Now that we’re an official online Recognised LEGO User Group (RLUG), we get the chance to communicate and share feedback directly with LEGO in all sorts of cool ways.
The LEGO VIP Program team is keen on learning more about the overall experience that adult LEGO fans have had with the program to possibly improve the VIP program offering to create more value for members.
Find out more about the VIP program on LEGO’s website.
2014 VIP-only LEGO promo set
I put my hand up to be part of this workgroup because I felt that it would be beneficial to have some Australian perspective on the VIP program. Since we don’t have official LEGO Stores in the country, the VIP program is often the only way we Australians get to get access to VIP points, promotional sets, early access to LEGO exclusives and other bonuses.
If you are a LEGO VIP member, I’d love to get some of your thoughts and opinions which I will then be collating into a submission from this blog. Please answer these questions below in the comments section!
- How did you sign up for the VIP program and how do you currently make use of the VIP program?
- What are some of the main benefits that you derive from the LEGO VIP Program?
- Does the VIP program influence which LEGO sets or themes that you buy or are interested in? (please provide reasons)
- If you could suggest any ideas or features that can be added to the LEGO VIP Program, what would they be?
- As a mature VIP member, would you want to be treated like a VIP when you visit a LEGO store, call the contact center or otherwise get into contact with LEGO Group?
- Any other suggestions or thoughts about the LEGO VIP program.
Would love for you to weigh in and I’ll be keeping everyone updated on how the work group goes. Alternatively, you can also email me the answers to these questions at jaysbrickblog@gmail.com!
Thank you!
The vip program is now shockingly bad cant use point direct at till either in store or one have to get voucher first it fricki aweful
I signed up at the start of the year. I was going to save up my points to see how much moneys worth i could get by the end of the year. I got to £85 before the change up.
The only thing id change about the new system is instead of redeeming the points for money off just go back to the old system of being to use points on their own instead of the voucher things
Hi Jay,
Good idea, will email feedback re: VIP.
Speaking of feedbacks, at the back of most instruction manuals theres a link to http://www.lego.com/productfeedback, do you know if LEGO is only interested in feedback on sets in current catalogue? Or they’d also still keen inputs on sets that are from last year/ 2 years ago/ or even retired sets?
Thanks Rudi 🙂
I think theyd appreciate feedback on older sets.
Hi Jay. Short and sharp. I only look to use the vip program for purchasing sale item, rare items, and importantly getting my hands on the freebies!!
My only suggestion, more sales, more free items and to top them all, reduce the shipping cost and minimum buy for free shipping! I might actually purchase more of the limit was say 100bucks
1. How did you sign up for the VIP program and how do you currently make use of the VIP program?
I signed up online about two years ago. I am currently a uni student and thus my income is limited the only time I make use of the VIP program is if a LEGO set for some reason or another fails to reach retail here in AUS such as the pirate chess set or something similar.
2. What are some of the main benefits that you derive from the LEGO VIP Program?
I guess for those who are super keen it gives access to sets earlier than when other retailers may receive it. However I should emphasise that here in Australia comparing to the frequent 20% off even on hard to find/exclusive sets there really is very little incentive to purchase directly from LEGO shop au, particularly when free shipping threshold is incredibly high.
3. Does the VIP program influence which LEGO sets or themes that you buy or are interested in? (please provide reasons)
Not at all.
4. If you could suggest any ideas or features that can be added to the LEGO VIP Program, what would they be?
Better, more reasonable discounts when compared to local retailers and more importantly perhaps access to events such as an Australian toy fair or sneak peek previews of upcoming sets.
5. As a mature VIP member, would you want to be treated like a VIP when you visit a LEGO store, call the contact center or otherwise get into contact with LEGO Group?
I think their customer service is already impeccable, no complaints at all.
6. Any other suggestions or thoughts about the LEGO VIP program.
I think for here in Australia the program really is not a very fantastic loyalty program and has very little incentive for me personally. However I can see the small value in the ability to purchase very pricey sets and receive a discount on a future purchase. Though the savings when compared to purchasing at a local retailer during 20% off really are abysmal.
Thanks Glen!
1. I signed up for vip when there was a double points offer in March, because i really wanted to get the UCS Sandcrawler, and was worried it might retire soon. that allowed me to get a $45 discount on the creator pet shop.
2. Not many Benefits compared to local retailers. the boxes haven’t been mauled by kids in stores, and Polybags.
Got 2x guys in chicken suits, the kids enjoyed those at Easter.
3. No, I mostly want star wars, and creator Modulars, would like more, eg Ghostbusters, Sydney Opera House, but the budget can only go so far. The reasons for my purchases were older hard to find sets that i feared i may miss out on due to retirement.
