"Thanks!" to GoldCoastGal who shared the following email listing the benefits of signing up for a J.Crew Credit Card.Another attempt to remind us how awesome having a J.Crew Credit Card is. So awesome that even J.Crew's Regional Sample Sale doesn't even accept them! ;)
I still have not opened a J.Crew Credit Card and don't plan to. The perks are not enticing enough. Sorry J.Crew. However, I do look forward to your future efforts. :)
Side note, look at the outfit in the email. Too much layering on top and barely any with the bottom. (Dayum, that skirt is short– can she even sit down? Now would be the time to use a pair of tights that J.Crew likes so much.) It's like half of her is freezing, while the other half is too hot. ;)
What are your thoughts on the email? Do you think the perks are decent enough to sign up? If you are a current card holder, would you recommend signing up for other JCAs?
I'm holding out for free shipping, and I hope everyone else does, too...there's strength in numbers!
ReplyDeleteSeriously?!? Card Member Only sales?!? What a lie! They've NEVER had one. THe only reason to get the card is if you spend a lot to get the rewards -- and pay your bill in full every month. Please, someone correct me if I'm wrong on the nonexistent Card Member Only
ReplyDeleteSales.
I have one and do appreciate the rewards. I don't *think* it makes me spend any more, and I don't pay interest or late fees, as I've managed to pay off my balance.
ReplyDeleteYou also get free standard alterations on full-price merchandise. I've used this to get coat sleeves done, and it even worked when there was a promotional on winter coats last year.
I've never seen a cardmember-only sale, though!
I have a card, and I love the rewards. But the other benefits are bogus. I am a firm believer that if you hold a credit card to a store, you should automatically get free shipping no matter what. Or, if J. Crew did the flat rate shipping that the GAP brands do, I would be cool with that.
ReplyDeleteThey should really send card holders special coupons/codes or something. Even if it was once or twice a year. That would be fab.
I am a Silver card member and I do not recommend any JCAs signing up for JC CC.
ReplyDeleteI still have yet to receive any Card Member Only sales in the 4 years I've had my card.
BR offers more and better incentives to open one. I've been a BR Luxe card holder for about the same time as JC and have received numerous incentives (i.e. Birthday gift card, Free Shipping All the Time!, extra card member % off, pick your sale day 15% off card, etc.). And their bonus points are 5 points per $1 spent at BR, Gap, ON, Piperlime... Oh, not to mention double/triple bonus points days.
This has been going on for a while: haven't they noticed that they don't have card member only sales? Guess they're too busy keeping their taxes up to date.
ReplyDeleteIMO nothing beats American Express perks. JC get more dollars out of me as the amex point pay for a lot of vacation thus freeing up dollars for a clothing budget.
ReplyDeleteCardmember-only sales?
ReplyDeleteI just went back through my e-mails from JC. About three or four times a year I receive e-mails about "insider sales" of 20% off orders over $150. Nothing in these e-mails refers to the sale being for cardholders or requiring use of JC card, and based on past comments from JCAs I don't think that the e-mails are sent only to cardholders. In any event, the codes are posted on JCA quickly enough, LOL.
So, this may be what they're referring to, but I've never seen anything that is truly exclusive to cardholders. For JC to insist that such events exist to lure customers into applying is misleading and deceptive IMO.
Regarding the cardmember-only sales, perhaps they are referring to the emails that offer items for sale to cardmembers before they are available in stores and online. Although there are also some emails offering items for sale before they are fully available that are sent to non-cardholders, like me.
ReplyDeleteFor a while I considered signing up just to get the rewards card but I haven't been spending that much lately so it is not worth it. I am really hoping the next online rollout (Thursday?) will have some wonderful pieces because other than suiting that I just bought and the short Icon trench that I hope goes on a coat promotion this fall, there is nothing I want.
I agree that the free shipping would be an incentive. It looks to me that as a retailer JCrew HAS to offer a credit card but they are not really interested in their customers signing up for one. I have NEVER been offered to sign up for a CC when I purchase something in store, while I am offered all the times when I am a the Gap or BR (too bad I don't want to open one there). So I don't think that they will offer more perks anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteI know that here in NYC they have cardholders-only store evening events sometimes (rarely, like twice a year). I have been invited to an event once by a SA who was surprised that I didn't get an invitation and the reason was that I wasn't a cardmember. In that particular case there wasn't any % off (or gift) offered on the purchases made though.
In the above picture, is the model wearing TWO shirts , one on top of the other... What the.........?!!?!
ReplyDeleteyes, Okha, you saw 2 shirts -- maybe so when the tax guys take one, she'll still have a shirt on her back?
ReplyDeleteI would not recommend the J.Crew credit card. It is basically worthless. And... you don't get points for using it at the clearance stores in Lynchburg or Asheville. I understand why, I guess, but that is where I buy the majority of my J.Crew so to me it is not worth it.
