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!

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 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.

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!

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.