I love going to the movies, but boy is it expensive. Especially if you buy anything from the concession stand which can routinely double the cost of your night out. But I have a solution that might save you at least $70 per year if you go to the movies four times or more…
Become a Mystery Shopper
Canada’s largest movie chain, Cineplex Entertainment LP, has a Mystery Shopper program that allows you to get a discount on going to the movies in exchange for providing feedback on your movie going experience. They are not looking for movie reviews, they are looking for reviews on the actual theatre operation.
How Does It Work?
Very simple: there is an enrollment fee of $50 (+ GST) and you will receive two passes plus vouchers for some concession purchases. You have three weeks to return your feedback form. As long as you return your feedback on time, you’ll get at least three more sets of passes with concession vouchers. It is possible to get more than that depending on the number of mystery shoppers in your area. For more details click here for the official Frequently Asked Questions.
How Do I Enroll?
Just click here for the online registration. One of their representatives will contact you to see if there are openings in any theatres in your area… and that’s about it. Enrollment is not guaranteed, but if you get it you can count on some decent savings when it comes to going to the movies.
My understanding is that Cineplex does not operate east of Quebec unfortunately.
Related posts:
About Preet
Just a small correction: Cineplex does operate in Western Canada. (You can look up theatre locations on their site.
@Seacloud: Thanks for the note, but the post does not indicate that Cineplex does not operate in Western Canada?
enrolled! Thanks, Preet.
Have you considered finding a theatre that still does cheap Tuesdays? I’ve mystery shopped for other companies, but the idea of paying $50 for 8 passes when I can go to the movies for $4.99 on Tuesdays …. it seems like this is really a discounted movie pass program where you need to provide feedback. True mystery shopping companies don’t require a fee, and in fact pay you for your report or reimburse your purchases.
Hi Valerie, thanks for commenting. I agree that you can find cheap theatres to go to, but if you are going to see an action movie, I’ve found that the theatres that offer tickets below $8 do not have the facilities to truly enjoy the visceral experience of a blockbuster. Those theatres are charging $12+. Including the concession vouchers, it’s a big savings.
If you prefer more story-based movies, then I would skip the theatre and just rent the movies to watch at home. $5 and you can have multiple people watching it.
When I first saw the details I too saw of it as a discount program more than anything else, but note that you can qualify to go back more than 4 times a year too. So whatever you call it, you can save big bucks.
I can tell you Cineplex operates in the Toronto area.
I came across another movie deal: AMC has $6 admission for movies starting before noon on Friday through Sunday. This is less than half-price of the $12.50 regular admission price here in Ottawa (AMC Kanata).
@Preet: That was my lack of attention to detail. I misread the last line that says: “My understanding is that Cineplex does not operate east of Quebec unfortunately.” I think it was some kind of Freudian Western Alienation thing (I’m an Albertan, but not a redneck…I swear)
Thanks for the great posts.