KrisShop has recently rolled out an enticing promotion that offers a significant 30% discount on a selection of Apple products, including the latest iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches. The catch? To take advantage of this deal, customers must redeem their KrisFlyer miles in full.

This promotion is not unprecedented and often leads to confusion among consumers who mistakenly think they can purchase Apple products at prices lower than retail due to price control policies on these items. However, the reality is that while you might think you'll snag a bargain, the structure of the offer demonstrates a clever way to enhance the value of the miles you spend.

A Closer Look at the Deal

During the promotion period from January 15 to January 31, 2025, Apple products will be marked down on KrisShop’s Spectacular Deals page. However, customers should be wary of the added Goods and Services Tax (GST) that applies to items purchased in Singapore. For example, while an iPhone 16 Pro Max is listed at S$1,219.54, once you factor in the GST, the final cost amounts to S$1,329.30.

But here’s the nuance: this 'cash' price isn't something you pay in cash—you’re required to use KrisFlyer miles instead. Historically, KrisShop has traded KrisFlyer miles at a value of 0.8 cents per mile, but with this promotion, that value improves to approximately 1.17 cents per mile when you strategically pay the GST in cash.

New Payment Options

KrisShop has introduced a new feature allowing customers to pay GST with either cash or KrisFlyer miles. During checkout, you'll see a slider that lets you determine how to mix your payment types.

It’s generally wise to pay the GST with cash rather than miles to maximize the value of your redemption. As an example, using 152,443 KrisFlyer miles for the iPhone and then paying the GST of S$109.76 in cash gives you a mile value of 1.17 cents. If you pay for both the phone and GST entirely with miles, the value drops slightly to 1.14 cents per mile.

Pricing Transparency is Key

Apple's strict pricing control means that the promotional miles values should be reliable, but consumers need to be cautious with other products listed as 'on sale' in KrisShop. Always price-check these products against other retailers to ensure you're receiving a fair deal.

For instance, if a pair of Beats Studio Buds is priced at S$184.22 on KrisShop but can be purchased for S$159 on Amazon Singapore, you will find that the valuation per mile diminishes significantly if you do not conduct due diligence.

Alternatives for Spending Your KrisFlyer Miles

While redeeming miles at 1.14-1.17 cents each isn't the optimal use of them, it still beats the redemption options commonly found on-ground shopping. For travelers who see their miles nearing expiration and have no immediate travel plans, this may be a practical choice to avoid waste.

Credit Card Options for Spending Cash

For those who prefer to spend cash instead of miles, it's important to remember that purchases through KrisShop are categorized under duty-free transactions. Specific credit cards can help you earn bonus miles per dollar spent, maximizing your rewards further.

Final Thoughts

KrisShop's promotion allows customers to enjoy 30% off Apple products, but that discount comes with the necessity of redeeming KrisFlyer miles fully. While it’s an interesting opportunity, be sure to compare prices and consider whether this is the best use of your miles.

As always, shopping savvy means ensuring that the values you're given are as real as they seem to be, making this promotion a unique but potentially rewarding offer for those with expiring miles. Don’t miss out—you have until the end of January 2025 to snag this deal!