In almost every store we are offered a loyalty card. Why are they needed and are they as beneficial as everyone says?
Almost every chain, be it beauty salons, shops or cafes, has discount or accumulative cards. Someone claims that this is evil, others recommend it for use as an excellent saving tool. What are loyalty cards really for?
Benefits for owners
Loyalty cards really help you save money. In some cases, a one-time discount is provided, in others bonuses are credited with which you can pay off. Conditions in all networks are different, but the principle of operation is the same for everyone.
On the one hand, a huge selection of offers allows you to use bonuses in different networks, and not be tied to one. Moreover, the cards apply to the entire territory of the country where the stores or food outlets of the network are located, and not limited to one area.
Often, cardholders are provided with various additional bonuses, for example, a discount on a certain product or gift points, which can be used again on certain conditions. These can be one-time promotions or timed to coincide with certain holidays or birthdays.
Loyalty cards can be provided free of charge or at a low cost that pays off quickly. And the more often you visit the network, the more you save, but you also spend more. And this is the hidden danger of cards - being tied to a specific network.
How loyalty cards work
Due to the high competition, chains use various tricks to attract buyers. One of these is a loyalty card. Here the calculation is based on human greed and the desire to save money. If milk costs the same in two stores, where will the customer go? There, where he will receive an additional bonus on the loyalty card.
It turns out that the illusion of choice is created. On the one hand, the card gives a discount, but on the other hand, prices may be higher, and the loyalty offer does not apply to promotional products at all. The bonuses themselves can accumulate for a very long time due to the fact that the minimum percentage is charged. Want to get more? Buy more accordingly.
On the one hand, there is nothing wrong with maps if you use this tool correctly. On the other hand, the customer is linked to the store. After all, it's a pity for the expiring bonuses, which prompts you to make a purchase, which at the moment may not be needed at all.
The only way out is to use the cards wisely. It is good if there are several cards. In this case, the product is selected by price and utility, and the card is just an additional bonus. If you feel sorry for the expiring bonuses, you can ask your relatives or friends if someone is going to make a purchase in a particular store and offer to use your card.
And in order not to carry a lot of cards, you can use electronic applications on your smartphone. This way they will always be with you and will not be lost.
