For me, yes. Everyone knows I am frugal but even I won’t jump through this many hoops for so little return.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/
From: hohoho…@…com
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2013 12:44 PM
To: vpF…@…com
Subject: [SPAM][vpFREE] Fuel Savings?
Does anyone understand the Caesars Fuel Savings thing? They keep sending me emails. Is it more trouble than it is worth?
Jean, I guess I can grasp where you’re coming from … but, on the other hand, I’m confused about your reference to “hoops”.
Once you’ve signed up for the card and linked it to your TR account, the credits are automatic. So, as I see it, the only “hoop” involved is occasionally taking your car to a Shell station and activating the discount by first inserting your Fuel Rewards card before filling.
FWIW, here’s how I optimize use of the credits:
You can utilize a maximum of $.50/gal in credits (accumulated over multiple day’s play) toward a single fill. Credits can be banked to any amount, but earned credits must be use by the end of the month subsequent to the one in which they were earned.
So I tend to wait until my Fuel Rewards balance is at $.50 (or higher) to hit a Shell and fuel up with my Rewards card. You get $.10/gal per CZR visit in which you accumulate at least 500 tier credits.
(I find that if I play over midnight, with at least 500 tier both before and after midnight, I earn 2 x $.10 credit … there doesn’t appear to be a need to pull you card prior to midnight, but I may be mistaken on this.)
I make it a habit to check my Fuel Rewards account once a week, and when I tip the $.50 threshold, I make a point to do my next fill at Shell.
The savings each month might buy you a fast food lunch. Nothing to write home about, but it’s still a tangible benefit over a year’s time. (If you don’t have a handy Shell station nearby, it’s not likely worth driving much out of your way for.)
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
For me, yes. Everyone knows I am frugal but even I won’t jump through this many hoops for so little return.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/
From: hohohondo@…
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2013 12:44 PM
To: vpF…@…com
Subject: [SPAM][vpFREE] Fuel Savings?
Does anyone understand the Caesars Fuel Savings thing? They keep sending me emails. Is it more trouble than it is worth?
I have actually used the program for a few months now and it has saved at the gas pump. Right now I have a 55 cents savings built up that won’t expire until 11/30/13. A few more play times at Caesars properties before that will be added, so I might bring it up to almost $1.00 off per gallon by 11/30 !
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
For me, yes. Everyone knows I am frugal but even I won’t jump through this many hoops for so little return.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/
From: hohohondo@…
Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2013 12:44 PM
To: vpF…@…com
Subject: [SPAM][vpFREE] Fuel Savings?
Does anyone understand the Caesars Fuel Savings thing? They keep sending me emails. Is it more trouble than it is worth?
You’re limited to a $.50/gal cap on any single fill when drawing down your CZR sourced fuel credits. You can, however, add to that with credits earned via qualified grocery purchases, online purchases, etc.
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
I have actually used the program for a few months now and it has saved at the gas pump. Right now I have a 55 cents savings built up that won’t expire until 11/30/13. A few more play times at Caesars properties before that will be added, so I might bring it up to almost $1.00 off per gallon by 11/30 !
I did receive 80 cents off per gallon on my last fill and they were all from Total Reward play at Caesars properties. I went to Fuel Rewards account online and it showed I earned in Aug. & Sept., so maybe the cents off carries over for a month?? I found this:
How long do I have to use Fuel Rewards savings issued through Total Rewards?
Fuel Rewards savings issued through Total Rewards expire on the last day of the month immediately following the month in which they are earned. For example, if a Total Rewards member earned Fuel Rewards savings on June 17th, the reward will expire on July 31st.
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
You’re limited to a $.50/gal cap on any single fill when drawing down your CZR sourced fuel credits. You can, however, add to that with credits earned via qualified grocery purchases, online purchases, etc.
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
I have actually used the program for a few months now and it has saved at the gas pump. Right now I have a 55 cents savings built up that won’t expire until 11/30/13. A few more play times at Caesars properties before that will be added, so I might bring it up to almost $1.00 off per gallon by 11/30 !