4. Better offers, Recent star wars offer seemed a bit lame compared to what was offered a few years ago.
( storm trooper Vs Darth Revan) and if i wanted to pay full RRP i could go to my local store for that., we pay a high price for a lego here in Oz 10% off is a bit tight. Every school holidays we get 20% off sales from most major retailers, and it seems the hard to find sets go for 20% off twice a year, i’ve put some cash aside preparing for mid year sales.
5. How about emailing VIPs when you have an offer, the only way i find out about VIP deals if from sites like this.(thanks Jay). I have never visited a lego store, we don’t have one here in Melbourne, (sad face)!!!
6. Once again i stress that 10% isn’t that great a discount. After receiving a Lego Star destroyer last April for my birthday and having a young son who loves lego, i have fallen in love again with my favorite childhood toy. I have gone a bit nuts and spent over $3000 on lego in the past year, but visiting the lego shop isn’t one of the first places i look to buy, i feel lego is treating Australians like 2nd class citizens, the offers don’t seem to be as good as the ones other countries receive.
Thanks Andy! You raise some good points. I’ll definitely bring them up!
1.How did you sign up for the VIP program and how do you currently make use of the VIP program?
I signed up the VIP program through the Lego Shop website a couple of years ago when I wanted to buy a product that has already retired in local retails but still on the website. The VIP program is good in the sense that you can earn VIP points and buy items which are not available at retail shops.
2.What are some of the main benefits that you derive from the LEGO VIP Program?
Mainly discounts from using VIP points and getting free exclusive minifigures (polybags) which you can’t get any where else.
3.Does the VIP program influence which LEGO sets or themes that you buy or are interested in? (please provide reasons)
No it doesn’t.
4.If you could suggest any ideas or features that can be added to the LEGO VIP Program, what would they be?
None at this stage.
5.As a mature VIP member, would you want to be treated like a VIP when you visit a LEGO store, call the contact center or otherwise get into contact with LEGO Group?
Lego generally have great service over the phone. Unfortunately we don’t have an official Lego store in Australia which is really strange when you think about it. The VIP membership would be of better usage if there is a Lego shop that members can just drop in and buy the things they want and earn VIP points at the same time.
6.Any other suggestions or thoughts about the LEGO VIP program. none at this time
– Lego need to open official Lego stores in Australia ASAP. We are not a third world country and we urgently need one.
– Reduce the amount spent for free shipping. This is the no. 1 deterrent when deciding to purchase online or not.
– allow Australian to have access to new release Lego the same time as the rest of the world, without having to buy online and be charged a hefty shipping cost. New Lego often get released a month late in Australia which is very frustrating!
– We need stores to carry minibuilds or polybags. It’s frustrating to rely on the online shop to get these freebies.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Eden!
How did you sign up for the VIP program and how do you currently make use of the VIP program?
Via my first order online – i wanted the Mini cooper polly bag
What are some of the main benefits that you derive from the LEGO VIP Program?
Polly bags / freebies that we dont get localy. Discounts via pointst that add up.
Does the VIP program influence which LEGO sets or themes that you buy or are interested in? (please provide reasons)
yes and no. Polly bags and freebies are the main reason i buy from the lego store. most sets i can get localy for cheaper during the sales.
If you could suggest any ideas or features that can be added to the LEGO VIP Program, what would they be?
reduce the min spend amount for shipping to $100-150. Include more freebies / give aways or sales local to australia.
As a mature VIP member, would you want to be treated like a VIP when you visit a LEGO store, call the contact center or otherwise get into contact with LEGO Group?yes for sure.
Any other suggestions or thoughts about the LEGO VIP program.
1) sales dates / give away dates need to list clear Australian start dates. currently it works on a different time zone that can be out of time
2) reduce the mini spend for free shipping
3) allow Australian vips to get the lego in-store mini builds via the online store as we have no lego branded retail here
4) better vip discounts for Australians. we miss out on all the reduced set discounts all the time
5) higher bricks and pieces / pick a brick limits
Thanks Wade!
1. I hadn’t purchased anything through the online Lego store, but then there was a set I wanted that was no longer available on Amazon or in stores. I read about the VIP program and realized it would earn me $$ on future purchases, plus there was an exclusive set that interested me. Currently, I time purchases for Double Point periods or promotional minifigs/ sets that are of interest.
2. Main benefits from the VIP program are savings on future purchases plus the excitement of exclusive sets. It was great when Lego offered the Chicken Suit minifig this past Easter.
