Loyalty cards have been around for a long time. Traditionally they were a small card that the customer carried around in their wallet, however, these days they are more commonly a digital record that is attached to a database at your point of sale and provides you with more information about your customer. Regardless of the method you choose you will need to have a plan as to what discount/reward your customer will receive after their multiple purchases.
There are a number of pros and cons for both program styles, we’ve summarised them below:
Digital Loyalty App
Pros
- Customers don’t carry a physical card, therefore they can’t lose it
- You can gather customer data that is useful for marketing
- It’s convenient for both parties
- The app can usually send out SMS messages or enable other communication with customers
Cons
- There is usually an ongoing cost
- The setup is more complex
- You will need a digital device of some sort to register the purchases
- The customer usually needs to download an app to participate
Traditional Loyalty Card
Pros
- Simple set up process
- Low cost set up
- Can be used as a business card as well
- Serves as a brand reminder every time the customer opens their wallet and sees it.
Cons
- Staff need to remind customers about the program
- Customers can lose the card
- There is cost for printing the cards
- Lack of ability to collect customer data.
Follow these five steps to set up a traditional style loyalty card for your bakery business.
- Choose your discount/reward.
- Buy 10 get 1 free (Artwork)
- Get a stamp for every $10 spent and receive 10% off your 10th purchase. (Artwork)
- Use the artwork above to print your cards or design your own, below are two low cost business card printers.
- Give your customers the card.
- Remind customers on social media, in-store, and at your point of sale.
- Reward the customer.
We’ve listed a few digital apps below
Once you have set up your program you will need to promote it to your customers and remind them at your point of sale.
