As a woman in my mid-20s, I’m a member of a ton of loyalty programs. Airlines, restaurants, grocery stores, retail shops, hotels — you name it. It’s just a part of the spending culture for people in my age group.
My most recent acquisition was Argo Tea, a love of mine since I was in college. It’s called the “LoyalTea Club.” Cute, right?
Although I have yet to actually redeem any of my rewards (I certainly plan to), it’s a program that has me more excited than others have in the past, and here’s why: The rewards are clear and I know exactly how to earn and use them.
Every 11th drink is free. Food is 10% off when I buy it with a drink. And I get double points if I go before 9 a.m. — proof to me that Argo Tea is viewed less like Starbucks and more as a luxury item, but I digress. The free drink on my birthday made it worth joining, even if it meant signing up for their email list. The rewards are easy to remember and explain and I could easily rattle them off to a friend in an elevator — and I have. Check it out. It doesn’t get much simpler than this.
LoyalTea does exactly what a loyalty program is supposed to do. It makes me feel rewarded without making me feel taken advantage of. And because it’s right by our Direct Marketing News offices, I fully expect to actually reap the benefits I’ll surely earn.
Yes, stores with small-time purchases like coffee and tea shops have more flexibility to do this than, say, an airline or hotel company. But the lesson is the same. If your company’s rewards aren’t clear, you won’t get what you want from your best customers, your loyal loyalty members.
Now, I’m craving a green passion fruit bubble tea. Yum.
See? LoyalTea works. It’s that simple.
