Is A Books-A-Million Membership Worth It? A Detailed Look
With the rise of e-books and online book retailers like Amazon, independent bookstores have had to get creative to stay relevant. Many have turned to membership programs that offer perks and discounts to encourage customer loyalty.
One such store, Books-A-Million, offers a paid membership program that provides discounts and other benefits to avid readers. But is it worth the investment?
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: For hardcore book lovers who shop at Books-A-Million frequently, the membership can easily pay for itself through the 10% discount on all purchases. More casual readers may not find enough value to justify the $25 annual fee.
Let’s take a detailed look at Books-A-Million paid membership program. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Books-A-Million membership program and assess whether it is worth the investment.
An Overview of the Books-A-Million Membership Program
Books-A-Million is a popular bookstore chain that offers a membership program to its customers. This program provides various benefits to members, making it a worthwhile consideration for avid readers and book lovers.
Membership Fee
Books-A-Million offers one membership program, the Millionaire’s Club Card, which has a single membership fee of $25 per year.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about the membership:
- Membership lasts for 12 months from the date of purchase.
- Membership automatically renews unless you cancel before your expiration date.
- You can manage your membership and cancel renewals online or in-store.
Key Membership Benefits
The Books-A-Million membership program offers several key benefits that make it appealing to book enthusiasts.
- 40% off bestsellers in-store and online, making it a potential good deal if you purchase bestsellers frequently.
- Free shipping on online orders, saving you money on delivery costs.
- Bonus coupons and exclusive offers throughout the year for additional discounts and savings.
- Early access to sales and events so you can snag the best deals before they’re gone.
- Birthday reward coupon for an extra special discount on your special day.
Calculating the Potential Savings
One of the key factors to consider when evaluating whether a Books-A-Million membership is worth it is the potential savings it offers. Let’s take a closer look at the average savings for both casual readers and avid readers.
Average Savings for Casual Readers
For casual readers who enjoy reading a book or two every month, a Books-A-Million membership can provide significant savings. With the membership, you typically enjoy a discount of up to 40% off the cover price on books, both in-store and online.
This means that if you purchase a book that costs $20, you could potentially save $8 on that single purchase alone. Over time, these savings can quickly add up, making the membership a great option for those who enjoy reading occasionally.
Additionally, Books-A-Million often offers exclusive deals and promotions for their members, such as buy-one-get-one-free offers or discounted prices on select titles. These additional savings can further enhance the value of the membership for casual readers.
Average Savings for Avid Readers
For avid readers who devour books on a regular basis, the potential savings with a Books-A-Million membership can be even more substantial. With the membership, you not only enjoy the same discounts on books but also gain access to member-exclusive sales and events.
Let’s say you typically purchase four books per month, each priced at $15. With a 40% discount, you would save $24 in total. Over the course of a year, these savings would amount to $288, which can be a significant amount for book lovers.
Moreover, Books-A-Million often hosts events such as author signings, book club meetings, and workshops, which are frequently offered at a discounted rate or even free of charge for members.
These events provide an excellent opportunity for avid readers to engage with their favorite authors and fellow book enthusiasts, while also saving money.
Additional Member Perks to Consider
Exclusive Member-Only Offers
One of the key perks of a Books-A-Million membership is the access to exclusive member-only offers. These offers can range from discounts on bestsellers to special promotions on certain genres or authors.
By becoming a member, you gain the advantage of being among the first to know about these limited-time deals. This can be a great way to save money on your favorite books or discover new ones at discounted prices. Plus, who doesn’t love the thrill of finding a great deal?
First Access to New Releases
As a Books-A-Million member, you’ll have the opportunity to get your hands on new releases before they hit the shelves for the general public. This means you can be one of the first to dive into the latest bestseller or eagerly anticipated sequel.
Having early access to new releases can be particularly beneficial if you’re an avid reader who likes to stay up-to-date with the latest literary trends. It’s like being part of an exclusive club where you get to enjoy the newest books before anyone else.
Bonus Rewards Points
Books-A-Million offers a rewards program where members earn points for their purchases. These points can be redeemed for discounts or even free books.
As a member, you’ll have the advantage of earning bonus rewards points on select purchases or during special promotions. This means you can accumulate points faster and reap the benefits of your loyalty. Whether you’re a casual reader or a bookworm, earning bonus rewards points can make your membership even more valuable.
So, when considering whether a Books-A-Million membership is worth it, don’t forget to take into account these additional member perks.
Exclusive member-only offers, first access to new releases, and bonus rewards points all add to the overall value of being a member. It’s not just about the discounts, but the extra benefits that enhance your reading experience and make being a member truly worthwhile.
