CSSC Sports & Leisure FAQ's

In this case, either we haven't got your current home address or maybe you are no longer a subscribing CSSC member. In these circumstances contact our Customer Services department via headoffice@cssc.co.uk or phone on 01494 888 444.

Why is my Countdown card my CSSC Membership card too?

CSSC decided it was time to replace the old CSSC membership cards and around the same time improvements to the members' offers package were being assessed. The logical solution appeared to be a combination of the CSSC membership and Countdown card. One card, dual purpose. And, no more plastic.

What do I do with my old CSSC Membership card?

When you receive your new CSSC Membership card please cut up your old CSSC membership card and dispose of it appropriately.

How long will my card last for?

Your Countdown card is valid until 31 January 2009 as long as you maintain your CSSC subscription. All subscribing members will automatically receive a new membership card before the old one expires.

What if I lose my membership/Countdown card during the year?

If you lose your card, contact CSSC's Customer Services department who can arrange for the dispatch of a new one, with new savings guides.

Do I pay for my Countdown Card?

Membership of the Countdown scheme is available to members of the public for an annual membership fee of �49.95, but CSSC is able to include this within CSSC membership for free - making CSSC membership even better value for money.

Are membership cards transferable?

Absolutely not. Cards are issued to specific members and should carry the signature of the member concerned on the reverse. If a member allows a non-member to use her/his card to access opportunities within CSSC, they face action from CSSC's Discipline and Complaints Committee, including possible expulsion.

What do I do with my card if I leave CSSC?

If you leave CSSC and stop paying subscriptions, your membership card must be returned to Head Office. Your Countdown membership will be cancelled on confirmation that CSSC subscriptions have stopped.

Do I need to register with Countdown to get the benefit of these discounts?

There's no need to register with Countdown to use the offers in the savings guides as the joint CSSC/Countdown membership card and CSSC membership number are the key elements and members will get these automatically. However, to keep track of the latest offers on the countdowncard.com, you will need to complete the one time online registration and, if you want, sign-up to a regular Countdown discount e-newsletter.

How do I use my Countdown cards to obtain discounts?

Discounts can be accessed in a variety of ways. You will find a full explanation in your savings guide, and offers show different symbols that indicate how to obtain the saving. You may simply need to show your Countdown card at the point of sale, some offers are accessed over the phone or online and some through the pre-purchase of own store gift vouchers at preferential rates.

Can I expect to see the offers I have been used to with CSSC?

All members' offer merchants that previously ran deals for CSSC have been approached and invited to join the Countdown scheme (where their details were known). Many have already switched across and more will be signing up over the weeks and months to come. Therefore, if you don't see a familiar offer in your savings guides, keep an eye on the website as it may be added in due course.

How can I find out about new discounts during the year?

CSSC and Countdown will be working together to promote new offers throughout the year, as well as reminding members about offers that are seasonal. This will be through our Leisure Scene magazine, our (CSSC's) e-newsletters, Countdown's e-newsletters (if you sign up for them on their website) and on both CSSC's and Countdown's websites.

If I'm going to spend time in another part of the country can I use the discounts for that Region?

Yes. Check out countdowncard.com for that region to see the local offers that might be of interest.

Who do I contact if I have a problem with a Countdown offer?

Contact Countdown Customer Services on 08701 600698. Remember, all Countdown savings are guaranteed. If you encounter problems, contact Countdown who will be pleased to help.

How often will I receive my savings guides?

Your national and local saving guides are produced annually, so you need to keep them safe. You can still check all the great offers out on the Countdown website or request a new booklet from CSSC Customer Services via headoffice@cssc.co.uk or on 01494 888 444.

Can I suggest new offers for the Countdown scheme or refer existing local offers for possible inclusion?

Yes. A Countdown referral form is available on the CSSC website for you to put forward suggestions for potential national or local offers. Click here for more details.

Has CSSC provided Countdown with my personal data for their own use and will I now be bombarded with Countdown literature and promotions?

Countdown are working under strict contract to CSSC. Countdown will not contact you direct unless you choose to sign up to their e-newsletter (which you can unsubscribe from at any time).

Will Countdown also cover CSSC activities that are subsidised?

In some parts of the organisation CSSC subsidises activity by reducing the cost of tickets or by paying a merchant or supplier who in turn reduces the price for members. From CSSC's perspective, this can often be very popular but is really a subsidy scheme and not a members' offer. Arrangements where CSSC money is used to reduce the price of tickets or services will not be covered by this scheme; though these arrangements will be advertised on cssc.co.uk.

How will all this affect cssc.co.uk?

The national part of the website will be updated to reflect the change in the members' offers package. Members will be able to access countdowncard.com via cssc.co.uk. Area Association pages will also alter, though this will take more time. The idea is that most Area members' offers will be encompassed by Countdown and listed within their website.

Is money back guaranteed on purchases?

In the unlikely event you are refused a listed saving, please send the receipt addressed to Countdown Customer Services within one month of refusal date**. Always check listed retailers for minimum spend or exclusions. Countdown cannot accept responsibility where disputes arise between Countdown cardholders and listed retailers. Countdown cannot accept responsibility for omissions, errors or any misrepresentations that may occur, particularly when this book becomes out of date. Countdown cardholders may not receive savings if listed retailers change ownership, close, change or withdraw a saving at any time. Countdown strives to ensure that listed retailers are responsible and experienced; however, we cannot accept responsibility for any advice given to Countdown cardholders. A Countdown Card is non transferable, is not a credit/debit card, remains Countdown's property and must be surrendered on demand. Improper use of the card may constitute fraud. Discounts will not be applied retrospectively. All information correct at time of going to press February 2008. Countdown reserves the right to make changes as are reasonably necessary without prior notice. All rights reserved. *Always show your card before a till is rung up. Savings in restaurants usually apply to up to four people irrespective of the number of cardholders in the group. Please do not use your card for purchases under �5. **Does not apply to accommodation refusals if the hotel projects full occupancy (80%) for the dates requested.

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