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Is the Entertainment Book actually worth it?
15 Mar 2023
You may no longer get a physical book, but does Entertainment Membership still offer good value? We take a look.
The Entertainment Book had a bit of a revamp in 2019 when it went completely digital. Now known as an Entertainment Membership, the program still offers discounts of up to 50% on a variety of purchases but you no longer get a physical book. Instead, the savings are accessed via an app.
Despite what the name may suggest, it’s not just about entertainment. Discounts are available for dining, shopping, travel and attractions, as well as services such as parking, gym membership and beauty services.
Entertainment Memberships can be used as a fundraiser for charities and community groups, with 20% of each membership sold going to the organisation when a certain level of sales is reached.
Is the Entertainment Book actually worth it?
Let’s look at a hypothetical couple, Bill and Sue, who take out a one-year membership for Sydney. In as little as one week, they could potentially recoup their $69.99 membership fee (more on pricing later) through the savings provided. Of course, you’re only really saving if you’re buying things you would have bought anyway.
To see how, let’s assume that on Sunday the couple visits Sydney Tower Eye, gaining one free admission (save: $26.40). That’s followed by lunch at Long Chim, scoring 25% off the total bill up ot $50 (save: $12.50). On the way home, Bill snags his jeans, so he takes them to LookSmart Alterations to be repaired. The cost to fix the tear is $50 but Bill uses his Entertainment Membership to save 25%, paying just $37.50 (save: $12.50). On Friday, Sue logs onto The Iconic website to buy a $60 pair of shorts, paying just $40 thanks to his $20 discount voucher (save: $20). On Saturday, the couple head off to buy a portable gas barbecue that would normally cost $399, but with their 8% discount voucher, they pay $367.08 (save: $31.92).
← Mobile/tablet users, scroll sideways to view full table →
| Provider | Deal | Cost without vouchers | Cost with vouchers | Saving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney Tower Eye | One free admission* | $52.80* | $26.40 | $26.40 |
| Long Chim Restaurant | 25% off total bill up to $50 | $50 | $37.50 | $12.50 |
| LookSmart Alterations | 25% off up to $50 | $50 | $37.50 | $12.50 |
| The Iconic | $20 off | $60 | $40 | $20 |
| Barbeques Galore | 8% off | $399 | $367.08 | $31.92 |
| Totals | $611.80 | $508.48 | $103.32 |
Source: entertainment.com.au, https://www.sydneytowereye.com.au/tickets-passes/, 12 March 2023.*When another full price general admission of equal or greater value is purchased.
As the table shows, in just seven days Bill and Sue could save just over $100 – not a bad saving relative to the $69.99 annual membership fee. The downside is that they spent $605.48 to pocket the discounts.
This is where the catch lies. You need to spend to save, and that can be a problem if you’re tempted to spend more than usual solely to score a discount.
To be fair, the savings can be applied to regular household purchases. A 4% discount on Woolworths Supermarket eGift Cards, for example, could cut the cost of groceries you’re already buying. The savings may vary according to the city you select, however, so it’s important to check which discounts and outlets are available for your preferred city.
If you’re wondering whether membership might be for you then here’s a look at some of the things you need to know.
How does Entertainment Membership work?
You will need to download the Entertainment app and activate your membership. You can then use the app to redeem discount vouchers.
The app has a number of useful functions. You can search for nearby businesses offering discounts or you can use the app to keep track of the savings you’ve received to date.
Entertainment Membership can be shared with up to five family members or devices in your household. To share membership, the new user will also need to download the app. It’s important to note that membership is linked so once one person uses an offer it can not be used again.
What locations are available?
There are 20 cities to choose from including all of the capital cities and selected regional locations. They are:
- Adelaide
- Brisbane and Sunshine Coast
- Cairns, Palm Cove and Port Douglas
- Canberra
- Darwin
- Geelong and Ballarat
- Gold Coast and Northern NSW
- Hobart and Surrounds
- Launceston, North West Tasmania and Surrounds
- Melbourne
- Newcastle, Central Coast and Hunter
- Perth
- Sydney
- Townsville
- Wollongong, The South Coast and Southern Highlands
How much does it cost?
Membership is available at tiered rates. The cheapest option is a single city three-month membership for $29.99. This covers you for the city you choose that best matches your area.
Multi-city membership is also available. This lets you pocket savings across Australia and New Zealand, with the cost starting at $39.99 for three months.
At the time of writing, a bonus multi-city upgrade is available when you take out single-city membership, with savings varying on the membership period selected.
Where can I buy it?
Entertainment Membership can be purchased online from the website of your favourite non-profit organisation. You can choose from the Cancer Council, Canteen and The Smith Family, to name a few. It’s possible to purchase membership direct from the Entertainment membership website. The cost is the same across each option.
The bottom line
Depending on your circumstances, an Entertainment Membership could offer the potential to save big dollars over the course of your membership timeframe on a wide variety of purchases. And if you buy membership through a charity or community group, you might enjoy the feel-good factor of knowing you’re supporting a worthy cause.
The trick is not to change your normal spending patterns just to take advantage of discounts. If you can manage this, Entertainment Membership can offer value for money, depending on your lifestyle and needs.
Cover image source: Lucky Business/Shutterstock.com
This article was reviewed by our Content Lead Ellie McLachlan before it was updated, as part of our fact-checking process.