The Downsides of a BAM Membership
Higher Prices Compared to Amazon
One of the main downsides of a Books-A-Million (BAM) membership is that their prices are often higher compared to online retail giant Amazon.
While BAM does offer discounts to its members, these discounts may not always be enough to offset the higher prices. This is particularly true for popular bestsellers or new releases, where Amazon often offers competitive prices and deals.
According to a study conducted by Consumer Reports, on average, Amazon tends to have lower prices for books compared to other retailers, including BAM.
This is due to Amazon’s vast inventory and their ability to negotiate better deals with publishers. So, if you’re a price-conscious book buyer, you may find that a BAM membership doesn’t offer the best value in terms of savings.
Limited Store Locations
Another drawback of a BAM membership is the limited number of store locations. Unlike Amazon, which delivers books to your doorstep, BAM primarily operates through physical stores.
While they do have an online store, the convenience of being able to visit a physical store and browse the shelves may not be available to all members.
BAM’s store locations are concentrated in certain regions, so if you don’t live near one of their stores, it may not make sense to invest in a membership.
This can be a significant downside for those who prefer the immediacy of picking up a book in person rather than waiting for it to be delivered.
Underwhelming Digital Offerings
When it comes to digital offerings, BAM’s membership may be underwhelming compared to other platforms. While they do have an e-book store and audiobook platform, their selection may not be as extensive as other dedicated e-book retailers.
According to a review by PCMag, BAM’s e-book store has a smaller catalog compared to Amazon’s Kindle store or Barnes & Noble’s Nook store. This means that if you primarily consume books in a digital format, a BAM membership may not provide you with the same range of options as other platforms.
Additionally, BAM’s audiobook platform may not be as robust as dedicated audiobook services like Audible. So, if you’re an avid reader who enjoys digital formats, you may find that a BAM membership doesn’t offer the same level of convenience or variety as other platforms.
While a Books-A-Million membership does come with certain benefits, it’s important to consider these downsides before making a decision. If you’re someone who prioritizes price, convenience, and digital offerings, you may find that other alternatives, such as Amazon or dedicated e-book platforms, better suit your needs.
The Bottom Line: Is a BAM Membership Worth It?
After carefully considering all the benefits and costs, it can be concluded that a Books-A-Million (BAM) membership is definitely worth it for avid readers and book lovers. Here’s why:
1. Exclusive Discounts and Offers
One of the main advantages of a BAM membership is the access to exclusive discounts and offers. Members can enjoy significant savings on books, magazines, and other merchandise both in-store and online.
With regular promotions and special deals, a BAM membership can help book lovers stretch their budgets and buy more of their favorite reads.
2. Free Shipping and Fast Delivery
Another great perk of being a BAM member is the free shipping and fast delivery options. Members can enjoy free shipping on all online orders, with no minimum purchase requirement.
This is especially beneficial for those who prefer the convenience of shopping from home or live in remote areas where access to physical bookstores is limited. Fast delivery ensures that readers can dive into their new books without waiting too long.
3. Loyalty Rewards Program
BAM’s loyalty rewards program is an added incentive for members. With every purchase, members earn points that can be redeemed for future discounts or even free books.
This creates a sense of loyalty and encourages repeat purchases, making the membership even more valuable in the long run.
4. Exclusive Events and Author Signings
BAM members often get the chance to attend exclusive events and author signings. These events provide an opportunity to connect with fellow book enthusiasts and meet favorite authors in person.
The experience of being part of a community of passionate readers is priceless for many book lovers.
5. In-Store Benefits
For those who enjoy browsing physical bookstores, a BAM membership offers additional perks. Members can take advantage of early access to sales, special members-only events, and personalized recommendations from knowledgeable staff.
These in-store benefits enhance the overall book buying experience.
6. Cost-Effective for Regular Book Buyers
If you find yourself buying books frequently, a BAM membership can easily pay for itself. The savings and exclusive offers add up over time, making it a cost-effective choice for regular book buyers.
By taking advantage of the discounts and rewards, members can get more books for their money.
7. Easy Cancellation and Money-Back Guarantee
Should you decide that a BAM membership is not for you, cancellation is hassle-free.
BAM offers a money-back guarantee within the first 30 days of membership. This gives you the freedom to try it out and see if it suits your reading habits and preferences.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a Books-A-Million membership can be a good value if you shop there frequently and take advantage of the perks.
Avid readers will likely get the most bang for their buck thanks to compounding savings from the 40% discount. However, more casual buyers may be better off skipping it, especially if they do much of their book buying online.
Consider your own shopping habits and preferences to decide if the $25 annual fee is worthwhile for you.
