Is It Worth Asking For More?
A few weeks back, I wrote about how usually it never hurts to ask for points, especially if you leverage your business and loyalty.
Fresh off of receiving 50,000 Club Carlson Gold Points for the Radisson Big Night Giveaway promotion, I checked and noticed that the promotion was still live(ie 50,000 had not yet registered). So I set up a new Club Carlson account with a completely different address, signed up for the promotion, (again) and booked a 1-night stay at the Radisson Hotel Dallas East.
I suppose this is where I should point out another lesson: sometimes you can get too greedy. Instead of booking another pre-paid rate as I had done before, I booked a double points rate, hoping to reap greater points earnings.
My “stay” came and went, yet I noticed no activity in my account. I got hopeful a few days later when I noticed a charge to my credit card, but I saw no sign of any points posting.
So 10 days after my phantom hotel stay, I called up Radisson to request my missing points. The customer service rep at least seemed very courteous and helpful. I provided her the confirmation number, and informed her that the stay was for the Radisson Big Night Giveaway promotion, even though I did not physically check in.
She kindly informed me that she would need to look into the situation with corporate, but they would get back to me within 48 hours.
A day later, I logged into my Club Carlson account and was slightly dumbfounded. I was not sure whether to be ecstatic or upset about their “points adjustment”:
On one hand, I paid a full rate, so I should get the full benefit (50,000 Gold Points) of the promotion, based on my “stay.” On the other hand, I think maybe I should be satisfied. I realize I have gamed this promotion further than was originally intended, and still gained (again) for doing so. As the saying goes I got something, which is always better than a kick in the groin.
While points junkies sometimes get a bad rap for really pushing the envelope *cough cough Mr. Pickles and your US mint coins cough.* There are a fair number of us–I like to think myself included, who are careful not to take things too far so we don’t completely abuse the system for others.
So, should I call them up again and ask for the full amount of points offered in the promotion, or would I just be pushing my luck?
Point Me to the Miles 