thanks to SYW and advice from members here. Agree that it has been fun and profitable. I never win a big price, but same as @thertel I have easily redeemed a few thousand worth of tools + other stuffs at both Kmart and Sears. If this stops today, I will be sad but grateful of the opportunities here.

The best thing is for me, there is no way my wife would let me buy all of my tools if I have to spend money on them

 

[Doohickey]

I have just called again SYWR Customer Service (this time in English) and the rep told me that "they don't handle trouble with the games, only the points", that only could be handled through an email to the webpage!" (since when Sears is a "fly-by-night" company? Did Eddie The Vulture has make them THAT BAD?)

I KNOW THEY'RE GIVING ME THE RUNAROUND!!!

No wonder they're going bankrupt.. (they don't even know what proper Customer Service is all about)

Uhmmm...do you live in Puerto Rico or not?

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7484115&postcount=3158

 

[garaje]

Yes, I do! And the software didn't block me, except for most Sweeps (there were 1-2 that I was eligible to) and for physical, non-point prizes. I understood that I qualified only for point-based prizes, especially those of $5 or less. Still today I can enter any bonus games that aren't on Xtra, which are up to 4 a day.

Even with the opening of a couple of Sweeps to us, the Techs (since Sears won't get involved with them) would simply do a BLANK STATEMENT that I wouldn't be allowed for being in PR, which was the response I got today at my query.

I've already redeemed today almost all of my SWYR account for about $16. If I don't get any more from them I'll add SYWR to Rewards TV, Inbox Dollars and e-Rewards as companies that suddenly kicked me out without any recourse for the participant.

Moral: REDEEM THOSE POINTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SINCE YOU CAN'T TRUST THEM and THEY WILL KICK YOU OUT FOR ANY REASON and WITHOUT ANY RECOURSE.

BTW, I've checked recent SD posts on SYWR and I can see SHLD CANCELLING SYWR BY 31 DECEMBER, 2018 as they surveyed participants last summer on this. So the program may not last much more than I did, which makes you think...

 

[2manytools]

Yes, I do! And the software didn't block me, except for most Sweeps (there were 1-2 that I was eligible to) and for physical, non-point prizes. I understood that I qualified only for point-based prizes, especially those of $5 or less. Still today I can enter any bonus games that aren't on Xtra, which are up to 4 a day.

Even with the opening of a couple of Sweeps to us, the Techs (since Sears won't get involved with them) would simply do a BLANK STATEMENT that I wouldn't be allowed for being in PR, which was the response I got today at my query.

I've already redeemed today almost all of my SWYR account for about $16. If I don't get any more from them I'll add SYWR to Rewards TV, Inbox Dollars and e-Rewards as companies that suddenly kicked me out without any recourse for the participant.

Moral: REDEEM THOSE POINTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE SINCE YOU CAN'T TRUST THEM and THEY WILL KICK YOU OUT FOR ANY REASON and WITHOUT ANY RECOURSE.

BTW, I've checked recent SD posts on SYWR and I can see SHLD CANCELLING SYWR BY 31 DECEMBER, 2018 as they surveyed participants last summer on this. So the program may not last much more than I did, which makes you think...

We know we are on a short life-span with SYW, but you however, sound to have been on borrowed time if they were supposed to be limited it to the 50 states. Sorry if the companies treat you otherwise, but not all 50 states get equal treatment for different things. Shipping/sales are often excluded from Hawaii & Alaska, dairy coupons are excluded in New Jersey, MI has a 10c deposit on carbonated drinks.