Customer Services (Part 3) Loyalty Schemes
By: LizzieAnn
Date: 29 Aug 2011 9:35 PM

I think the most important part of customer services is the personalization which has been introduced and developed over the years so that now most companies who run loyalty schemes have a good idea what you and your family enjoy and regularly purchase. Are you of the school of thought who finds this intrusive and Big Brother-like, or do you consider it to be a bonus?

For my part, I suppose you could say that I fall somewhere between these two schools of thought. I find most things about today’s society to be intrusive….the ID card idea, the benefit system where they ask you to complete a form with what you had for breakfast and the forms are created so they are unnecessarily complicated ensuring you practically give up in frustration….. but on the other hand, to be rewarded for loyalty to me is a good thing. I like the fact that I regularly buy an item in a certain supermarket and then the till prints out a money off coupon for me for that very item, just like magic, when I buy it again….to me that is the way forward….has anyone heard of QR and do they know what this means? I don’t, but I am starting to find it cropping up more and more in surveys…it appears to be a small barcoded box which can be “read” by a smartphone and gives certain information on the product. What about those of us without a smartphone? Well, I think that’s tough luck!!

Loyalty is really about rewards. And who doesn’t like something for nothing? I love my Boots Advantage card and regularly take part in surveys for them through the card, and also special offers, extra points events, and spending my points when they accumulate on treats for myself because really that is what it’s about – treating yourself and giving yourself a reward for being loyal, too. You deserve it….have it! The ultimate consumer is a loyal consumer. Customer services are about personalization and really, all loyalty schemes speak to you on a personal level at all times when you set foot in the supermarket or shop in question. I think it is about asking yourself how much better off you are with the loyalty scheme than without it. The answer has to be that you win all the time as the shop gains and keeps your loyalty but you are benefiting by getting all the extras that go with the loyalty scheme. Extra points, extra vouchers, home delivery free, extra events at Christmas time as in, for example, Boots special event evenings where you can buy Christmas pressies in a relaxed atmosphere with a glass of wine….can’t be bad?! My daughter loves these. I like the extra Tesco voucher mailings which have started to appear….the extra one at Christmas, Easter and in the summer, just a small sweetener to keep you happy and spending in their stores. I love the extra points coupons you get too, personalized to your tastes. I like the Nectar card scheme too but I am limited in using this as I do not buy petrol, being a full time cyclist! This scheme is very versatile, however, and not limited to one retailer, and that is the way forward, I feel, because loyalty should be rewarded right across the board.

The reason I never shop in Asda is simply because they have no loyalty card. When I emailed them to ask why, they said it was because they wished to keep all their prices low all year around….well, so do Tesco, and so do Sainsbury’s, but they have a scheme…..so what can I say? I think you have to vote with your feet…..and green credentials count for diddly-squat when you don’t get anything back. In today’s competitive sales market, you have to have that something extra which makes you keep going back and you will, if you are rewarded.

And to set you all a task....let's see how many loyalty schemes you can list on this thread....there are so many I am not even aware of but I will start you off here...

Boots Advantage Card
Nectar Card
Tesco Clubcard
Co-operative Membership Card

serena
About me: I am a housewife currently, and my husband and 2 adult sons work full time, so i look after the house and finances.
Why I like surveys: I enjoy giving my opinion and earning a little extra to help out with the shopping now and again and it keeps me occupied.
By: serenaDate: 30 Aug 2011 8:58 PM

Love your comments!
I cant think of any other cards at the mo and totally agree with your opinion that Asda should have a rewards system even though they are good value for money all the time, i think i probably would shop there more if they had a rewards card.
I shop mainly online as its more relaxing, you know, not always in the way of somebody ect ect, but one thing that baffles me is why dont Iceland offer online shopping anymore (gutted) totally love their food!! Oh ye! Iceland bonus card, just remembered oh and Game reward card, which you can use online or in store, very rewarding if you use it regularly, ive got two sons at home who have 3 game consoles between them and love to take in games and swap them for money on the card.
I cant think of any others?

