It's as Easy as 1, 2, 3!

Whether they call it a “loyalty card”, “points card”, “rewards card”, “advantage card” or “club card”, they usually all come as a generic plastic card with a barcode, a mag strip and these days, even with a chip! To obtain a card to a specific retail store, supermarket or gas station, you have 2 basic options.

First option is to simply walk into one of the store locations and simply tell one of the representatives that you are interested in signing up for their loyalty card. From there, you will receive a form that you will have to fill with information about yourself. Don’t worry, in most cases it’s just simple demographic data like your name and address, and be sure to read agreements, customer privacy policies and other small fine prints. After that step, you will be handed your card and have the freedom to start saving instantly!

Second option:  though not all companies have this option, many companies allow you to sign up online. Much like signing up for it in person, you will have to provide general demographic, as well as geographic data about yourself (also, so they can mail the card to you).

Personally, I prefer to sign up by filling out a form in-person for several reasons such as; being able to ask any questions on the spot rather than having to do some extra reading and online research. Another reason is that I don’t like having to wait to go shopping because my savings card is being mailed to me! Not to mention I won’t know how long it is going to take! Signing up in-store allows me to immediately use my card and start being loyal all in the same day!

Introduction to Loyalty Cards

If you’re someone like myself whose wallet is now twice the size than it was when it was new (not because of the amount of cash of receipts), you may already be familiar with customer loyalty cards. To those who are not, allow me to give a brief description.

Customer loyalty cards are an approach to marketing based on strategic management. Most of the cards are issued by 3 main consumer categories: retail stores, supermarkets, as well as gas stations. However, recent innovations in loyalty cards are allowing manufacturers to issue them as well. Although each card from different companies offer different advantages, they all share a common goal: to gain and retain customers.

Though some may think that they’re card is just a piece of plastic, it’s much more than meets the eye. Customer loyalty cards have changed the lives of everyday consumers. How they shop, where they shop, and how much they spend are heavily impacted.

Are you a part of the 86% of the Canadian population who have a loyalty card?