ReplyDeleteI have to say I'm a fan of the skirt, even though tights would be necessary for fall. I agree there is way too much layering on top. Layers are fun and can make such a statement, but this is too much...it's too heavy..the fabrics should be lighter in weight
ReplyDeleteAlexa, I used to like reading your blog on Jcrew, but now every post you make is about how much you dislike Jcrew or Jenna. Please consider those of us that like Jcrew, and there a lot of us. I see that you don't like their styling, but I love it! It is trendy and exactly what the the high end designers are doing, however Jcrew is doing it for the fraction of the cost. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteI have a card and like it for the rewards. Though there are certainly cards with better rewards, many have an annual fee so it's not worth it to me. Also, while stores like Banana/Gap's cards may be better, I don't spend enough in those stores so the comparison is moot for me. I pay my balance off every month and every so often I get a $25 rewards card in the mail which I use to buy something special that I ordinarily wouldn't.
ReplyDeleteI just want to say that Alexis, I am with you on your observations. My closet is still full of J Crew but that doesn't mean I don't miss the better quality and more fun J Crew of old. Blogs like these are a forum for all kinds of opinions, and I for one am thankful that loyal customers have an outlet to express our displeasure -- since it is much more difficult to complain to J Crew personnel themselves -- although I still do, I tell the salesperson that this t-shirt ripped and the cashmere now is so thin and pills after one washing. I have a cashmere sweater from 4 or 5 years ago that is something crazy like THREE GAUGE, thick and plush and still gorgeous after years of wear and washing. And I miss the old thick pima cotton perfect shirts, so snug and warm for winter! You can be trendy without forsaking quality. I don't buy J Crew cashmere anymore. Again, thank you Alexis for this forum!
ReplyDeleteI had a J Crew card for years but the interest rates they charged versus the perks were made up by the much lower interest rate cards I could get from my credit union. I never got private sales or anything else special like that, I ended up canceling it. Maybe they are hoping their card members can pay their back taxes in Philly :-)
ReplyDeleteThe "benefits" of the card are practically non-existent, except for the rewards cards. I take issue with the fact that they are only issued quarterly and expire quickly after they're sent. GAP, BR and others send the card immediately after you've earned enough points to qualify for one. I'm silver status, which essentially means nothing, except that I spent enough money to get it. No perks like free shipping, exclusive cardholder sales (stop lying JCrew!), and their "customer service" leaves MUCH to be desired. And at the exhorbitant interest rate they charge, carrying a balance basically voids the rewards cards. I rarely use my card for purchases anymore.
ReplyDelete@ christina- It's Alexis, BTW.
We seem to agree that the only real incentives are the tailoring (which I personally have never taken advantage of, shame on me) and the rewards cards which, at 5% of what you spend, are none too enticing IMHO.
ReplyDeleteI don't foresee JC offering free shipping to cardholders EVER, but I think something along the lines of $4.95 flat rate would be a huge step in the right direction, and would prove to be profitable for them in the long run. I find it much easier to rationalize five bucks to ship one item than $8.50 or more, and it would eliminate the need for ride-alongs which end up going back anyway.
ITA, gem twin, nothing beats American Express. While I've never used it, I love that they offer "return protection" on final sales.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Christina--I'm a little tired with posts/comments that moan about how ugly the clothes are. Quality issues--if you have them--are another matter entirely, but I'm not sure why people continue shopping at J. Crew and reading/writing about it if they prefer Talbots and Lands End. Some criticism is fine, but there's been way too much negativity recently. And many of us prefer the new J. Crew styles--and the older classic items constitute way more than 50% of the stock.
ReplyDeleteChristina & Moya: Let me address your concerns...
ReplyDeleteFirst, this comment: "but now every post you make is about how much you dislike Jcrew or Jenna". Every post? I don't think you frequently read this blog, because *every* post is not about me disliking J.Crew & Jenna. In fact, my recent Product Reviews included raves like the Lux Shimmerveil Ballet Flats & the Gingham Schoolboy Blazer. I even mentioned in a post today how much I liked the Pearl Cluster Bib Necklace.
Second, I offer my honest opinion. Last time I checked, this is a personal blog. Not run by J.Crew Corporate, let alone sponsored by anyone. I love J.Crew and drink the Crewlade quite a bit (to the point I get drunk sometimes). ;) However, it still doesn't mean I won't give a fair assessment of what I believe. And I also provide a forum for others to agree & disagree. Which is one of the benefits of this blog- as the discussion from varying views are usually the most informative.
Third, feel free to skip posts you don't care for. Some posts may interest you, and others may not. :)
Fourth, feel free to make suggestions to improve the blog or even guest blog. Just saying that you are tired or hate something doesn't really help me improve the site. All it does is add to the "negativity", which you didn't want to begin with. I am always open to suggestions and guest bloggers. For example: the weekly JCA Reviews post came from an {excellent} idea from a JCA.
