Retaining and rewarding loyal customers is just as important as acquiring new ones. Loyalty cards for businesses remain one of the most effective customer retention solutions, helping brands foster long-term relationships with their customers while boosting sales. Whether you opt for plastic loyalty card printing or a digital alternative, a well-designed loyalty scheme can have a significant impact on your bottom line.
What Are the Benefits of Loyalty Cards for Businesses?
Loyalty cards are a proven strategy for increasing repeat purchases and enhancing customer lifetime value. Here’s why they work:
- Increased customer retention – Customers enrolled in loyalty schemes are more likely to return, reducing churn.
- Higher average order value – Reward incentives encourage shoppers to spend more to unlock benefits.
- Valuable customer insights – Tracking purchases helps businesses personalise offers and improve marketing strategies.
- Brand loyalty and emotional connection – Physical cards create a tangible reminder of your brand, strengthening engagement.
- Competitive advantage – A well-structured loyalty scheme helps differentiate your business from competitors.
In 2024, SAP Emarsys found that 69% of consumers are still loyal to certain brands, making a loyalty scheme to reward returning customers a must-have for businesses of all sizes.
Custom Options for Plastic Loyalty Card Printing
If you’re considering plastic loyalty card printing for your business, you’ll have several customisation options to align with your brand identity:
Design and Branding
Full-colour printing, logos and unique card shapes
Material Options
Plastic, 100% recycled PVC and eco-degradable PVC cards can be chosen depending on your preference
Choice of Thickness
Loyalty cards can be created to 300, 480, 500, 760, 810 and 920 micron thicknesses
Scanning Features
Barcodes, QR codes, magnetic stripes and RFID chips can be added for different scanning options
Finishing Touches
Matte and glossy coatings, embossed text and hot-foil elements can be added to finish the look
Plastic loyalty cards offer durability and a professional appearance, making them ideal for businesses seeking a tangible reward scheme for their customers.
Physical vs Digital Loyalty Cards: Which is Better?
Both physical and digital loyalty cards have pros and cons. Here’s a comparison of the two:
Physical Loyalty Cards |
Digital Loyalty Cards |
|---|---|
| Tangible and memorable | Easily forgotten on a phone full of apps |
| High customisation capabilities | Customisation limited by app development |
| Easy-to-use for all ages | Have to be tech-literate to use |
| Can be made from eco-friendly materials | No materials or printing needed |
| Unboxing experience can be elevated for luxury brands | Downloading an app is a relatively mundane experience |
Many businesses now use a hybrid model, offering both options to maximise reach and benefit from the advantages of each.
Top Customer Retention Solutions
Alongside loyalty cards, here are some of the most effective customer retention solutions:
Tiered rewards schemes – Offer exclusive perks for high-spending customers (e.g., gold, platinum tiers).
Personalised Discounts – Use purchase history to send tailored promotions.
Referral bonuses – Encourage word-of-mouth marketing with incentives.
Subscription models – Recurring memberships (e.g., “Buy 5 Coffees, Get 1 Free”).
Gamification – Points, badges, achievements and challenges to increase engagement.
Combining these with a well-structured loyalty card scheme ensures long-term customer relationships.
Considering a loyalty card scheme for your business? Talk to our experts today to discuss your options.
Speak to us about loyalty cards for businesses
FAQs
Are loyalty cards worth the investment?
Loyalty cards are a proven investment for businesses. They increase repeat purchases and customer lifetime value, increasing profits through increased sales.
Can small businesses benefit from loyalty schemes?
Even small businesses can achieve higher retention rates with simple loyalty card systems.
Do digital loyalty cards work better than physical ones?
It depends. Physical loyalty cards offer a more tangible and memorable experience for customers compared to digital cards, presenting opportunities for brands to enhance brand perception through luxurious unboxing experiences. Whilst digital loyalty cards are easy to use, not all demographics (especially older age groups) find it simple to download and use a smartphone app.
