A VIP group refers to a select group of people who receive special privileges and treatment. The term VIP stands for “Very Important Person”. Being part of a VIP group means getting access to exclusive products, services, and experiences that are not available to the general public.
Who is considered a VIP?
There is no single definition of who qualifies as a VIP. It depends on the context. Here are some examples of people who may be considered VIPs:
- Celebrities – Famous personalities like actors, musicians, athletes.
- High net worth individuals – People with large amounts of wealth and assets.
- Loyal customers – Those who frequently purchase or engage with a brand.
- Executives and leaders – High-ranking individuals in business and politics.
- Influencers – People with large social media followings and impact.
Essentially, VIP status is subjective and granted by an organization to those they deem as deserving special treatment. Some key qualities of VIPs may include:
- High social status or prestige
- Patronage and loyalty to a brand
- Exclusivity and desirability
Why do companies offer VIP programs?
There are several reasons why many hotels, airlines, retailers, and other businesses offer VIP programs:
- Customer retention – VIP status gives existing customers incentives to continue purchasing with a brand.
- Generating loyalty – Special treatment makes VIPs more likely to choose the brand over competitors.
- Higher spending – VIPs tend to spend more money due to perks like discounts and upgrades.
- Prestige – Granting selective status cultivates an aura of exclusivity.
- Personalization – VIPs get tailored service and experiences.
- Influencers – Companies may grant VIP status to those with marketing impact.
Overall, VIP programs allow brands to reward loyal customers, attract high-value patrons, promote brand image, and compete for important demographics.
What kind of special treatment do VIPs receive?
The specific privileges extended to VIPs can vary greatly, but often include:
- Discounts and sales prices not available to the public
- Free enrollment in loyalty reward programs with exclusive tiers
- Invitations to VIP-only events like product previews or sales
- Access to private spaces and exclusive areas in hotels, airports, etc.
- Priority booking and reservations at popular times
- Upgrades in seating, accommodations, and amenities
- Free gifts, bonus points, and complimentary services
- Dedicated VIP customer service representatives
- Expedited service and no wait times
- Customized experiences based on preferences
The goal is to make VIPs feel valued and catered to with perks that enhance their experience. High-end brands especially aim to provide top-notch service to celebrity and wealthy clients.
Examples of VIP programs
Many companies in different industries offer VIP packages and clubs. Here are some of the most popular examples:
1. Hotels
- The Ritz-Carlton Club Level – Luxury suites, exclusive lounge, free continental breakfast, hors d’oeuvres, and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Hilton Honors Diamond Status – Upgrades, executive lounge access, free WiFi, late checkout.
- Marriott Bonvoy Elite Status Levels – Suite upgrades and amenities based on your Bonvoy Elite tier.
- Hyatt Globalist – Preferred rooms, lounge access, 4 PM late checkout, free parking.
2. Airlines
- Delta Air Lines SkyMiles Diamond Medallion – First class upgrades, Sky Club membership, fee waivers.
- United Airlines Premier 1K – Unlimited domestic upgrades, extra award miles, airport club access.
- American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum – Free domestic upgrades, Admirals Club membership, 8 upgrades annually.
- Southwest Airlines A-List & A-List Preferred – Free upgrades, priority check-in, boarding and security access.
3. Credit cards
- American Express Centurion Card – Exclusive events, travel benefits, personal advisor. Invite-only with $250,000+ spending required.
- JP Morgan Reserve Card – United Club airport lounge access, TSA Precheck credit, dining & travel perks. $75,000 minimum required.
- Citi Chairman Card – Personal assistant, VIP entertainment access, premium travel benefits. $500,000+ account balance required.
- Diner’s Club Club Prestige Card – Priority access, discounts on travel, no preset spending limit.
4. Retail
- Sephora VIB Rogue – First access to new products, free makeovers, free 2-day shipping, birthday gift.
- Williams Sonoma Elite Status – Invites to special events, free shipping, birthday gifts, personal stylists.
- Anthropologie Prive – Early entry to sales, free monogramming, free shipping, birthday discount.
- CVS ExtraCare Diamond – Free shipping, monthly ExtraBucks rewards, birthday gift.
5. Entertainment
- Disney Club 33 – Exclusive lounge, valet parking, behind-the-scenes tours, VIP park admission.
- Madison Square Garden All Access – VIP parking, exclusive lounge, valet service, private entrances.
- TCL Chinese Theatre Red Carpet VIP – No waiting in lines, preferred seating, complimentary concessions.
- Hulu No Commercials – Ad-free streaming, unlimited access to shows & movies. $12.99 per month.
VIP group in business
Within a business organization, executives and top salespeople are often treated as internal VIPs:
- Reserved prime parking spaces near office entrances.
- Access to special executive dining rooms and conference facilities.
- First-class or private jet business travel accommodations.
- Company cellular phones with unlimited data plans.
- Bonus annual leave time and flexible work schedules.
- Higher salary and compensation packages.
- Elite status when booking corporate hotel and rental car rates.
Granting special privileges nurtures productivity, loyalty, and status among valuable executives and rainmaker sales professionals. Perks like premium travel and dining also double as useful business meeting venues with clients.
Sales VIPs
Top-selling sales representatives are essential for driving revenue. Sales VIP programs give star reps incentives such as:
- Higher commission rates
- First pick of sales territories and accounts
- Reserved parking spaces
- Tickets to sporting events and concerts
- Paid vacation trips
- Gift cards
- Expense account benefits
- Opportunities to attend elite sales conferences and corporate events
Referral VIPs
Rewarding customers and partners who provide referrals and introductions is also common:
- Credit towards future purchases
- Gift cards
- Entries into prize drawings
- Invitations to exclusive corporate events
- Gifts like wine, fruit baskets, flowers
- Handwritten thank you notes
- Charitable donations made on their behalf
Recognition programs boost engagement, loyalty, and valuable word-of-mouth marketing.