Fifth, I make my contact information very accessible both on the main page and through my profile (jcrewaficionada at yahoo dot com). For personal comments like these, it might have been better to contact me directly instead of taking it public. (Incidentally, I tried to find your contact info but couldn't locate it. So here I am with this comment.)
I apologize if any of this comes of snarky. Not my intent. :)
dinster: Thank you! :)
ReplyDeleteJbird: LOL! Yes, it is Alexis. ;)
I appreciate your work on the blog, Alexis, and wouldn't read if otherwise, but your comment misrepresents what I said--I'm only responding because I was called out. I wasn't being hostile and had no intention of doing so (and, yes, my contact info is available). :)
ReplyDeleteI was not being negative and am sorry if it came across that way. I just wish there was more recognition of different tastes--particularly in the *comments* section. If there's anything I would ask, it's for commenters to recognize that they can express their tastes without disparaging others.
That said, I like your blog and been able to find pieces from your search and find section which has been great. And many of the commenters have been extremely helpful.
I'm no J. Crew cheerleader--I strongly support calling them out on issues like pilling cashmere, final sale, tax charges on shipping, poor quality pop-backs etc. Expressing opinions about clothing is great--I'm a big girl and don't mind when we disagree.
Moya, thank you for the thoughtful response. (Incidentally, I did look for your contact info on your profile and blog beforehand but could not find it. I really would have responded to you personally.) I also agree that we should *all* be able to express ourselves freely- especially if we disagree- in a non-disparaging way. :)
ReplyDeleteAlexis I really love the fact that this blog is a place where all opinions can be stated including yours. I think you've done a wonderful job and I really appreciate it, especially your honesty and taste! I think many of us who have been long-time J.Crew fans (I'm in my early 30's and have loved J.Crew since I was 15 years old) are still adjusting to the recent change in direction of J.Crew. There are things we love and things we don't but this is natural when it comes to change. I think sometimes those JCA's who are more recent to the brand do not always understand how many of us are nostalgic for the J.Crew we knew and grew up with. I think J.Crew is trying to find itself, trying to design for 2010 and keep competitive..but at the same time I think the brand should not lose its roots too too much as they kept us coming back all these years. There is still a strong niche for classic peices as many of us are working professionals and depend on J.Crew for cut and quality of clothing.
ReplyDeleteGlobeTrotter: What you wrote is spot-on for me. I couldn't have expressed it better myself. :)
ReplyDeleteAlthough I love the brand, the recent (the last two years) transformation is still something of an adjustment for me. There are things I absolutely love and some things that I don't care for.
With that said, I still adore the brand and its the only place I shop.
I also think the comments (praise *and* criticism) on this blog comes from a place of being true, devoted, & loyal fans (especially those who have been with the brand for so long). Otherwise, why spend the time to visit a JCrew-themed blog? :)
I'm still a drunken Crewlader (and lover of both older styles AND a lot of the new stuff). But even so, I think the way they treat their cardholders is just shameful compared with most other retailers. I know I sound like a broken record, but come on! Take a page from the BR Luxe book and treat your best customers the way they deserve to be treated.
ReplyDeleteI got rid of that stupid card last year. The "perks" are a joke.
ReplyDeleteAlexis,
ReplyDeleteI think you do a great job of balancing positive aspects of JCrew and their clothing as well as items that seem a bit "off" or of poor quality/fit. Thanks for all you do.
I for one am having a much harder time adjusting this past year to the new JCrew. I guess all good things must come to an end and after 11 years of loving JCrew I think I need to take a break!
Will still be reading this blog though:) Cheers.
kirbydog,
ReplyDeleteYes, I agree. I just paid my last JCrew credit card bill and closed the account. Worthless. I get much better rewards using another major credit card to make my JCrew purchases and one less bill to pay (or try not to forget to pay:) each month!
As my mom used to say, I wouldn't be so critical if I didn't love you!
ReplyDeleteI think you do a great job of balancing enthusiasm with a finely-honed critical sense, Alexis, and I think most of your followers agree with that assessment.
I do think that of late, strange things have been happening at J.Crew, and those of us who used to depend on JC for clothes that stand up during interviews/presentations, clothes that go from work to restaurant, etc., have had some problems. Well, a lot of problems. Many posts about has anyone tried this on, does it itch, how does it fit? Never used to be a worry at JC.
And, in fairness, it has become increasingly difficult to find realistic styling ideas. The summer draws to an end and I have not once worn jewelry to the beach.
But look to London -- look to Parliament -- even Her Majesty has Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition! And look how long She's been ruling. Keep the flag flying for JC and the JCAs, Alexis!
Elaine, KirbyDog, Summer, et al: I totally agree with you all about cardholders. Better perks are called for. :)
ReplyDeleteSummer: Thanks! :)
WellFedFred: Loved the comment about Her Majesty! It made me smile. Thanks for the kind words. :)