Loss of VIP Bronze Status at SmokingPipes.com

[Singularis]

Something just occurred to me while perusing one of my favorite websites, SmokingPipes.com: I am no longer a VIP Bronze member.

I had achieved this status based on how much I had ordered since getting an account with them over 5 years ago.

At least, that's how I thought it was supposed to work. Worth noting, however, that my spending was way down with them this last year, but I still bought plenty.

Looking at my emails from them, my first order as a VIP Bronze Member was Sept 2021. But I don't know when and why I became a Bronze Member. I just know that I ain't anymore.

Does anyone know what's going with that?

 

[bluegrassbrian]

It renews every year I think.
I was silver for a few years in a row.

 

[Singularis]

You mean I have spend at least $500 every year to get the Bronze Member perks?

 

[didimauw]

I didn't realize you could lose your status!

 

[blackpowderpiper]

I didn't realize you could lose your status!

Me either. I just looked and I'm still Bronze. Not sure this has ever saved me a penny though.

 

[blackpowderpiper]

You mean I have spend at least $500 every year to get the Bronze Member perks?

If this is the case, I hope I lose my status. I promised myself no more tobacco/pipe spending this year.

 

[scloyd]

I just checked my account and I'm still a Silver VIP. I received a Christmas card last year from SP for the first time. I spent over $2100 last year, they should of sent me a tin of tobacco.

 

[scloyd]

I sent an email to SP.
Here's their response.

Hello,
Thank you for reaching out to us. Much like frequent flyer miles, we reward customers with VIP points for amounts that spent that year. Currently the threshold for Silver VIP is $1500 spent within a calendar year. If you spent that required $1500 within this year, you would remain a silver member next year. If not you would still be rewarded with a bronze membership for the following year.

Thank you for being a loyal customer to us. I hope this information helps. If there is anything else I can do for you please do not hesitate to reach out.

Best,
(removed reps name)
Customer Service
Smokingpipes.com

 

[kcghost]

I haven't ordered anything in six months so I may have lost my Bronze status, also.

 

[BarrelProof]

I had no idea, either.

I just logged in to check and mine is gone, too. I did notice one that said I’d bought over 100 of the same tobacco. I’m terrified to know what unit of measurement that particular badge uses.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Does anyone know what's going with that?

It's based on annual purchases. It's not a once you're there you stay there sort of thing, each year your account is reviewed for annual spending. If it exceeds a set amount, you get placed in bronze, silver, or gold depending on purchases made that year. If not, you lose the medal.

 

[scloyd]

It's based on annual purchases. It's not a once you're there you stay there sort of thing, each year your account is reviewed for annual spending. If it exceeds a set amount, you get placed in bronze, silver, or gold depending on purchases made that year. If not, you lose the medal.

You need to spend $1500 to achieve silver status. I wonder what the amount is to achieve gold. $2500 perhaps?

 

[Grangerous]

What’s for Bronze? I’ve gotten two Christmas Cards. I’m Bronze lol

 

[ThermionicScott]

The first couple times I read people talking about their "Gold" or "Bronze" or "VIP" status, I figured it was just some kind of in-joke. I finally figured out how to check my status, and... I'm a "UPS Freeloader."

 

[AJL67]

Child's play, I'm a VIP Platinum member of the @hoosierpipeguy tobacco sales.

 

[HawkeyeLinus]

You need to spend $1500 to achieve silver status. I wonder what the amount is to achieve gold. $2500 perhaps?

In the old days, you’d cinch it by training with the East German women’s piping team!

 

[Hillcrest]

Wow, I didn't know they had status levels ... I think I must be at used coffee cup level ... Will have to work on that maybe ...

 

[anotherbob]

I had silver for one year. It's yearly or nearly so.

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

Child's play, I'm a VIP Platinum member of the @hoosierpipeguy tobacco sales.

Your purchases alone may have put me in the ten largest tobacconists in the USA.

 

[AroEnglish]

You need to spend $1500 to achieve silver status. I wonder what the amount is to achieve gold. $2500 perhaps?

I haven't heard of anyone publicly stating they've reached anything higher than silver. My guess is that the higher tier might start at $5,000 or even $10,000.