Do you think it's bad to use your EF gift cards all the time?

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ToyGurl

I'll be honest - lately it's been mostly gift cards because I do my videos, write for EdenCafe, etc. But I plan my next big big big purchase (out of pocket) from EF at the end of October/ beginning of November to get ready for Christmas gifts.

I don't see it as a bad thing because it's gift cards I earned, of course. And I make purchases here and there (small ones) to "give back". My husband also had his own seperate account for a while when he lived in his old apartment and we bought plenty of toys from there before summer started. And I mean PLENTY.

I just thought it would make an interesting poll to who sees this as a bad or good thing. I sometimes feel bad about it, but my hubby reminds me that I worked hard to get the gift cards.

Answers (public voting - your screen name will appear in the results):

It's totally okay - you earned it.

Kkay , Sir , Katastophy , Illumin8 , The Curious Couple , AngelvMaynard , toxie m , Lily Bee , darthkitt3n , melianofvalinor9 , Mew , Ghost , Valentinka , Ryuson , Rarity , JessCee , Lummox , Sohotdinosaur , Sunshineamine , DeliciousDrip , bdvnt , Ash1141 , Kindred , unfulfilled , - Kira - , P'Gell , caligaliber , EvilHomer , submissive.sweetheart , NavyDoll87 , namelesschaos , Vanille , Kynky Kytty , alliegator , Dusk , ToyTimeTim , Redboxbaby , sexyintexas , Lucky21 , indiglo , padmeamidala , A Closet Slut (aka nipplepeople) , slynch , ily , leatherlover , ToyBoy , Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama , -BillD , jenn g , married with children , oldhippy , OhMy! , RandomTasks , Jenni Shelton , l'amour , Tori Rebel , smartbabi92 , Nothere , Beck , DeliciousSurprise , Anjulie , Crystal1 , ZenaidaMacroura , Howells , CAKES , lacybutton , null , K101 , Darktorn , Adriana Ravenlust , SexyTabby , Sweet-Justice , SMichelle , loveshocks , UnknownGirl , ~LaUr3n~ , Lily Night , mpfm , Eyesonfire , zeb , CS2012 , LM , Diabolical Kitty , kitty377 , MrWishyWashy , FaerieLove , Tessa Taboo , cburger , Kate , mudpie , VioletMoonstone , Darklyvan , bayosgirl , cheetahpita , Bignuf , jedent , pixxie87 , Cherrylane , SexyStuff , mama2007 , Apirka , PropertyOfPotter , OroNomi , Silverdrop , mandaj , Pixel , Sublime , Ciao. , BlooJay , MissCandyland , nadineblackstone , HannahPanda , Ms. N , Do-Re-Mi , switzerland , mizzmilla , biancajames , socceras , Lindsey123 , GonetoLovehoney , voenne , JewelsAndB , poetprincess , Jessie<3 , GONE! , Wander , LAndJ , geliebt , MaryExy , Teacookie , kizzl , srval69 , PeachCandy , MK434 , Bex1331 , PeaceToTheMiddleEast , iluvPHSfh9 , remember.me , hot lil momma , booboo111926 , Femme Mystique , Falsepast , Feisty , Lildrummrgurl7 , epiphanyjayne , hyacinthgirl , ToyGeek , Sera26 , Mirachaya , Girly Juice , Gdom , pyratess , Phoenix67 , Trysexual , collifornia , RomanticGoth , Chami , Katelyn , FallFire , Lovely Jubblies , leanright69

161 (93%)

It's okay as long as you don't ONLY use your gift cards. Make a side purchase as well.

aliceinthehole , KrazyKandy , InNeedOfABuzzzz , wrecklesswords , Eva Schwaltz , FemmeFlo , BadassFatass , xMila , Pururin , Vadim50 , hall5885

11 (6%)

It's not okay. You should be purchasing things just like others do. Using gift cards all the time isn't cool.

I don't really know.

MissMori

1 (1%)

Total votes: 173

Poll is closed

10/13/2011

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Kkay

My view is that if EF couldn't sustain this business model, they'd make changes to it.

10/13/2011

Katastophy

I second Kkay. With how many points you can get a day, it does seem generous, but they're obviously still getting a lot of income. I've been using my own money on purchases until I have enough points to buy a Soraya or something.

10/13/2011

ToyGurl

Quote:

Originally posted by Katastophy

Mhmm. I forgot to mention that too. Plus, you don't see me buying like $200 toys lol!

