To be annoyed at Boots Advantage Points policy discriminating against formula feeding

[alicet]

Recently found out that Boots don't give advantage points for formula for babies under 6 months. When I asked why I was told 'because we promote breast feeding'.

I guess they can give their points to whoever the hell they like as it is an extra but this really riled me. I am all for promoting bf but this isn't doing that - it's stigmatising ff. Promoting bf would be to give double points for bf stuff like pads / pumps etc.

Anyway thought no more of it until the next time I was in Boots and wasn't allowed to buy my ds's formula with the points I have acrued. this REALLY annoyed me as I have earnt them spending money in Boots and feel I should be able to spend these on whatever I like!

So AIBU? I don't want this to turn into a ff v bf debate - I bf my ds1 for nearly 6 months so am all for it - just didn't work out for us this time. And very pro them promoting it. Just don't think this is... Thoughts?

I thought you were going to complain about feeding facilities only available for breastfeeding mothers, in which case I was going to agree with you, having fed DS in the smelly cramped changing room of a Boots because of not being allowed in the lovely 'breastfeeding only' room with comfy chairs.

But as everyone says, no points on formula fair enough!

because people shouldn't be encouraged to ff, that's why.

Agree with bobsmum.

you are being a bit overdramatic..

Massive crossposts - have checked those links (thanks) now...

OK so I understand now and won't have a hissy fit at Boots!

Flowery, what's that all about? Is it really the case that you can't bottle feed in a Boots parent/child room?

But the advantage card is fantastic isn't it?
I spent about £100 on stuff for DS and got £20 worth of points and free delivery!

have just re-read fbb's post, yes, that is a bit shocking

geekgirl and bobsmum I don't think that advantage points would encourage people to ff. Understand that it is illegal to promote it though and I guess points is the same thing.

Like I said I am not in anyway anti breast feeding just felt that this was yet another way to try and demonise ff mums. And in my experience most people who choose to ff have very good reasons for doing so.

I agree with Bobsmum too.

i bottled fed DD in the mother and baby room... no-one asked me how i was feeding her..

fiofio you are right I was more p*ssed off that I couldn't buy it with the points I had accrued actually. Like you say this is meant to be like money so I think I should be allowed to use it for what I like. I don't see this as the same thing as promoting formula by offering advantage points as the points have already been given to me for other purchases.

that is strange, i did read that in your op but ignored it, sorry

was about to say the thing about it being illegal to promote - but then see it's more the issue of not being allowed to use the points you've accrued to buy the formula...

Is it not the same with cigarettes as well as prescription medicene?
I'm sure when I used to smoke my clubcard bits would say not usable on cigarettes.

from their website:

1 point = 1 penny, so when you've collected 1000 Advantage Card points you'll have £10 to spend on everything in store apart from a few legal exclusions: postage stamps, giftcard/ vouchers, mobile phone top up cards, prescription items, infant milks (up to six months), and Boots travel services.

I assume it's not allowed to be linked to the points scheme in any way

You can't by everything in Boots with your points. You have to look for the things with the * and I think it is reasonable that formula and prescriptions are exepmt from this.

I don't think Tesco or Sainsburys give reward points on your clubcard/nectar card on formula for babies under 6 months either.

I think you're probably right stealthpolarbear. Still annoys me but I guess I'm going to have to let this one go!

You cannot spend Boots points on:

postage stamps, giftcard/ vouchers, mobile phone top up cards, prescription items, infant milks (up to six months), and Boots travel services.

if that helps?

On the tesco website it says

"Points will not be given for purchases made at the tobacco kiosk, or for the sale of Lottery tickets, or prescription medicines or infant milk formulae, or purchases of Gift Cards, or for purchases of some Tesco Personal Finance Products"

It also says

"You can use Clubcard Vouchers to buy items from Tesco Direct, Groceries, Wine, Flowers, Books and Entertainment (excluding DVD Rental and Music Downloads), Double Up and Clubcard Deals. Please note that Clubcard Vouchers cannot be used at any of the following areas of Tesco.com: Tesco Jersey, DVD Rental, Music Downloads, Legal Store, Contact Lenses, Travel, Photo Centre, Tesco Personal Finance, Telecoms, Nutri-Centre and Tesco Diets. Clubcard Vouchers cannot be used when ordering non-food items by phone."

So they all fall under the same branch of advertising laws I think, which in turn classes loyalty card points as promotions.

snap stealth