Can you collect VIP points in other countries?

PJ76uk

Taking my kids over the pond on holiday so my question is can I use my lego vip point card whilst in America as the card was issued in the UK and has only ever been used here...

snowhitie

It used to be no problem, I'm guessing the new vip system will transfer them into your currency points.  I'm sure there will be something in the new T&C but the site times out for me so can't check.

alldarker

Yes absolutely. I've done it often enough, with my EU based VIP card. I was able to collect points in both the UK and in US Lego stores. 

Do be aware of the very recent changes made to the VIP system, which have altered both the 'exchange rate' of points to currency, and the way in which you can cash in your points. You now need to first 'buy' a voucher online, which you can then cash in at the Lego store (within 30 days of getting the voucher).  

Brainslugged

As others have noted, you used to. Probably not now. It also used to be a great way to get extra value for your points.

I lived in California for 12 years but would visit 'home' in England once or twice a year. I could really maximise my points value by spending my US-earned points on (the relatively few) sets that were cheaper in the UK than the US. For example, I wanted to buy two of #10233 Horizon Express. That would have cost me 2 x $130 plus 10% tax in the US So $256 worth of points. Instead, I bought two in the UK using my points where they cost £80 each (tax included). There was a 1:1 points ratio of £ to $, so it cost me just $160 worth of my points. Or a 37.5% saving compared to using my points to purchase it in the US!

PJ76uk

I don't anticipate buying a huge amount over there but comparing the prices for #10269 I was trying to work out if buying it over there would be better pricewise than picking it up here (in the UK). I'm sure if I wait there could be a discount somewhere or double vip points - but where is the fun in waiting?!

Brainslugged

@PJ76uk - I don't know where you're going in the US, but most states have sales tax etc to add on that isn't shown in the Brickset price (or on the shelf in stores). So the $100 Harley in Los Angeles actually costs $110 once you add on tax. That works out at £87.90 right now, or £2.90 more than buying it at full price in England.

There are probably plenty of sets that are cheaper, but you will also have to factor in the hassle of bringing it back, squashing the box and the (small) chance you may get stopped at customs and dinged for tax on your return. I never care about boxes so that isn't an issue for me.

PJ76uk

yup boxes are a non-issue since I build and display. I'm more focused on tracking down sets I can't get over here such as #40358 but its always nice to look at a set and remember a particular vacation! I can't always remember where each set was purchased but there are some i remember where I picked them up...

Baby_Yoda

I have zero experience with in store VIP points, but surely the new system makes it much easier to acquire/redeem them overseas? Since now all points are worth exactly the same, and they simply equate to different amounts of currencies that work out to be about equal. 

PJ76uk

A trip to Legoland Florida is also on the cards for polybag acquiring!

SirBrickalotOfLego

To resurrect this thread, I want to buy the Bookshop in Canada when I’m there in a few days and I’ve got £25 saved up, can I use this over there?