Two Bookstores - MPH and Borders

Used to patronize MPH bookstores but now I found out that Borders bookstores actually provide much better deal. MPH has been issuing MRC privilege cards to their loyal customers in order for them to accumulate points when purchasing. But the problem is the MRC card only valid for 2 years and the points accumulated doesn't worth the gift voucher (the rebate) they reward you. The rebate term and condition is really dreadful. Readers may refer these at the bottom. You also need to renew the MRC membership with RM100 purchase within 12 months from expiry date or pay with RM10.

Better is Borders. They straight away give 20% off to some of the latest and bestselling titles in town. After comparing both, I discovered that Borders saves me more money than the MPH reward program. Furthermore, the Borders 20% discount or even the selected 3 for 2 deal (choose three selected books and the cheapest one is free) provide instant gratification compare to those of MPH where you only get the gift voucher at later date. And, I don't even need a loyalty card for that.

Of course, MPH does have advantages over Borders. Their MRC cards can be used to shop online at http://www.mph.com.my and they also publish the periodic Quill magazine for their members. Frankly, I only received one issue of Quill magazine sent to my house in almost 2 years now.

As for me, my last few purchases were all done at Borders and still constantly looking for great books. Happy reading folks!

* Rebate

1. For every RM1 spent, members will be awarded 1 MRC point.
2. There are two point accumulation periods in a year - January to June and July to December.
3. At least 300 points must be accumulated in each of these periods to qualify for the rebate.
4. A 5% rebate will be awarded to MRC members who spend RM300 to RM999.99 and a 10% rebate will be awarded to those who spend RM1000 or more in each period.
5. Qualifying periods are independent of each other and points from one qualifying period cannot be carried forward into the next period. FOR EVERY NEW PERIOD, POINT ACCUMULATION WILL BEGIN FROM NIL.
6. Members are advised to keep all receipts for at least 6 months of each qualifying period in the event of discrepancies in the accumulated points.