Well, it looks like I have to give Jean her due … this isn’t the first time that I’ve misinterpreted the TR Fuel Rewards benefit …
While the details are somewhat convoluted, redemption is a snap. So, I’ll stand by my position that this is a pretty simple reward to manage. Further, based upon the insight surfaced by vpbacker’s post, it seems things are even better than I thought.
Having gone back and read the terms once again, I now grasp that you can earn up to 5-$.10/gal rewards each month from a maximum of 5 days of CZR play (min 500 tier credits each day).
These rewards must be used by the month following the earn date.
So, one need merely sign up for the program, and then tap their accumulated credits (whatever they may be) once every other month. If you play during September and October, you’ll have up to a $1/gal credit available for a fill after your last eligible play in October (for up to 20 gal).
(And, alternatively, you can simply opt to always fill up at a Shell and insert your Fuel Reward card each time – you’ll receive credit for whatever you have on tap, or $.03/gal if you haven’t earned a reward since your last fill. Not the way I choose to access the program, however.)
You still gonna tell me you’re going to pass up a potential $20 fuel credit once every other month, Jean? (Tell me what “hoop” I’ve omitted? 
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
I did receive 80 cents off per gallon on my last fill and they were all from Total Reward play at Caesars properties. I went to Fuel Rewards account online and it showed I earned in Aug. & Sept., so maybe the cents off carries over for a month?? I found this:
How long do I have to use Fuel Rewards savings issued through Total Rewards?
Fuel Rewards savings issued through Total Rewards expire on the last day of the month immediately following the month in which they are earned. For example, if a Total Rewards member earned Fuel Rewards savings on June 17th, the reward will expire on July 31st.
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
You’re limited to a $.50/gal cap on any single fill when drawing down your CZR sourced fuel credits. You can, however, add to that with credits earned via qualified grocery purchases, online purchases, etc.
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
I have actually used the program for a few months now and it has saved at the gas pump. Right now I have a 55 cents savings built up that won’t expire until 11/30/13. A few more play times at Caesars properties before that will be added, so I might bring it up to almost $1.00 off per gallon by 11/30 !
Several reasons we don’t/won’t do this: Shell gas is usually more expensive than other brands. We don’t play consistently at a Harrah’s property 5 times a month. So we couldn’t max out the program savings.
<<You still gonna tell me you’re going to pass up a potential $20 fuel credit once every other month, Jean?>>
Yep – that is what I am telling you - we are at the point in our life where I am trying to simplify. Even if we could do the $20 savings every other month (which we can’t do) that is not a big enough amount to pay for my time and effort to keep track of everything and then instruct Brad when to go to Shell.
And this is my last post of this subject – it is giving me a headache!!! I am 74 and Brad is 81 – we have been frugal our whole life and thus accumulated a lot of money. Now we want to peacefully spend it and not concern ourselves with extreme nickel/dime issues.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/
Jean,
I should apologize for my statement of, “You still gonna tell me you’re going to pass up … ?” challenge. It was a little over the top.
Early on in this thread I admitted I could grasp why someone might pass on this benefit: The value is relatively nominal (though far from insignificant). And, for some, Shell stations aren’t readily accessible.
However, it was important for me to clarify that for those interested in the benefit, the only real hassle involved may be going out of your way to fuel up at a Shell station. (Of course, it’s been made clear that getting one’s hands around the facts of the program is a one-time hurdle in itself
In any case, Jean, I trust that my intent wasn’t misconstrued or seen intended as a personal swipe …
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
Several reasons we don’t/won’t do this: Shell gas is usually more expensive than other brands. We don’t play consistently at a Harrah’s property 5 times a month. So we couldn’t max out the program savings.
<<You still gonna tell me you’re going to pass up a potential $20 fuel credit once every other month, Jean?>>
Yep – that is what I am telling you - we are at the point in our life where I am trying to simplify. Even if we could do the $20 savings every other month (which we can’t do) that is not a big enough amount to pay for my time and effort to keep track of everything and then instruct Brad when to go to Shell.
