The 5 best gift card alternative programs for loyal customers| Onbe

Last Updated on April 28, 2024 by Umer Malik

Studies have shown that up to 85% of shoppers who have a loyalty card at a particular store spend more than those without one. This is because loyalty cards can give you access to better deals and nearly free gift cards. Keeping your customers happy and coming back for more is always a top priority for any business owner.

Here are some of the best gift card alternatives that will keep those gift cards from ending up in the trash:

Loyalty gift cards

Loyalty card programs are a great way to reward your customers for frequent visits and purchases.  Instead of handing out gift cards and coupons for their birthday, you can give them a loyalty gift card instead. This will be loaded with a certain amount of money that the customer can spend whenever they want.  This can also be used at all locations or even online, making it easy to spend your gift card without any hassle.

Cash rewards cards

If you are looking for an alternative that will allow you to offer gift cards with lower values, then cash reward cards are the way to go.  These gift cards are great because they allow you to load an exact dollar amount of your choice. Customers can then use that gift card on anything in the store, making it easy for them to use the gift card. Many businesses will offer this gift card on top of giving out loyalty gift cards as well.

  1. Punch cards

Punch cards offer gift card discounts to customers who make a certain number of purchases in a set period of time.  This gift card alternative is great because you can create gift cards for any dollar value, making it easy to manage your gift card program.

Customers will need to show the gift card every time they purchase before they can receive their gift card discount.  This alternative is great for those customers who might not be able to afford a gift card with a higher dollar value if it means they have to buy more items or make more purchases.

Online gift cards

Online gift cards are a great option if you don’t want to spend your time managing gift cards in the store.  These are great because they make it easier for customers to use online.

These never expire, which means you don’t have to worry about spending money on gift card programs for those loyal customers who might forget to use gift cards before they expire.

Bonus gift cards

Bonus gift cards are a great gift card alternative for business owners who want to offer gift cards but also want the flexibility of being able to change gift card values based on customer loyalty.  This gift card program is great because it gives you more control over your gift card program.

If you want to reward your customers with rebates and incentives, gift cards can be a great gift card alternative for business owners. If you want to make the gift card program even more attractive, ensure that gift cards and loyalty gift cards are offered together as one plan.

More Tips

Gift cards have long been a popular way for businesses to reward their loyal customers. However, some customers may not be as excited about receiving a gift card, and others may forget to use them altogether. Fortunately, there are alternative programs that businesses can offer to reward their customers. In this article, we will discuss the best gift card alternative programs for loyal customers.

Cashback Rewards: Cashback rewards are a great alternative to gift cards because they give customers money back on their purchases. This program rewards customers for spending money, which is something they are likely already doing. It’s also a more flexible option because customers can use the money however they choose.

Points-Based Rewards: Points-based rewards are another great alternative to gift cards. Customers earn points for their purchases, and they can redeem those points for rewards such as discounts, free products, or exclusive experiences. This program incentivizes customers to continue making purchases and gives them something to work towards.

VIP Programs: VIP programs are a more exclusive option for loyal customers. These programs offer special perks, such as early access to new products, free shipping, and personalized recommendations. This program creates a sense of exclusivity for customers and makes them feel valued by the business.

Referral Programs: Referral programs are a great way to reward customers for spreading the word about your business. Customers earn rewards for referring friends and family to the business. This program incentivizes customers to share their positive experiences with others, which can lead to new customers and increased sales.

Read more: Why Use Customer Loyalty Programs?