VIP group experiences
In addition to corporate programs, there are lodges, camps, cruises, tours, and other packaged travel experiences built around pampering VIP groups:
All-inclusive luxury cruises
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Concierge suites, business centers, free shore excursions, unlimited beverages, specialty dining.
- Crystal Cruises – Complimentary fine wines and spirits, 24-hour room service, entertainment, onboard gratuities.
- Seabourn Cruise Line – Open bars stocked with premium liquors, no charge for fine wines, in-suite bar setup.
- Silversea Cruises – Oceanview suites with butler service, champagne and caviar, customizable activities.
Private club getaways
- The Gasparilla Inn & Club – Cottages with luxury amenities, golf, tennis, beach dining, kids programs, watersports.
- Soho Farmhouse – Rustic cottage accommodations with spa, indoor/outdoor pools, cinema, fitness classes, art lectures.
- The Yellowstone Club – Private ski-in / ski-out residences, golf, equestrian center, fine dining, spa.
- Madison Club – Five-star fitness center, golf, tennis, dining, social events, family activities, concierge team.
Luxury dude ranches
- Triple Creek Ranch – All-inclusive luxury cabins, fine dining, horseback riding,skiing, ice skating, fly fishing.
- The Resort at Paws Up – Luxury camping in wilderness estates with spa, golf, dining, outdoor adventures.
- The Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch – Horseback riding, swimming, cooking classes, skeet shooting, kids programs.
- The Home Ranch – Horseback rides, archery, hiking fishing, meals from an on-site bakery.
VIP tickets and packages
Concerts, theater performances, sports events, and festivals also provide indulgent VIP experiences for those willing to pay premium prices:
Concert VIP packages
- Taylor Swift “The Eras Tour” VIP – Exclusive tour merchandise, pre-show lounge, priority entrance, crowd-free merchandise shopping.
- Foo Fighters “Rock N’ Roll VIP Nation”- Early access, pre-show lounge, exclusive merchandise.
- Luke Bryan VIP Tailgate – Catered barbecue dinner, private restrooms, group photo with Luke.
- Beyond VIP Justin Bieber – Sit near the extended stage, pre-show reception, souvenir group photo.
Theater VIP packages
- Hamilton VIP Tickets – Premium orchestra seating, backstage tour, souvenir program.
- Dear Evan Hansen VIP Experience – Meet & greet with cast, exclusive merchandise, premium seating.
- Wicked Backstage Tour and Show – Small group backstage tour with a cast member before the performance.
- Aladdin Broadway Up Close – Pre-show discussion with cast member, learn secrets behind the magic of the musical.
Sporting events
- VIP Super Bowl Tickets – Premium midfield seats, pre-game sideline passes, open premium buffets, appearances by NFL legends.
- Wimbledon Debenture Tickets – Reserved center court seating for 5 years, private Members’ areas, complimentary tea, coffee and snacks.
- The Masters Patron Program – Pavilion seating at Holes 6, 16 and 17, access to exclusive concession stands, Practice Rounds tickets.
- NBA Courtside Club – Courtside seats, all-inclusive gourmet food and premium drinks, celebrity sightings.
Festivals & special events
- Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival Safari Camping – All-inclusive amenities like beauty services, transportation, gourmet meals, premium camping grounds.
- Sundance Film Festival – Private screening room, cocktail receptions, complimentary transportation, concierge desk.
- Kentucky Derby Millionaires’ Row – Luxury seating in clubhouse, exquisite dining, full premium bars, wagering assistants.
- San Diego Comic-Con Premium Package – Reserved seating in Hall H for panels, private lounge access, snacks and beverages, event merch.
How to become a VIP
So how can someone get VIP status?
Spending money
Frequent purchases and high spending is the most direct path to elite tiers in airline, hotel, and credit card programs. Those who consistently spend the most earn VIP status.
Loyalty over time
Brand loyalty builds up over years of repeat business. Regular customers who keep coming back eventually get invited into VIP programs.
Referrals and connections
Companies looking to attract new VIPs may offer the status to referrers and friends of their best existing customers.
Exclusivity factors
Celebrity status, family connections, political ties, and corporate rank can open doors to VIP treatment not available to the general public.
Negotiation
Big spenders may be able to negotiate personalized VIP privileges through special requests and booking agents.
Job perks
Sales executives, politicians, nonprofit fundraisers and other professions often receive VIP travel status as a job benefit.
Downsides of VIP programs
VIP programs don’t come without potential downsides:
- Added expenses for companies to operate them.
- Logistical complexities managing multiple customer tiers.
- Possibility of alienating non-VIP customers.
- Accepting and rewarding privilege can seem elitist or unfair.
- VIPs may become entitled and make unreasonable demands.
- Exclusive tiers could encourage irresponsible spending just for status.
- Widening gap between social classes when amenities are restricted by income.
- Breeding a culture of favoritism rather than equal access.
Still, special treatment for top customers remains a core part of the business model for airlines, hotels, and hospitality brands aiming to attract high-end clientele.
Conclusion
VIP status is used across industries to reward brand loyalty, court wealthy demographics, and cultivate an aura of exclusivity. Members of VIP groups enjoy personalized service, amenities, upgrades, and experiences not available to the general public. Companies structure elite tiers to attract big spenders and frequent patrons who generate a disproportionate share of sales. However, critics argue that VIP programs reinforce privilege and inequality when access is limited by ability to pay. The value of VIP status ultimately depends on one’s perspective; while luxury brands rely heavily on catering to VIPs, others view the practice as elitist.