And this is my last post of this subject – it is giving me a headache!!! I am 74 and Brad is 81 – we have been frugal our whole life and thus accumulated a lot of money. Now we want to peacefully spend it and not concern ourselves with extreme nickel/dime issues.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/
I didn’t take offense, Harry.
<<The value is relatively nominal (though far from insignificant). >>
However, to some people, $10 a month is nominal AND insignificant if it involves much attention to details.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/
From: harry.por…@…net
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 7:21 PM
To: vpF…@…com
Subject: [SPAM]RE: [vpFREE] Fuel Savings?
Jean,
I should apologize for my statement of, “You still gonna tell me you’re going to pass up … ?” challenge. It was a little over the top.
Early on in this thread I admitted I could grasp why someone might pass on this benefit: The value is relatively nominal (though far from insignificant). And, for some, Shell stations aren’t readily accessible.
However, it was important for me to clarify that for those interested in the benefit, the only real hassle involved may be going out of your way to fuel up at a Shell station. (Of course, it’s been made clear that getting one’s hands around the facts of the program is a one-time hurdle in itself
In any case, Jean, I trust that my intent wasn’t misconstrued or seen intended as a personal swipe …
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
Several reasons we don’t/won’t do this: Shell gas is usually more expensive than other brands. We don’t play consistently at a Harrah’s property 5 times a month. So we couldn’t max out the program savings.
<<You still gonna tell me you’re going to pass up a potential $20 fuel credit once every other month, Jean?>>
Yep – that is what I am telling you - we are at the point in our life where I am trying to simplify. Even if we could do the $20 savings every other month (which we can’t do) that is not a big enough amount to pay for my time and effort to keep track of everything and then instruct Brad when to go to Shell.
And this is my last post of this subject – it is giving me a headache!!! I am 74 and Brad is 81 – we have been frugal our whole life and thus accumulated a lot of money. Now we want to peacefully spend it and not concern ourselves with extreme nickel/dime issues.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/
I tried the program and agree with Jean. I've got more to do in life then check the online fuel rewards site all the time to see if I have any savings coming. The problem is if I don't have 20 cents or more it is no savings anyway since all the Shell's in our area are 20 cent or more expensive than other gas in the area. Also, not all Shell stations participate in the program so I get very frustrated driving to a station, stopping and swiping my cards and then finding out they don't participate (and their fuel is 20 cents higher than the station down the street. Most people here are measureing their "savings" based on the cents off instead of the actual difference between what they paid per gallon vs. what they could have paid at other lower cost stations in their area.
Dave
--- In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, "Queen of Comps" <queenofcomps@...> wrote:
I didnât take offense, Harry.
<<The value is relatively nominal (though far from insignificant). >>
However, to some people, $10 a month is nominal AND insignificant if it involves much attention to details.
------------------------------------------.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/From: harry.porter@...
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 7:21 PM
To: vpFREE@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [SPAM]RE: [vpFREE] Fuel Savings?Jean,
I should apologize for my statement of, "You still gonna tell me you're going to pass up ... ?" challenge. It was a little over the top.
Early on in this thread I admitted I could grasp why someone might pass on this benefit: The value is relatively nominal (though far from insignificant). And, for some, Shell stations aren't readily accessible.
However, it was important for me to clarify that for those interested in the benefit, the only real hassle involved may be going out of your way to fuel up at a Shell station. (Of course, it's been made clear that getting one's hands around the facts of the program is a one-time hurdle in itself
In any case, Jean, I trust that my intent wasn't misconstrued or seen intended as a personal swipe ...
- H.
---In vpFREE@yahoogroups.com, <vpfree@yahoogroups.com> wrote:
Several reasons we donât/wonât do this: Shell gas is usually more expensive than other brands. We donât play consistently at a Harrahâs property 5 times a month. So we couldnât max out the program savings.
<<You still gonna tell me you're going to pass up a potential $20 fuel credit once every other month, Jean?>>
Yep â" that is what I am telling you - we are at the point in our life where I am trying to simplify. Even if we could do the $20 savings every other month (which we canât do) that is not a big enough amount to pay for my time and effort to keep track of everything and then instruct Brad when to go to Shell.