LizzieAnn
About me: I love surveys! You can't tell from reading any of my posts, though, can you?! I am a full time worker with two children and a full time house husband, are you jealous?
Why I like surveys: They are fun, interesting and lucrative, not to mention the fact that they can lead to amazing things!
By: LizzieAnnDate: 30 Aug 2011 9:33 PM

Thank you for your kind words, Serena, I am glad you enjoyed my comments and those were two I know nothing of, Iceland is not a store we have locally so I didn't know of their reward card and Game is not a store I have ever been to as we don't play computer games in our house.....anyone else think of any?

I do agree I love shopping online, especially for clothes, but have made some bad buys due to not being able to try things on, especially shoes...how about you? I think in particular, it would be great to have a piccy of me I could try things on to see what they look like....do you know of any sites which offer this?

serena
About me: I am a housewife currently, and my husband and 2 adult sons work full time, so i look after the house and finances.
Why I like surveys: I enjoy giving my opinion and earning a little extra to help out with the shopping now and again and it keeps me occupied.
By: serenaDate: 30 Aug 2011 11:09 PM

No sorry, i dont know of any, but it would be fun to drag clothes across the screen and put them on a full length picture of yourself! I probably would play for ages. By the way i am a massive cat fan (i have 3) your picture is lovely, he reminds me of my mums cat tigger, who sadly died this year at 17, such a little character, sadly missed. (not that he was in the habit of climbing into ladies bras as a kitten!)

Jo
By: JoDate: 31 Aug 2011 8:30 AM

Another good one LizzieAnn!

Tesco Clubcard really amuses/disturbs me as at the same time every month I get vouchers for feminine hygiene products - I have to admit this feels like an invasion of privacy, though I do enjoy other vouchers.

I recommend everyone get fuel loyalty cards. When I worked for a Shell franchise, we worked out our fuel prices daily based on their charges (the charges could be an article in itself!), but within the price of every litre of Shell fuel there is a charge for the loyalty card.

On top of the Game card mentioned, I also suggest getting one for Gamestation. They are the same company so it works the same but they are still only valid in their own brands.

Shell Fuel Club - rewards include fuel vouchers or gift cards for high street stores.
Morrisons Miles - £5 store voucher when you hit a xxx points.

I have a whole wallet of loyalty cards that I keep in the car, I will write a list of what I have later when I get them out the car! :)

A QR code is scanned using a barcode scanner app on your phone, and it simply directs you to a web site. at this point in time, I wouldn't say anyone without a smartphone is missing out!

Jo
By: JoDate: 31 Aug 2011 1:55 PM

As promised, my list of loyalty schemes! Some have been mentioned already. Some of these places don't build up points, but having them means you get great discounts and other perks.

Boots - Already covered!

Co-Op - Make sure you get any insurance/banking linked to this to see even more benefit from this!

Dobbies Garden Club - I am not sure if this one counts as you pay for it. It costs £12 a year in store, or £10 online. £10 well spent in my opinion. Gives you 2 vouchers per month for free tea or coffee, a point for every £10 spent, 10% off plants/bulbs/seeds, and 20% off on all things at member only nights! The Christmas night is great, my local does bands, mulled wine, mince pies, etc. I also got vouchers for Historic Scotland and Butterfly World, but I don't know what those South of the Border would get!

Ikea Family Card - Not a card you build points on but many products have a "family card price" and you get free tea and coffee whenever you go in!

Game Card - As mentioned previously. Excellent as you get points whever you purchase, trade in, or even buy things like itunes cards. Money can be spent instantly in store rather than waiting on vouchers.

Gamestation Elite - Works exactly the same as above, but offers bonus points for certain activities.

HMV - Again you pay for this one, a one off £2 charge. Gives you points every time you spend which you can save up for vouchers, once in a life time experiences, signed stuff from film and music, and merchandise like t shirts and games.

Ladbrokes Odds On Card - I really don't bet often so I don't see much reward from this but others might.

Morrisons Miles - Use on Morrisons fuel and when you get so many points you get a shopping voucher.

Nectar - As mentioned by LizzieAnn.

Showcase Insider - My local cinema is a Showcase and signing up for this card means you get reduced entry (roughly £3 off) on a Tuesday and you get invited to free screenings sometimes.

