Cineplex Mystery Shopping and VIP Cinemas

As former DINKs (Double Income No Kids), we went to the movies at least once a month. Now that we are SIOK (Single Income One Kid), we have been to the movies precisely four times, which is a far cry from the monthly visits as DINKs. Thank goodness for DVDs and Netflix so we could get our movie fix!

One of the few traditions we have kept since having the little man was my participation in the Cineplex Mystery Shopping program. I have been a mystery shopper for Cineplex since 2006. For an annual fee of $50 (plus taxes), I receive 8 general admission movie tickets and $40 in Cineplex gift cards. This is mailed to me over the course of the year, in 4 instalments (2 tickets and $10 gift card each time).

The total value of the Mystery Shopping package far exceeds the $50 I paid. General admission for adults, if purchased without any discounts is $12.25. Multiply that by 8 general admission tickets plus the $40 you receive in gift cards (good towards food or admission), this equals to a $138 value.

In return for this great deal, you need to purchase food from the concession (mmm...popcorn) and complete a short 5 minute online survey to provide feedback. Easy stuff!

Over the course of my involvement with the mystery shopping program, they have implemented many of the recommendations provided by mystery shoppers, such as myself. They have renovated the seats in the auditoriums, added new food items and implemented a new movie experience through their Cineplex VIP Cinema, to name a few. It's nice to see a company actually implement the changes you suggest.

My sister-in-law is also a Cineplex mystery shopper. She recently visited the Cineplex VIP Cinemas and raved about her phenomenal experience. On my date with my husband, we decided to check out the VIP Cinemas to see what the fuss is all about.

Yes, it even has a separate entry to the VIP Cinemas.

The Cineplex VIP Cinemas is a luxurious experience targeted at the 19 year old and older crowd who want a more enjoyable movie experience. The perks include a separate line for ticket purchase, reserved seating and an amazing lounge to hangout in prior to the show (you can order food and alcoholic drinks here).

First class movie experience: wider seats, table service, and more leg room.

The theatre itself features extra-wide seats, each with trays that pivot and a deep drink holder. The seats are paired (think love seat) with an adjustable arm rest that you can raise so you can snuggle next to your companion. The space between each row is wider, giving you more room to stretch your legs. To top this off, you can order food and drinks from the wait staff without having the leave the comfort of your seat. This is truly a first-class movie experience. Are you drooling yet?

We went to see the 10:30pm showing of the "Guardians of the Galaxy" on a Friday night and the theatre was at capacity. Clearly, there is a demand for this type of movie experience and I can see why! Pure luxury, free of rowdy teenagers and seats so comfortable that my husband fell asleep for part of the movie. Honestly, I don't think I could ever go back.

If you would like more information on how to become a Cineplex mystery shopper, please leave me a comment and I would be happy to send you more details.

NOTE:

• The VIP Cinemas is only available at select theatres. In BC, there are two VIP Cinemas: SilverCity Coquitlam and Cineplex Cinema Abbotsford.
• The mystery shopping requires you to visit the same Cineplex theatre for the one year term. 
• To earn the most points, buy each of your tickets separately (both online and in person) as Cineplex only rewards you Scene points per transaction. For example, if you bought 2 VIP tickets on ONE transaction, you would only receive 200 scene points. However, if you bought the 2 VIP tickets separately on TWO transactions, you would earn 400 scene points. There is a limit of two transactions per Scene card per day. The number of points you receive can make a big difference especially given how expensive Cineplex movie tickets have become over the years.

Disclosure: As part of my participation in the Cineplex Mystery Shopping program, I receive two tickets for my referrals.