10/13/2011

Illumin8

Quote:

Originally posted by Kkay

My view is that if EF couldn't sustain this business model, they'd make changes to it.

Agreed. But I also know what you're speaking about with wanting to purchase things with cash as well. I try to do both when possible.

10/13/2011

AngelvMaynard

I do a little of both! I always seem to go over my gift card amount when purchasing and have to pay out of pocket too!

10/13/2011

The Curious Couple

Quote:

Originally posted by Kkay

My view is that if EF couldn't sustain this business model, they'd make changes to it.

This is my view exactly! It would be different if somebody was farming points, but I think it's obvious when someone is contributing and when someone is farming.

10/13/2011

Darling Jen

I often feel guilty when I get my awesome free stuff from assignments, Edenpoints, giftcard, etc. So I occasionally contribute my own monies to a purchase. What also baffles me is why am I ALWAYS getting new stuff? How much sex stuff does one chick need?

My answer? ALL OF IT!

So, in conclusion, Eden is awesome for feeding my addiction to pleasure. I thank you.

10/13/2011

melianofvalinor9

I use to spend cash but now that cash is very tight I'm very grateful to have the points to spend on items for myself. It's like getting a reward when I wouldn't otherwise be able to afford it.

10/13/2011

aliceinthehole

i do feel a little guilty so every now and then instead of waiting til i have enough in gift cards to purchase what i want, i'll use my credit card.

10/14/2011

Ryuson

(Review Program Mentor)

Well I see it like this; Eden is looked up to for their awesome articles/video reviews/communities, so whenever I post a video review I also contribute to their profit and status. I also then review whatever items I get with that gift card, often doing videos for it as well, so it's a win-win! They get more reviews at the cost of one small toy, and I get to try new, interesting things!

10/14/2011

Starkiller87

I always try to make small purchases here and there. Even if they are just adding something to an assignment and pay a small fee out of pocket 5-10 bucks here and there.

10/14/2011

Sunshineamine

I buy things out of pocket here and there, but do use my gift cards too. I would feel bad just only using my gift cards and never purchasing. EF is very generous.

10/14/2011

DeliciousDrip

Quote:

Originally posted by Kkay

My view is that if EF couldn't sustain this business model, they'd make changes to it.

Totally Agree..

10/14/2011

bdvnt

I don't see a problem using the gift cards. If you've earned them or they've been given to you, why not use them?

10/14/2011

Ash1141

I think you should use your gift cards. They wouldn't give them to you if they didn't want you to use them.

10/14/2011

unfulfilled

They're very generous and you earned them and they're getting your expert opinion. Also, they probably realize we're telling our friends about them. I know I do. My two best friends both told me they're going to remember this site the next time they're in the market for a new toy.

10/14/2011

- Kira -

I often wonder how they make money giving away gift cards and free things but it must be working for them or they wouldn't do it. I don't use my gift cards every time. I've yet to make a purchase where I wasn't out of pocket at least some amount over and above my gift card amount. I also make purchases all out of pocket even if I have some gift cards built up just because.

10/14/2011

P'Gell

If Eden didn't want us to use the points and Gift Cards, they wouldn't let us earn them. And we DO earn them, if we do it honestly.

There are limits on how many points you can get in a day, and there well should be. Evidently people still point farm. But, I know the regulars and the new regulars are here to help Eden and Eden is here to help us.

The more toys we have, the better reviewers we make. And every review and video and post is good press for Eden.

It's a two way street and I think it's done properly.

I would not have nearly a nice and as extensive collection nor would I have as much experience with such a wide variety of toys if it wasn't for the Review Program, the points and the Gift Cards. I do Eden a service (and so does everybody else here) by participating, we are not in any way pushed to do only reviews that flatter all the stuff (read my latest review on "Awakening to Love" DVD, I slaughtered it! OK, I also said it was a nice intro to porn for women who usually don't like Porn. So, it worked on more than one level.)

This has been a peak experience in my sex life as My Man and I learn more and more and we help Eden and other reviewers in the process.

I don't feel guilty at all about using the points and GFs I have earned. I do sometimes use my own money. But, some orders are only GFs and points. Than again, I'm not buying $200.00 toys either. I save my points until I have enough to make a $100.00 plus order, then I choose carefully, buying at least one thing I may never have bought IF I didn't have the points to use at my discretion.

It works well for us.

10/14/2011

Kynky Kytty

Depending on the amount of gift cards you use, you might feel like stealing stuff, but think about this:

Even if you feel like YOU get to ride on freebies, there are still a lot of users who don't.