Subcard - Earn points when you buy at Subway which translate into free Subs!!

Tesco Clubcard - No explanation needed!

Texaco Star Rewards - I don't really use this unless I go down South as there are no Texaco's here! I haven't seen any benefit from it for that reason.

Toys R Us Gold Card - You collect up points for spending money, but rather than direct vouchers they send you so many money off vouchers. The money off vouchers seem quite random. I haven't seen any benefit as I don't have kids and I buy collectable figures and games console stuff. Would be better if they recognised your purchases and gave you relevant vouchers (like Tesco).

Tracey Harman
By: Tracey HarmanDate: 31 Aug 2011 4:32 PM

I only have a few and they have all been mentioned . But , today I was searching online for Dressing gowns ( I know !!!sad ) and found out that if you use matalan either instore or online you get a reward card which basically earns you points on every purchase .Didn't sign up for it though , still trying to find a full length Dressing Gown for my hubby under for £80.

kat
By: katDate: 31 Aug 2011 7:56 PM

There's also the Superdrug Beautycard, which gives 1 point per whole pound spent, 1 point is worth 1p. There are certain items every month in store that are worth extra points. Although it doesn't seem that generous, the extra points offered mean that in a month I have earned £3 worth of points so it's better than nothing. There's also a Debenhams Beauty card, I saw it advertised on my last visit there. And a few months ago in Marks and Spencer I was asked if I had a greeting cards loyalty card. I think that if you buy a certain number of cards you then get one free, but it may be a temporary thing? Lastly, my mum has a Bonnemarche loyalty card but I can't say I know much about it sorry.

LizzieAnn
About me: I love surveys! You can't tell from reading any of my posts, though, can you?! I am a full time worker with two children and a full time house husband, are you jealous?
Why I like surveys: They are fun, interesting and lucrative, not to mention the fact that they can lead to amazing things!
By: LizzieAnnDate: 31 Aug 2011 9:41 PM

Wow, I have opened some incredible discussions up here....nice to see so many of you are savvy savers just like me...Jo, I am amazed, didn't know there were so many. I do not drive, so fuel cards are out, and can you use the HMV card online, we have no store nearby? Superdrug, my nearest is miles away, can you use it online? I think there is also a Privelege WH Smith card which you earn points on, although I know this has changed recently. Matalan I knew nothing about, but I have never shopped there, and Bonne Marche sounds interesting, do ask your mum, Kat, and let us know the story!! Debenhams I know nothing about either, do tell!!

Jo
By: JoDate: 31 Aug 2011 9:43 PM

Yeah LizzieAnn, you can link it up HMV card to your online account. :)

LizzieAnn
About me: I love surveys! You can't tell from reading any of my posts, though, can you?! I am a full time worker with two children and a full time house husband, are you jealous?
Why I like surveys: They are fun, interesting and lucrative, not to mention the fact that they can lead to amazing things!
By: LizzieAnnDate: 01 Sep 2011 9:55 AM

I will apply for one straightaway!! My husband buys lots from HMV

kat
By: katDate: 01 Sep 2011 2:12 PM

You can use the superdrug card online LizzieAnn, they sent me an email to encourage me to do that. As for Bonnemarche, she gets a stamp when she spends a certain amount of money [but she can't remember how much!]and when there is room for no more stamps she gets money off her next purchase.

LizzieAnn
About me: I love surveys! You can't tell from reading any of my posts, though, can you?! I am a full time worker with two children and a full time house husband, are you jealous?
Why I like surveys: They are fun, interesting and lucrative, not to mention the fact that they can lead to amazing things!
By: LizzieAnnDate: 01 Sep 2011 9:35 PM

I will be applying for that one too, Kat, thank you! Can you use them exclusively online do you think? Or do you have to complete the sign-up process instore I wonder?

kat
By: katDate: 03 Sep 2011 7:38 PM

I think you have to pick up a card and the accompanying registration form in store. You have to register the card too, either by posting the form back or using the membership number on it to register online.I can't find anything in my information that suggests you can apply for the card online, but there is a helpline number.. 0844 5464747. Maybe they can help. I think there should be a way for those who don't live near a Superdrug to join. By the way, you earn 5 points per pound spent online so it's even better to shop that way.

