What types of loyalty programs are available?

Loyalty programs offer many ways to reward and motivate customers to visit more often. The most popular types are: Points Program – Customers collect points with every purchase and later exchange them for rewards. Cashback – Customers get credit after each purchase, which they can use to pay for future orders. Stamps – Customers collect stamps for specific items (like coffee), and after a set number, they get one free. Besides the main loyalty programs, it’s a good idea to add extra, fun options so customers feel it's really worth joining your loyalty club. Some great ideas are: Reward for spending a certain amount, Welcome bonus for signing up, Special offers only for loyal customers, Visit rewards, Birthday gifts, Random surprise rewards These extras make your loyalty program more exciting and enjoyable!

How do I choose the right structure for my loyalty program?

Always start by choosing one main loyalty program – something long-term that works for every visit and is interesting for most customers. Good choices are Points or Cashback, because they let you reward all customers every time they come. Then, add an onboarding reward – a gift for new members when they join your loyalty club. The first step is always the hardest, so a special welcome bonus helps a lot. Finally, make your program fun and playful! Add gamification elements like: Stamp collection Rewards for spending a certain amount Surprise wins Birthday gifts This mix keeps customers engaged and happy to come back.

What kind of reward should I choose for my customers?

You can choose different types of rewards. It can be a coupon for a free product or service (like a coffee, dessert, or massage), or a discount or voucher with a set amount of money off. What’s important is that the rules are clear and the reward is interesting for most people. For example, “every 8th coffee free” is motivating. But “every 20th coffee free” is too far away and not exciting. Don’t forget the main idea of a loyalty program – you are rewarding customers for choosing you instead of your competitors. Think about it: How much do you appreciate a customer who comes for the 10th time? Or someone who spends €100 at your café instead of somewhere else? The better the reward feels, the more likely they’ll keep coming back.

Paper vs. Digital Loyalty Cards – What are the pros and cons?

Paper cards are nice and physical – customers can start using them right away, even without joining a loyalty program. But they are not very effective. Many customers lose them after one visit or forget them in another bag. That means no points – and you can’t send them reminders or special offers. Digital loyalty cards are always in the customer’s phone, so they never forget them. They can always see their current points, and they can receive updates, birthday coupons, and special offers – all of which motivate them to come back. The only small disadvantage of digital cards is that customers need to create an account to use them. But with BonusQR, they can register in just one click – quick and easy!

How much does it cost and how fast will I see results?

You can use the BonusQR loyalty program for free, and you’ll usually see results within the first 2 weeks. It depends on your business type and how attractive your loyalty offer is. Thanks to detailed statistics, you’ll see if new customers are joining each month and how many returning customers are coming back. If people are returning, your loyalty program is working well. Your next step is to help your loyalty club grow. If you want to unlock even more features, you can choose a paid plan for €19 or €69 per month. This gives you access to tools like push notifications, special coupons, early access sales, and more – which can help boost customer engagement even faster.

How do I start using the app and promote my loyalty program?

It’s easy! As soon as you create your profile in BonusQR and set up your loyalty program, you can start right away. In the PROMOTION section, you’ll find flyers and stickers with your QR code. When customers scan it, they’ll see your loyalty offer and can join your club with just one click. All instructions are easy to understand – they appear both in the app and on the printed flyers. Don’t forget to share your loyalty program on social media and your website. You’ll find a special link in the same section, which you can use to promote your loyalty offer online.

How can I measure the success of my loyalty program?

Start with your sales. A good loyalty program should boost repeat purchases and customer spend. To check if your setup works, track these key numbers: 1. How many customers joined? If fewer than 30–40%, your program may need to be more attractive. A welcome voucher can help — even with a free BonusQR account. 2. New vs. returning customers After 2–3 months, aim for at least 60–70% returning customers. If you reach 80%, that’s excellent. 3. Revenue impact Loyalty members usually spend 12–40% more and shop more often. Even a 5% retention increase can grow profits by up to 95%. All of this is trackable in your BonusQR dashboard.

What data can I collect – and is it GDPR safe?

With BonusQR, you get a list of your loyal customers, including the nicknames they choose in the app. You can also see their visit history, collected points, and used coupons. All customer data is protected and GDPR compliant. We do not show email addresses to businesses, and we only send notifications to customers about important or helpful updates—like earned rewards, upcoming coupon expiry, or new offers from your café. Thanks to BonusQR, you can stay in touch with your customers, while keeping their privacy safe.

How can I gamify my loyalty program?

Use modern and fun technology to make your loyalty program exciting. BonusQR is an app that automatically gets your customers involved. Gamified loyalty programs—like collecting stamps, tracking visits, or spending milestones—make customers feel rewarded for their effort. People love the feeling of unlocking a reward! The app shows them their current progress and what rewards they can get next. That way, they feel like part of a game. You can also set up random prizes—and you’ll see how happy your winners are!

What are the most common mistakes to avoid?

Your loyalty program should be simple, clear, and easy to join. Use an app with quick sign-up, the option to save the loyalty card to Apple or Google Wallet, and even let customers join without downloading anything—like with BonusQR. Make sure your program is: Easy to understand – no complicated rules. Transparent – no hidden conditions. Motivating – rewards should feel worth it. Examples: Every 10th coffee free Cashback from each payment 2 points for every €1 spent Set rewards that are interesting for all types of customers. Need help choosing the right loyalty setup for your café or business? Try a free consultation with the BonusQR team!