Restaurants: the digital loyalty card boom

Customer loyalty is the lifeblood of any business. This is especially true in the highly competitive restaurant industry.

Retaining a customer costs 5 times less than attracting them. 

Coffee giant Starbucks understands this: the digital loyalty pioneer reports that its Starbucks Rewards program now accounts for 40% of its US sales. The American company has more than 16 million registered customers.

If these numbers make you dizzy, rest assured: without calling yourself Starbucks, you too can benefit from the impressive effects of a digital loyalty program. 

In recent years, loyalty cards have multiplied in local shops. Restaurant owners are still a little shy about this new trend. And yet, those who have dared to take the plunge are seeing a real difference in their sales.

Forget the old stamp card. 

As is often the case, the real change comes with digital.

From now on, everything is completely dematerialized.

What is a dematerialized loyalty card?

A dematerialized loyalty card is a digital 100% loyalty card. 

It integrates directly into the customer's smartphone, in the Wallet for example for an iPhone.

The digital loyalty card is very easy to install by creating an online account from the restaurant's website for example or by scanning a QR code available in the restaurant. 

Digital loyalty card

The digital loyalty card can interface with other digital applications used in the restaurant such as : 

  • Click & Collect
  • Ordering and payment at the table
  • The cash register software
  • Stand-alone control terminals
  • The customer database, sometimes referred to as CRM (Customer Relationship Management) 
  • Communication tools such as SMS and email

Why do customers love digital loyalty cards?

Online loyalty programs are revolutionizing the restaurant customer experience because they offer a multitude of benefits for users:

  • It's in the bag! 

No need to keep 50 paper loyalty cards in your wallet. It all fits in a simple smartphone. Customers can easily find their favorite restaurant's loyalty card in their digital wallet.

  • Omnichannel

The big advantage of the online loyalty program is that it works for all points of sale. The customer can collect points or unlock rewards when ordering in click & collect, paying at the checkout or even from a checkout kiosk. It's a dream for anyone who likes to earn points with every purchase. 

  • Playful and intuitive

By logging into their loyalty account, customers can check their rewards at any time and find out how many points they are missing to unlock more. When ordering online or at a kiosk, they can unlock the reward of their choice and enjoy it immediately. It's enough to become completely addicted!

  • Personalized

We already knew the benefits of QR Code menu suggestions to increase the average ticket. By integrating the loyalty card into your online menu, you can offer an even more wow-factor customer experience. When making a purchase, the customer can earn even more points by adding certain products to their order. You can even make customized suggestions based on your customer's consumption history and points earned on their loyalty card.

Restaurant digital loyalty card

How to set up a digital loyalty card in your restaurant?

A few years ago, it was still complicated to have your own online loyalty program. But the new solutions available on the market have made it much easier for restaurateurs:

A few clicks to set up

A digital loyalty program can be set up online in minutes. After that, you don't have to think about it. Everything is fully automated.

A lightning installation for the user

No need to waste your customers' time at the checkout. You don't have to enter any information! Your customer creates his own loyalty account in 30 seconds. 

Easy to use

Gone are the days of the old drooling stamp. The loyalty card takes the form of a QR Code on the customer's smartphone that they simply scan when making a purchase. And on a kiosk, it's even simpler: the customer scans his QR Code by himself and that's it!

100% automated

With a digital loyalty system integrated with your customer database and marketing solution, you can generate fully automated SMS or email campaigns. You can decide to send an email to all your customers who have reached a certain point threshold to offer them a special offer.

The must? Automated marketing campaigns that are triggered according to pre-established criteria. For example:

  • "You are only 3 points short of unlocking your reward"
  • "You've earned over 100 points: come get your free dessert."
  • "Thank you for your loyalty! For your next visit, enjoy a 10€ discount on your bill." 

Improve your customer knowledge

It's the icing on the cake. Not only does the digital loyalty card boost your restaurant's attendance, but you also collect information on your customers' consumption habits. This is very useful to adapt your menu, to propose personalized offers and to guarantee a tailor-made welcome in your establishment.

Create your digital loyalty card

If you are afraid to start, don't hesitate to ask for personalized advice on your business problems.

Our loyalty experts will guide you from A to Z in creating your loyalty program. Our Obypay Loyalty training includes: 

  • Customized advice
  • Tips for getting the most out of our loyalty solution
  • Email or SMS templates to send to your customers

Request a demo by click here.

Still hesitating?

Discover the digital loyalty card in video here.

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