The evolution of convenience store loyalty programs has captivated retail consumers by providing ultimate convenience and savings through technology and, of course, loyalty. What started as a punch card has advanced into smartphone apps that provide easy accessibility to gain rewards, discounts, and c-store engagement. These loyalty program apps work overtime by incentivizing returning customers AND personalizing marketing features, thus improving the customer experience and your bottom-line growth. Implementing the right loyalty program gives your c-store a competitive advantage capitalizing on the industry’s mission; true to life convenience.
Things to Consider
Executing a custom loyalty program is an investment that can result in financial profit for c-store operations, an improved customer experience, and provide valuable insights into your customers, as well as market demand. Before implementing, here are some key things to consider and prepare for:
- Investment. Creating a custom loyalty program app is an investment, requiring the help of hired professionals to curate, develop, and design your program. The initial set up can become costly, so it is important to know what you want within your design. Review structural options of how you want the program to perform. This review will enhance the customer experience, benefit your operation, as well as help you understand the costs in order to achieve your needs.
- Continuing Maintenance. These applications require technical knowledge and upkeep as the market is always changing. Technical updates, design updates, and marketing needs will shift throughout the lifetime of the loyalty program. Having a team with the know-how and expertise to continue the growth of your loyalty product is essential.
- The End-User. When setting up the structure of your loyalty program, make sure to consider the end-user, both the employee and the customer. Operating your loyalty program should be easy to execute and easily understood. Educate employees on the program first, so that they can clearly explain and share the benefits of using your custom loyalty app to the customer.
- Security and Privacy. When customers use your app, they may express concerns about data security and privacy. When the customer’s data is collected and stored, it must be secure, so it is protected from any potential data breaches or security threats. Involving a legal team in the terms and conditions of your application will give your customer comfort in knowing their information is safe.
Benefits of Using a Loyalty App
As soon as the loyalty program is customized and optimized for the end-user, the benefits of the initial investment become clear. There is a reason that the leading convenience stores and chains have implemented loyalty programs through apps. Here are some key benefits of launching these incentive programs:
- Improved Customer Experience.
- Increased Profits.
- Gaining Valuable Feedback.
- Brand Recognition and Engagement.
- Analytics and Purchasing Power.
- Knowledge About Your Customer.
By implementing a custom loyalty program, c-stores can utilize information and tools to drive business, market their brand, get to know the customer and improve product availability. By reviewing the purchasing data collected and having an accurate inventory management process, c-stores can remain stocked, reduce shrink, and gain profit. Quantum Services is your leading inventory auditing partner, specializing in counting c-stores. We offer a variety of reporting options that can be customized to meet c-store needs for optimal performance. Contact us to learn more about how Quantum Services can work alongside you and your loyalty program to maximize profits and reduce loss!