And this is my last post of this subject â" it is giving me a headache!!!! I am 74 and Brad is 81 â" we have been frugal our whole life and thus accumulated a lot of money. Now we want to peacefully spend it and not concern ourselves with extreme nickel/dime issues.
------------------------------------------
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/
Harry and Jean have gone back and forth on whether the Harrah’s fuel program is worth the effort. They are both correct. Harry views the time invested being a reasonable cost for the benefits and Jean does not.
People can funny opinions about the value of an activity and relative savings. Funny to me, anyway. Long , long ago a friend and I went to Las Vegas and were downtown having a drink. This is about 25 years ago so we were paying for airfare, paying (moderately) for hotels and food, etc. One of the places downtown had $0.49 Michelobs and $0.75 Heinekens. I bought the first round, 2 Heinekens, and paid $1.50 for them ( plus tip). My friend got the next round and came back with 2 Michelobs. I asked why he switched and he proudly said “these are $0.26 cheaper”. I informed him that you have paid $300 for airfare, another $100 or so for the hotel rooms, $50 - $75 for food and a couple hundred gambling budget and you are worried about $0.26? He gave me a funny look as if to say “well, if you are going to look at it like THAT”.
So, people place different values on things. I give away a lot of coupons and most of the time, I don’t think the people realize what they have received. These are people who are standing in line at a buffet with a family of four and I give them 2 buy one, get one free offers. They might say thank you and might not. They don’t value that as much as handing them $20 ( even though the benefit is the same assume a $10 buffet for simplicity). The net effect is the same. They have $20 more in their pocket but is viewed with as no big deal ( the 2:1 offers) and the other would be viewed much more positively.
That’s a very sharp post, Johnny. I find myself still deciding on a restaurant entree because of a $2 price difference, despite the fact that I am frequently making monetary decisions several orders of magnitude greater than that.
A similar phenomenon is the difficulty that many otherwise good gamblers have in keeping monetary perspective after a gambling trip. In my early days as a blackjack player, I knew my trip EV was only a few hundred dollars. But if I was lucky enough to win a few thousand, it was hard to remember to not start spending more freely. And losing a few thousand wasn’t that much different–it’s hard to think about saving $5 when you just lost $2000. I think a lot of high level poker players have problems with keeping perspective.
Casinos prey on this, too. Even if there were $5, $25 and $100 coins in circulation, casinos would still favor using chips. People don’t treat chips the same as money. People who wouldn’t give a restaurant waitress an extra $1 if it pushed the tip to over 20% think nothing of giving a cocktail waitress a $5 chip at a blackjack table.
–Dunbar
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
Harry and Jean have gone back and forth on whether the Harrah’s fuel program is worth the effort. They are both correct. Harry views the time invested being a reasonable cost for the benefits and Jean does not.
People can funny opinions about the value of an activity and relative savings. Funny to me, anyway. Long , long ago a friend and I went to Las Vegas and were downtown having a drink. This is about 25 years ago so we were paying for airfare, paying (moderately) for hotels and food, etc. One of the places downtown had $0.49 Michelobs and $0.75 Heinekens. I bought the first round, 2 Heinekens, and paid $1.50 for them ( plus tip). My friend got the next round and came back with 2 Michelobs. I asked why he switched and he proudly said “these are $0.26 cheaper”. I informed him that you have paid $300 for airfare, another $100 or so for the hotel rooms, $50 - $75 for food and a couple hundred gambling budget and you are worried about $0.26? He gave me a funny look as if to say “well, if you are going to look at it like THAT”.
So, people place different values on things. I give away a lot of coupons and most of the time, I don’t think the people realize what they have received. These are people who are standing in line at a buffet with a family of four and I give them 2 buy one, get one free offers. They might say thank you and might not. They don’t value that as much as handing them $20 ( even though the benefit is the same assume a $10 buffet for simplicity). The net effect is the same. They have $20 more in their pocket but is viewed with as no big deal ( the 2:1 offers) and the other would be viewed much more positively.