LizzieAnn
About me: I love surveys! You can't tell from reading any of my posts, though, can you?! I am a full time worker with two children and a full time house husband, are you jealous?
Why I like surveys: They are fun, interesting and lucrative, not to mention the fact that they can lead to amazing things!
By: LizzieAnnDate: 04 Sep 2011 1:52 PM

Thanks for the info and phone number Kat, that is even more generous than the Boots Advantage card who only pay 4 points per £1 - I just used two coupons when I did a £50 shopping in Boots the other day - one for double points and one for £5 worth of Advantage points when you spend over £50 and I now have 800 points which is handy as their hot water bottles are £7.14 and my feet are getting colder these nights....so much for summer....and living in the highlands you have to take extra care as the cold comes quicker!

briskem1
About me: I'm a cat !
Why I like surveys: if i win my slave can buy me tuna!
By: briskem1Date: 08 Sep 2011 4:04 PM

best Western hotels have a loyalty card and so do Debenhams

LizzieAnn
About me: I love surveys! You can't tell from reading any of my posts, though, can you?! I am a full time worker with two children and a full time house husband, are you jealous?
Why I like surveys: They are fun, interesting and lucrative, not to mention the fact that they can lead to amazing things!
By: LizzieAnnDate: 08 Sep 2011 6:05 PM

I phoned the helpline, Kat, and you can pick up a card instore and earn points instore and online (and also register your card online rather than instore if you want) but you can only REDEEM points instore, not online....however it has possibilities and I will find out more.

Debenhams I don't live near enough to, and I do not stay in hotels, unfortunately....but interesting, though, briskem, as I didn't know about those ones.

Jo
By: JoDate: 16 Sep 2011 5:55 PM

Just found Waterstones also has one!

LizzieAnn
About me: I love surveys! You can't tell from reading any of my posts, though, can you?! I am a full time worker with two children and a full time house husband, are you jealous?
Why I like surveys: They are fun, interesting and lucrative, not to mention the fact that they can lead to amazing things!
By: LizzieAnnDate: 16 Sep 2011 8:57 PM

Well spotted, Jo, but I don't live near enough to use this....what are the rewards like?

Adriana Lambrianou
By: Adriana LambrianouDate: 30 Sep 2011 6:47 PM

There is also a loyalty scheme at Smyths the toy shop but it covers only video games. It gives a small discount every time you use it to buy the games and can be applied for in store.

LizzieAnn
About me: I love surveys! You can't tell from reading any of my posts, though, can you?! I am a full time worker with two children and a full time house husband, are you jealous?
Why I like surveys: They are fun, interesting and lucrative, not to mention the fact that they can lead to amazing things!
By: LizzieAnnDate: 30 Sep 2011 8:08 PM

Who are Smyths, are they local to your area, Adriana? I don't have children young enough for toys anymore, sadly.

Adriana Lambrianou
By: Adriana LambrianouDate: 07 Oct 2011 3:53 PM

They are a large toy shop a bit like Toys r Us but their premises are not as big. There are a couple stores in my local area but I think there are a few branches dotted around the country as well as in Ireland.

LizzieAnn
About me: I love surveys! You can't tell from reading any of my posts, though, can you?! I am a full time worker with two children and a full time house husband, are you jealous?
Why I like surveys: They are fun, interesting and lucrative, not to mention the fact that they can lead to amazing things!
By: LizzieAnnDate: 07 Oct 2011 8:22 PM

Thanks for the info, I will look out for the name for future reference.

FriendlyLynn
About me: Caring Christian lady who is disabled
Why I like surveys: gives me a chance to share my views and gives me subjects to think about.
By: FriendlyLynnDate: 17 May 2012 12:45 PM

Both the Game and HMV cards are well used in this house by my Son who loves buying both in store and online and he still gets excited as when he goes online and checks his HMV points I have usually added a voucher earnt from surveys and he has more money to treat himself with.

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