Customer Appreciation: Punch Card or Other Ideas?

[alidafrizzell]

I would like to offer a customer appreciation card and am wondering who has done this. I have seen the "punch" style cards and like the concept, but how do you punch their card if you do not see them? Such as for a referral or online order? I would like to be able to thank them for such things... but not sure how to handle getting them the reward... Any ideas? I had thought of mailing them a sticker each time they earn something... but would need a much bigger card than the business card size most are...

 

[grgann]

tell me more about your concept, sounds interesting! As far as logistics, what about keeping the "punch card" yourself, and just updating folks via email or phone where they stand towards rewards... could also be a good excuse to make contact....

 

[raebates]

I have a Pantry Club for people who like to reorder pantry items. Once they've ordered 9 pantry items the 10th is free. I just use a spreadsheet to keep track of purchases.

 

[jennywardpc]

I love the idea of the pantry punch card. Could you please send me the spreadsheet to get an idea of how you keep track of it.
Thanks
Jenny

 

[raebates]

It's just an Excel sheet with the following across the top:Name 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Free Item Preferred Contact MethodI put an X under each number as purchases are made.

 

[Chef Kearns]

Rae do you give them something as well, a card to keep track on their end?

 

[raebates]

Nope. I tell them they don't have to do a thing. I'll keep track of everything.

 

[alidafrizzell]

I had thought of keeping track myself... but also "kind" of think it is good for them to have something in hand. I know when I have a "punch" card... it makes me think about using it more. Like oh my gosh I almost have a FREE cup of coffee! I do like the spread sheet idea. I did not want alot of work on my part and tend to make things to complicated... but this sounds pretty simple. Also the Pantry Punch is a GREAT idea!

Thanks everyone but I still would like some ideas on how to keep a punch card up to date for a customer who calls with an order, refers someone to me, orders online and such things that I don't have a personal contact with, but do want to show my appreciation. I do send a note, but want to go a step further.

Please keep the ideas flowing!

 

[raebates]

You could have a specific symbol or word for each month. When they contact you with an order you can have them mark their card--Clover for March, Heart for February, etc.

 

[lescalvelage]

Have you visited The Booster, its an online site that has lots of great info and free training materials. If you would like I can send you a link.

 

[Lisa/ChefBear]

Rae, can they get ANY Pantry item free?? Say they've been ordering rubs , but want to try the oil or something more free, do you allow that?? Or how do you word it?? Also how long can they take?? 1 calendar year?? Just curious.

Thanks for idea!

Lisa

 

[scottcooks]

I do a card where I sign my initials. I've had a couple of folks mail them to me partially filled, and I sign then mail them back with their receipt. Do a search for "preferred chef card"

 

[raebates]

Lisa, my goal is building customer loyalty. So, yes, if they've ordered 9 various rubs they can get one of the sauces free. Plus, since I'm checking in with them monthly, there's a much greater chance that they'll think to order something else that isn't from the pantry section.

 

[Lisa/ChefBear]

Rae, so you contact each person monthly to order from Pantry?? How many people and do you have a script you follow. I've never done anything like this and am thinking this might be great thing to try.

Thanks,
Lisa

 

[raebates]

Right now my list is about a dozen people. I email, fb message, or call with:

Hi. Rae here. Just checking to see if you need anything yummy from The Pampered Chef.

It doesn't take long at all. Plus, I've had a few people need non-pantry items. In other words, it's keeping PC and me in the front of their minds. Not bad for only doing this for a few months.

Spoiler

And, before you decide that I'm grammatically incorrect, in this instance "me" is the proper word. You wouldn't say, "It's keeping I in the front of their minds."