With the holidays so close, this is the first time that many people will be redeeming their Optimum points.  Here are the answers to some of the most asked bonus redemption questions asked on our posts and forums.

Can I buy gift cards with my Optimum points? No, Optimum points will allow you to buy almost anything in the store.  The basic rule is that if you do not earn regular points on the purchase, you cannot redeem you points for that item.

What are the other exclusions? You cannot redeem for prescriptions,  products with codeine, non-pointable items, tobacco products (where applicable), stamps, passport photos, lottery tickets, event tickets, transit tickets and passes, gift cards, prepaid phone cards, prepaid card products and Shoppers Home Health Care locations.  In some areas, milk may also be excluded.

I have to pay taxes?  I thought it would be free? Yes, Optimum redemptions do not include taxes.  So if you are spending $200 in points today, expect to pay up to $25 in taxes depending on provinces.  Any bottle deposits and eco fees will also be added after the redemption.

What about electronics?  I have heard that Shoppers Drug Mart has a terrible return policy? Honestly, the policies at Shoppers Drug Mart vary a lot by store.  If it is faulty out of the box, you can always claim to report them for selling it like that and they will take it back.  That being said, I have returned an item for a replacement without issue.  They will be fussier about returns for items where you changed your mind etc.

I loaded my personalized coupons, why did I not earn points?  While there have been some exceptions while they worked out the new system, redemptions work like a store discount.  Since you are paying $0 after redeeming, you have not spent the required amount.  However, if you have a big ticket item on your list and spend say $300 and redeem $200, you would earn points and bonus offers on that $100 paid over redemption.

What about item offers?  Will I earn points on those?  You will earn points if they have a set number of points, like 1000 points on an item, but if the offer is 15x points, your base points on that item will be 0, and 15x nothing is still nothing.

Anything else I should know?

• If you have $200 in points but are only redeeming $100, make sure they choose the correct redemption amount, it is hard to fix it afterwards.
• Shoppers Drug Mart prices may vary at the cash from shelf, so check the subtotal to make sure you have spent enough
• You can spend $190 and redeem $200 if you want to save on the taxes, but you do not get the other $10 back in points
• Some stores can be low on electronics stock so call ahead to check if they have those big ticket items you want

So what is on your redemption list today?