In response to the concern about not all Shell stations participating, I just go to the Fuel rewards website, log in, there is a place to find locations near you, click, it will tell you what your savings will be at each station. I am not very computer savvy, but I couldn’t believe how easy it was. But I will say, the prices were not always accurate, possibly because they were just not up to date, because fuel prices change. If I ever have a problem at the pump, I just go inside, the clerk swipes my card and tells me what my savings are.
I tried the program and agree with Jean. I’ve got more to do in life then check the online fuel rewards site all the time to see if I have any savings coming. The problem is if I don’t have 20 cents or more it is no savings anyway since all the Shell’s in our area are 20 cent or more expensive than other gas in the area. Also, not all Shell stations participate in the program so I get very frustrated driving to a station, stopping and swiping my cards and then finding out they don’t participate (and their fuel is 20 cents higher than the station down the street. Most people here are measureing their “savings” based on the cents off instead of the actual difference between what they paid per gallon vs. what they could have paid at other lower cost stations in their area.
Dave
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
— In vpF…@…com, “Queen of Comps” <queenofcomps@…> wrote:
I didnât take offense, Harry.
<<The value is relatively nominal (though far from insignificant). >>
However, to some people, $10 a month is nominal AND insignificant if it involves much attention to details.
------------------------------------------.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
You can read my blog at
From: harry.porter@…
Sent: Monday, October 28, 2013 7:21 PM
To: vpF…@…com
Subject: [SPAM]RE: [vpFREE] Fuel Savings?
Jean,
I should apologize for my statement of, “You still gonna tell me you’re going to pass up … ?” challenge. It was a little over the top.
Early on in this thread I admitted I could grasp why someone might pass on this benefit: The value is relatively nominal (though far from insignificant). And, for some, Shell stations aren’t readily accessible.
However, it was important for me to clarify that for those interested in the benefit, the only real hassle involved may be going out of your way to fuel up at a Shell station. (Of course, it’s been made clear that getting one’s hands around the facts of the program is a one-time hurdle in itself
In any case, Jean, I trust that my intent wasn’t misconstrued or seen intended as a personal swipe …
- H.
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
Several reasons we donât/wonât do this: Shell gas is usually more expensive than other brands. We donât play consistently at a Harrahâs property 5 times a month. So we couldnât max out the program savings.
<<You still gonna tell me you’re going to pass up a potential $20 fuel credit once every other month, Jean?>>
Yep â" that is what I am telling you - we are at the point in our life where I am trying to simplify. Even if we could do the $20 savings every other month (which we canât do) that is not a big enough amount to pay for my time and effort to keep track of everything and then instruct Brad when to go to Shell.
And this is my last post of this subject â" it is giving me a headache!!! I am 74 and Brad is 81 â" we have been frugal our whole life and thus accumulated a lot of money. Now we want to peacefully spend it and not concern ourselves with extreme nickel/dime issues.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
You can read my blog at
So true. I have hundreds of stories like this during my almost 30 years of casino gambling. We can – and often do – lose thousands of dollars in one day doing a positive expectation VP play – and then stop by another casino on the way home to pick up $25 – or maybe even less - bounce-back free pay. Or, I will stoop down to pick up a stray quarter on the ground.
If you have a basic frugal nature, it sticks with you the rest of your life. Brad calls this “crazy frugal.” I guess I am known for this and thus Harry – and others – are surprised I don’t do this “small” fuel program. Blame it on old age – I am getting just a little tired of details – and that is what extreme frugal trucks in.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/
From: greeklandjoh…@…com
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 6:34 AM
To: vpF…@…com
**Subject:**RE: [vpFREE] Fuel Savings?
Harry and Jean have gone back and forth on whether the Harrah’s fuel program is worth the effort. They are both correct. Harry views the time invested being a reasonable cost for the benefits and Jean does not.
People can funny opinions about the value of an activity and relative savings. Funny to me, anyway. Long , long ago a friend and I went to Las Vegas and were downtown having a drink. This is about 25 years ago so we were paying for airfare, paying (moderately) for hotels and food, etc. One of the places downtown had $0.49 Michelobs and $0.75 Heinekens. I bought the first round, 2 Heinekens, and paid $1.50 for them ( plus tip). My friend got the next round and came back with 2 Michelobs. I asked why he switched and he proudly said “these are $0.26 cheaper”. I informed him that you have paid $300 for airfare, another $100 or so for the hotel rooms, $50 - $75 for food and a couple hundred gambling budget and you are worried about $0.26? He gave me a funny look as if to say “well, if you are going to look at it like THAT”.
