EVGA Step Up Program

98Redbird · June 7, 2018

So I recently picked up an EVGA GTX 1080 SC Gaming. I bought this one when the prices fell down close to MSRP. Wanted a 1080 Ti, but prices had not fallen yet and I wasn't sure that they were going to. I went with EVGA because they offered the step up program and figured, if the prices do fall on the Ti, then great, I can step up to that one.

Well, on EVGA's website, the prices on the Ti's are down around $750 (with an instant rebate) which is not awful considering MSRP for the founders cards is 699. So, I figured I was okay with that price and started the step up process.

The first issue was that they sell about 10 different Ti's, but only offer ONE for step up, the SC Black Edition. Don't understand that one, but whatever, I'd be okay with the Black Edition. So I choose that one... and the price is showing as $869 (full MSRP), plus shipping. I went back to the product page for that card to verify I was looking at the right one (model number). It was. So I emailed EVGA, and the response I got was:

Step up does not qualify for any promotion. You have to pay full MSRP. It is optional, you don't have to do it.

Friggin seriously? So essentially, as a new customer, I can get a substantially better price on a card than I can as an existing customer that has already spent a chunk of $$ with your company? That seems right to you? Then you tell me that it's optional, you don't have to do it if you don't want to/don't like the price. First off, you're right, I don't have to, but to say that to a customer, who only went with your brand in the first place because of the step up program that you promote fairly heavily, is questionable. Secondly, this whole "step up" program feels a bit misleading at this point. I can upgrade, but only to 1 version of the card, and you'll have to pay full MSRP, not what other (new) customers pay.

I dunno, I guess this just rubbed me the wrong way. Graphics cards aren't cheap, and the way you advertise your promotion is misleading. Have any of you guys dealt with EVGA or their step up program? Just wanted to vent a little bit I suppose and get some other thoughts. Thanks.