A customer comes through your doors one day. They browse around, not looking for anything in particular, pick out a few items and move to checkout. As they go to pay, a message pops up on the screen that they have the option of picking out 1 item of their choice for being a loyal customer with you. Because of a program that you set up, this customer has become a regular patron and enjoys shopping at your store because of the benefits that they could get every time they buy something!

If this sounds like a solid business idea, you are absolutely 100% correct! Loyalty programs are very important in this day and age so that your customers don't feel like just another number, another notch in your revenue belt. Showing them that they are important to you and your company is essential in building trust, confidence in sale, and loyalty.

Make sure when you start your program that you make it accessible and easy to join. Information at the register and all around your store will help customers become aware that a loyalty program exists, and that they can easily sign up. Have your clerks ask if the customer would like to join the program, or educate the customer on how the program works, what the perks are, and of course how to join. You can even offer online sign up if your program allows it.

Issue the customer a plastic loyalty card with a number or barcode so that you can track it. Many programs also allow the customers to login to their website so they can see how many points they've received or if they've accumulated enough to receive a freebie from your store.

Get the customer's email address when they sign up for the program and send out regular emails about specials, deals, events, and other goodies that they may be interested in. Give it an "exclusive club" feel, which will promote more sign-ups and many more happy customers who feel like they are getting a great deal from you and special attention. You can also include newsletters with information about your company, products, reviews, and more!

How to Structure Your Rewards Program

There are also many ways that you can structure your rewards program. Possibly the simplest of all is a "Buy X amount, get 1 free" programs. For example, a customer buys 9 smoothies and they receive their 10th one for free. These are great programs because of the fact that the customer has a "goal" that they can clearly see every time they come in and purchase a smoothie.

Discount Program

Discount programs are also very popular. "Receive 5% off all non-sale items," "10% off on purchases of $100 or more," etc. These programs are great especially for service-based businesses.

Club Program

A club program is very popular in supermarkets. These programs offer benefits to the customer where they will receive some sort of reward after a certain amount of money has been charged. These are also great because a lot of programs can track the purchases of each account and offer coupons and discounts based on what the customer buys.

Contests

Contests are also a great way to get customers to join your loyalty program. Whatever your prize may be, you can always offer a little bit more to your loyalty club members for that extra incentive to join.

Elite clubs are also fairly popular in giving your customers a reason to feel special. Create a program for your customers that regularly purchase from you, or one that requires a yearly fee but extra added benefits.

Elite clubs

No matter what you go for, loyalty programs are perfect for creating a loyal customer base that trusts your company and truly enjoys shopping with you! Our card experts at PlasticPrinters.com are trained to help guide you through your perfect loyalty program, and we are here to help! Contact us today!