I'm sure EF keeps count of the quantity of GC given weekly or so, and a lot of them are given to pamper the contributing reviewers, who make this place a super mega better place than other stores. It's a win-win situation for EF and us.

Besides, I'm sure that there is a lot more regular buyers than contributors on EF. Damn I'd be curious to see stats of regular sales vs those with GC.

(Even me, I ride on commissions - still technically free for me, but real money for EF. And when I was lucky to have a few GC, I didn't feel bad at all from using them).

10/14/2011

Vanille

You earned 'em, use 'em!

10/14/2011

ToyTimeTim

I have not paid cash for anything in a long time, extra funds just are not around. Sure I sorta feel bad at times, but I just make sure to write the best reviews I can so that EF sells more products.

As others have said, if EF did not want us to use the points and GC they would not offer them so freely. They are so very gracious!

10/14/2011

sexyintexas

You earned all of your gift cards, so I figure no harm no foul. We are providing a service for them as well as vice versa. Thats what the cards are here for, to help pay for things that we really want.

10/14/2011

indiglo

Quote:

Originally posted by ToyTimeTim

This goes for me too, and I also ditto what P'Gell said.

Those who aren't just here to point farm really do contribute, especially if you take into account well-written reviews, and well done video reviews. I'm sure Eden sells a lot more after good reviews are written and published. How many times have you checked the messages under your review only to see a few people say: "Wow, I didn't realize that toy worked that way, I'm going to order one now!"

I know there are several items I've gotten (and loved) after reading stellar reviews by users whose judgment I trust.

10/14/2011

Antipova

Quote:

Originally posted by P'Gell

Well-put, P'Gell summed up my thoughts nicely.

Uh, but I guess I did buy a $300 toy... but one $300 toy and three $100 toys are still equivalent, right? I'm actually going to finish my review of it today, and then on to even more things to review for dear Eden! I do also occasionally make straight out-of-pocket purchases---especially when I first joined, I got a SaSi and an Ina with cash, and even recently I got my Cowboy and Saloon Girl plain old out-of-pocket, not so much as a dollar from EdenPoints.

It's a totally mutually beneficial system, and I'm extremely glad that someone thought of it.

10/15/2011

KrazyKandy

I do both because I dont want EF to go out of business so I want to help as much as I can. I buy what I see its fair for example lube on EF is 15.99 but on amazon its 12.99 so I pay EF 12.99 and the rest on points. I feel like that is fair.

10/15/2011

leatherlover

Quote:

Originally posted by ToyTimeTim

I am somewhat like Tim. For a long time, I didn't have much extra money, so it was my free assignment a month, plus another toy with my points. My financial situation has improved some, so I have been buying more, but I also have more points because of being an editor. I just placed an order with just points, but that is my first one ever. I feel like as long as I earned the points fairly, than it is ok to use them whenever I want/need to.

10/15/2011

P'Gell

Quote:

Originally posted by Antipova

Antipova, I don't think there is anything wrong with buying a $300.00 toy with points and Gift Cards! I was just saying, I usually put in smaller orders with more frequency. I've certainly used more than $300.00 in points and Gift Cards in the year and a half or so I've been writing reviews for Eden.

With a more expensive toy, you just have to save longer. I don't think there is anything wrong with it. I just like to open my boxes from Eden and see all sorts of delights from moderately expensive (I just bought a Liberator Throe) to small items like Silky Sheets, lube, little toys, etc.

One thing I have never bought is "gag and novelty items." I don't know if I'm just too old for them. No one I know is having bachelorette parties and inviting my generation. Some of my friends are on their second and third marriages! While a penis cake or penis or boob ice cubes would be funny, they wouldn't be appropriate with the kids around.

10/15/2011

Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama

Something to consider too is that when you get points or a card - is that Eden doesn't "lose" or "pay" that full amount. Let me give an example - let's say you buy a $100 item with $100 in cards and points. Eden's cost of that item might only be $75 or so (not sure what the markup is on these products).

So you're getting $100 of value - but Eden is only "losing" $75 in the expense.

I don't feel guilty - for crying out loud - in the two weeks I've been here - I've spent over $150 and am now looking at yet another toy. Yeah...some of it was my points - but not THAT much.

I find myself wondering just how Eden can make money because they are so generous with us.

10/15/2011

jenn g

The points system is really generous and I love earning and spending the points!

10/15/2011

Total posts: 76 Unique posters: 71

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