I doubt it was that. I think it was that the selling-on ruined Marriott's calculations on how much to charge for the Bonus Bucks.

If they can't be sold on, there will be a greater number that expire unused. If their calculations of the "breakage" (as it's called) were that 60% would expire used, they could get away with charging the merchants who were distributing the Bonus Bucks as incentives $41 for a $100 bonus buck and (except for some administrative costs) actually turn a profit. However, if the breakage turned out to be only 20% and 80% of those $41 certificates were actually used, there's a loss in the making.

(Actually, the calculations are more complicated than that, since it was reported that Marriott would not pay the property $100 for accepting the $100 certificate -- the property also had to absorb a discount -- but the general idea remains valid: if more certificates are redeemed than they calculated, this could cause a loss.)

I talked once with a merchant whose firm had used the Bonus Bucks as a marketing incentive, and he said that (as he recalled) when they first began using them Marriott sold them at about 25% - 30% of face value, but when they quit the price had more than doubled. Got to be a pretty expensive incentive. If enough merchants felt the same way, the market for Marriott would have dried up. Perhaps that's why we don't see them anymore (except occasionally as a promotion by Marriott properties themselves).

Just used one I received a month ago at Marriott financial center.

However, purchasing them as a vendor is either difficult or impossible now. Used to get 100gbp vouchers for 29usd! We were notified that due to our small breakage rate of only 20-40% they would raise the rate to $85 per 100usd voucher or discontinue our orders....

with $85 for $100 voucher you'd be better off buying the GCs during various promos!

I think that was their point. We stopped buying but it was nice while it lasted.

Questions on Current Crop of Bonus Bucks
 

I have a stay lined up next weekend that will net me a couple of the new release of Bonus Bucks. Has anyone got these yet? I haven't had one in a couple of years now, and just wondering what the restrictions were. Seems like the previous versions, were only usuable at FS properties, and once there was a version that was weekend only. I believe the wording before was "publicly available rate" so AAA didn't qualify, but wondering about the senior discount, as I might pass one on to the parents of a friend who are getting ready to go on a trip. Thanks for any info you can pass on.

Cindi

OK, seems I may be the first to get one of these. I have just returned from my trip, where I got these as part of the HOL rate in Atlanta at the Renaissance Waverly. The wording has changed a little from my memory of the old ones. First these can be used any day of the week, and up to 3 used per stay (6 night stay). They are good at only FS properties, and the wording on the rates that qualify has changed slightly to something like "none that require a membership", so my interpretation would be no to AAA rates, but yes to senior rates, and internal Marriott rates like HOL or TFB. Mine have an expiration date of June 2013, so gives me a little time to figure out how to use them.

How do you qualify for them?

I thought it was clear.

Nope, not quite (or maybe about as clear as mud). :p

Never really paid that much attention when they were around. I just book the coroporate rate and/ or claim miles.

But, I thought they were no longer around (seems to be new again, so thought I would ask).

Bonus Bucks Question
 

I will earn $25 bonus bucks per night on an upcoming 4 night stay in Florida, and just wondering how that works.

1. Will I likely get 4 separate coupons for $25 when I check out, or one $100 bonus bucks coupon?

2. I understand that a bonus buck can only be used towards the payment of a 2 night stay. If that is true, and I do in fact get 4 x $25 bonus buck coupons, that means I need to stay 8 paid nights total in order to save the $100. This would be a sucky discount if this is the case.

3. Do they expire?

4. Can a bonus buck earned in the U.S. be redeemed in Canada?

5. Are they issued right away, or are they mailed to you in 4 to 6 weeks or whatever?

Based on history, the answers would be
1) 4 - $25 certs
2) N/A
3) Yes
4) Yes
5) Immediate issue (except in rare circumstances)

As BKKLEE states, they could have changed them. IMO, on the ? you asked - that is doubtful.

Are you CERTAIN it is one BB per night? Usually it is one per stay?..

+1.................note, I said potentially changed cause when BBs were really going full force they had them valid on weekends only, anytime, with 2-nights+ required, in US$, in Euros, in GBPs, etc - basically several different types which all did not have the same T&Cs..............since they aren't as prevalent as before I suggested getting the new T&Cs if they are new and you'd have your answer as to the exact T&Cs vrs. educated guesses.......

I agree, and still think she should call. But IMO, the only question she asked which really could have changed from previous editions would be #2....

Otherwise...I think you will agree that they definitely will have an expiration, they definitely will be $25 and usable in CA and they are always given at time of stay. Unless the hotel is out of them, which is unlikely and unforeseeable.

in all likelihood, yes............

Not all BBs are created equally...
 

The sad part about BBs is the terms can vary greatly from one chain to the next. So be sure to read the T&Cs on the back and any links provided to make sure you understand the rules. I've had several earned/given to me that never got used due to such restrictive terms that didn't work for me or any of my family/friends. And if you get them at check out, be sure to do a quick look see to make sure they are current. I've had properties hand over old ones that had already expired or would very soon which also made them useless.

Again READ the terms!