So, people place different values on things. I give away a lot of coupons and most of the time, I don’t think the people realize what they have received. These are people who are standing in line at a buffet with a family of four and I give them 2 buy one, get one free offers. They might say thank you and might not. They don’t value that as much as handing them $20 ( even though the benefit is the same assume a $10 buffet for simplicity). The net effect is the same. They have $20 more in their pocket but is viewed with as no big deal ( the 2:1 offers) and the other would be viewed much more positively.
I also hand out coupons to people who are already in line for a buffet or maybe the Eiffel Tower. Sometimes they barely look up but sometimes they are appreciative. You can’t tell what the reaction will be beforehand. About the Fuel Savings - looks like way too much attention is needed. Delta gas is WAY cheaper. Also, we go to Mohegan Sun where we can use points to fill up.
Unfortunately for serious players, playing to get 10 cent gas discounts (500 Tier Points) is gonna likely cost you far more in a single month of mail coupons due to a drop in your ADT than you could save on gas in an entire lifetime. I’ve linked my card but only because I use everything possible of the Fuel Rewards Savings and my primary grocery store also gives the discounts. I tend to play maybe 1x per month rated and play heavily when I do play so I still only earn 10c/gallon.
Structuring your play to maximize fuel discounts is incredibly negative EV for Total Rewards. It’s almost like they structured the rewards to encourage you to trigger more trips and crush your ADT.
—In vpF…@…com, <vpf…@…com> wrote:
So true. I have hundreds of stories like this during my almost 30 years of casino gambling. We can – and often do – lose thousands of dollars in one day doing a positive expectation VP play – and then stop by another casino on the way home to pick up $25 – or maybe even less - bounce-back free pay. Or, I will stoop down to pick up a stray quarter on the ground.
If you have a basic frugal nature, it sticks with you the rest of your life. Brad calls this “crazy frugal.” I guess I am known for this and thus Harry – and others – are surprised I don’t do this “small” fuel program. Blame it on old age – I am getting just a little tired of details – and that is what extreme frugal trucks in.
Jean $¢ott, Frugal Gambler
http://queenofcomps.com/
You can read my blog at
http://jscott.lvablog.com/
From: greeklandjohnny@…
Sent: Tuesday, October 29, 2013 6:34 AM
To: vpF…@…com
**Subject:**RE: [vpFREE] Fuel Savings?
Harry and Jean have gone back and forth on whether the Harrah’s fuel program is worth the effort. They are both correct. Harry views the time invested being a reasonable cost for the benefits and Jean does not.
People can funny opinions about the value of an activity and relative savings. Funny to me, anyway. Long , long ago a friend and I went to Las Vegas and were downtown having a drink. This is about 25 years ago so we were paying for airfare, paying (moderately) for hotels and food, etc. One of the places downtown had $0.49 Michelobs and $0.75 Heinekens. I bought the first round, 2 Heinekens, and paid $1.50 for them ( plus tip). My friend got the next round and came back with 2 Michelobs. I asked why he switched and he proudly said “these are $0.26 cheaper”. I informed him that you have paid $300 for airfare, another $100 or so for the hotel rooms, $50 - $75 for food and a couple hundred gambling budget and you are worried about $0.26? He gave me a funny look as if to say “well, if you are going to look at it like THAT”.
So, people place different values on things. I give away a lot of coupons and most of the time, I don’t think the people realize what they have received. These are people who are standing in line at a buffet with a family of four and I give them 2 buy one, get one free offers. They might say thank you and might not. They don’t value that as much as handing them $20 ( even though the benefit is the same assume a $10 buffet for simplicity). The net effect is the same. They have $20 more in their pocket but is viewed with as no big deal ( the 2:1 offers) and the other would be viewed much more positively.