Why You Should Sign Up For Loyalty Programs
More often than not, there are perks to being a loyal member that are not available to non-members. That’s why, in this post, I will go over the reasons why you should sign up for loyalty programs and how those programs can help you save money.
I was never the type to care much about loyalty programs or reward programs. I did join Starbucks reward program and use the punching cards at some local Lollicup stores (the one that gives you free drink after they punch certain number of holes on the card for each visit). And it was only because I went to those places often when I was in college.
But one event changed how I looked at loyalty programs.
One day, my unit at work decided to go out for a unit lunch. When it was my co-worker’s turn to pay, the cashier said to her “oh you don’t have to pay” and proceeded to give her a free ticket to the pizza buffet.
I was surprised. I thought she was VIP. She later told me that her previous unit often went there for lunch so she thought she might as well join their loyalty program. And before she knew it, she accumulated enough points for a free lunch.
I was amazed and thought she was very smart. I’d have never thought that a restaurant would have loyalty program or even thought about joining one. Since then, I have started to look for loyalty programs or reward programs at places I know I would visit more than once. You just never know when those infrequent visits would add up.
Loyalty programs are not new. They have been around for a while, from retailers to airlines, even restaurants.
But many of us don’t sign up for loyalty programs or reward programs because of one of the following reasons.
Common reasons why people do NOT sign up for loyalty programs
Not aware of the programs
Many people do not sign up for loyalty programs or reward programs simply because they do not know that such programs exist.
Not know how to sign up
I have been to a store where the staff pointed me to somewhere else to fill out a form to sign up for membership. When I went there, no one was there, and no form was available. It was impossible to sign up.
Now with the new technology, signing up for reward programs at many locations has become easier and quicker. Most can be done at register with just few basic information questions, others you can do online or download an app. But for people that are not very tech savvy, they may not know how to do it online or on an app. Some may not use smart phones.
Not have enough time
A lot of time people are only aware of the loyalty programs or reward programs when they check out. If there is a line of customers behind them, they are more likely to skip the registration.
Some people just want to go in, get what they want, and leave. They don’t have time to sign up.
Not want to provide personal information
Many people may not feel comfortable providing their personal information like birthdate, phone number or home address to join reward programs. In case of a privacy breach, their information may be leaked.
Not care about the rewards
Last but not least, rewards may seem minimal for those that make a lot of money. Or they could just not be interested in the rewards.
Why you should sign up for loyalty programs
There seems to be many reasons why many people do not sign up for loyalty programs. Then why should you?
It’s free.
Most of the reward programs or loyalty programs are free to join so why not? If it costs nothing to gain something, it’s already a win.
You get discount.
Some loyalty programs give you coupons to apply against your purchases.
Most reward programs give you points as you spend. These points can then be redeemed for credit against future purchases (retailers, etc), free food, drink (restaurants), free nights (hotels), free flight tickets and upgrades (airlines).
Many of them are actually not free because they require you to spend in order to get those points, which can then be redeemed for free rewards. They should be considered as discounts against future purchases.
Still, you can save a lot of money compared to paying full price as non-member.
You get freebies.
Now while many of the reward programs require you to spend money in order to get discounts or freebies, there are some programs that will give you freebies without you spending anything. For example, Starbucks gives you free drink on your birthday, Potbelly gives you a free cookie or shake on your birthday, and Panera Bread gives you one month of free coffee and tea by just signing up for their subscription plan.
Conclusion
Then should you sign up for loyalty or reward programs? The final decision is still up to you to weigh your pros and cons.
