Implementing a discount card can be an excellent strategy to attract customers, especially those looking to save on their purchases. Unlike a benefits card, which offers a wider range of advantages — such as loyalty points, exclusive access, or cashback — the discount card is focused on providing direct and immediate price reductions. This simplicity makes it highly attractive to consumers who prioritize direct savings.
Steps to Implement a Discount Card
Simple Organization
Start by deciding the value or percentage of discount that will be offered. This definition should consider the balance between the desire to attract customers and the sustainability of the business. For some products or services, a 5-10% discount may be enough to catch attention; in other cases, larger discounts (such as 20-30%) can be more appealing. In a clothing store, for example, the card can offer a 15% discount on items from past collections and 10% on new releases. This strategy encourages the customer to explore the entire stock.
Structure the discounts according to categories or types of products, to give more financial control and segment the offer. Items with a high profit margin can receive larger discounts, while lower margin or high-demand products may have a smaller percentage. A supermarket can offer a 5% discount on fresh foods and 15% on non-perishable products with a high profit margin. Thus, the customer has an incentive to purchase a variety of discounted products.
Elaborate Strategies
Create a progressive discount strategy to reward frequent customers, encouraging repeat purchases. This can be done with an increase in the discount percentage based on the number of visits or purchases made by the customer. In a beauty salon, the discount card can offer a 5% discount on the first visit, 10% on the second, and 15% on the third, encouraging loyalty and increasing customer returns.
Another effective strategy is to offer discounts limited to specific days or times, attracting customers during less busy moments. This practice can help better distribute customer flow and increase sales during idle periods. A restaurant, for example, can offer a card that gives a 10% discount on meals during weekdays, outside peak hours. This encourages customers to visit the establishment on less busy days and times.
Use the discount card to leverage seasonal moments, like year-end celebrations, Black Friday, or seasonal changes, by offering exclusive discounts on these occasions. Additionally, consider partnerships with other businesses to expand the card's advantages, offering discounts at various establishments. A hotel, in partnership with a local spa, can offer a discount card that gives a 20% discount on daily rates and an additional 10% discount at the spa for guests.
Benefits of the Discount Card
A discount card program can be quickly implemented and allows easy adaptation of discount percentages or conditions. Its simplicity is a point of attraction, especially for customers who value immediate savings. Additionally, controlling which products, categories, or days the discount is applied allows the company to better regulate the costs of this strategy, avoiding losses.
Implementing a discount card is, therefore, a practical and effective way to attract new customers, retain returning customers, and manage the company's financial results with clarity and flexibility. If you want to start applying this practical and efficient loyalty method in your business right now, access Smartbis now!