3. The VIP program doesn’t influence sets/ themes I am interested in.
4. Perhaps more double points periods or sales targeted at a specific theme. Such sales/ offerings would perk my interest in exploring other themes. Savings on pick-a-brick purchases would be cool.
5. As a mature VIP member, I have no need to be treated any differently than younger VIP members. My experiences with Lego customer service have been pleasant.
6. I hope Lego is looking to enhance the program rather than eliminate any aspects of it. I’ve enjoyed being a VIP member; especially the exclusive/ promotional set aspect.
Thanks so much for sharing!
How did you sign up for the VIP program and how do you currently make use of the VIP program?
I signed up on the online Lego store just prior to purchasing an exclusive set from Lego Online. I attempt to make the majority of my purchases during double points to reduce the cost of future purchases.
What are some of the main benefits that you derive from the LEGO VIP Program?
Discounts and a couple of promotional items I have specially wanted at the time.
Does the VIP program influence which LEGO sets or themes that you buy or are interested in? (please provide reasons) No, I purchase ships, Star Wars and Creator (modules) in general.
If you could suggest any ideas or features that can be added to the LEGO VIP Program, what would they be?
a). Longer double points.
As a mature VIP member, would you want to be treated like a VIP when you visit a LEGO store, call the contact center or otherwise get into contact with LEGO Group?
Not particularly – every time I have contacted Lego they have been extremely helpful.
Any other suggestions or thoughts about the LEGO VIP program.
a). ‘Mini model instructions’ button to work
b). A little consistency. Last year I wanted the Winter Toy Shop, and kept checking the “More Great Offers Coming Soon” section (currently there is the Batman’s 76052 image – which when you click on it, brings you to a page not found) – last year prior to Christmas the image was the Winter Toy Shop 10249 – but nothing later came up with respect to VIP points and in fact they stopped selling this set in the European store , but continued to sell it in US store. So I am now watching this ‘upcoming section’ to see if a VIP 76052 promotion of some sort occurs, as I am just curious as to purpose of this section.
Thanks Monty. Great suggestions! Longer double points would be awesome
How did you sign up for the VIP program and how do you currently make use of the VIP program?
I think I signed up at a store in Utah on a business trip? Or maybe San Francisco? I make use of the mild discount and enjoy the freebies that provide a little more incentive to buy from the Lego website instead of, say, Myer.
What are some of the main benefits that you derive from the LEGO VIP Program?
The mild discount and the occasional freebie. The email telling me when a new set is coming is pretty helpful, too.
Does the VIP program influence which LEGO sets or themes that you buy or are interested in? (please provide reasons)
Not really at all. I may take another look at a set that’s on sale or comes with a good polybag, but I usually stick with my usual themes and leave it at that. (My usual themes being Architecure, modular, Creator and anything that looks big and fun that isn’t Star Wars.)
If you could suggest any ideas or features that can be added to the LEGO VIP Program, what would they be?
Have the points be worth more. 5% is nice, but most other loyalty programs will give you 10%, especially when other Australian stores frequently offer Lego at 20% off.
It would also be good to have membership tiers based on spending with extra rewards at higher levels.
As a mature VIP member, would you want to be treated like a VIP when you visit a LEGO store, call the contact center or otherwise get into contact with LEGO Group?
That would be lovely. It’s something I get now from my Myer One card and my frequent flyer card. Though, creating a Lego class system of treatment could be problematic.
Any other suggestions or thoughts about the LEGO VIP program.
Just consider the tiers thing. That could be cool, and would definitely encourage people to shop more with Lego than with other retailers.
Thanks for your input, Alice!
1.How did you sign up for the VIP program and how do you currently make use of the VIP program?
I signed up after an exclusive was announced for the online store a few years ago and realised that I would be buying more online exclusives or large sets in the future. I make use of it with the VIP points to help lower costs and the minifigure exclusives as Im a minifig collector.
2.What are some of the main benefits that you derive from the LEGO VIP Program?
Discounts and early purchases.
3.Does the VIP program influence which LEGO sets or themes that you buy or are interested in? (please provide reasons)
No. I generally know what I want and use the VIP program to my benefit.
4.If you could suggest any ideas or features that can be added to the LEGO VIP Program, what would they be?
Longer double VIP point periods for Australian members. Discount shipping specials and codes. More availability to online exclusives. Earn VIP points by leaving reviews on products (must meet certain criteria to earn the points).
5.As a mature VIP member, would you want to be treated like a VIP when you visit a LEGO store, call the contact center or otherwise get into contact with LEGO Group?
I have had some excellent service when talking to LEGO customer service, so that is an area I have no issues with as long as the standards are kept as they are.
6.Any other suggestions or thoughts about the LEGO VIP program. none at this time.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!