Traditional paper loyalty cards have long been a staple for cafes, but they come with challenges. Lost or forgotten cards, printing costs, and limited customer insights. Digital alternatives, like Tonza Deals, offer a more seamless and data-driven approach to customer engagement, providing real benefits beyond simple rewards.
Cost-effective and convenient
Switching to a digital loyalty system eliminates the expense and hassle of printing paper cards while ensuring customers never miss out on rewards. Instead of carrying a physical card, they simply scan a QR code, making the process faster and more convenient. This also reduces waste, aligning with the growing consumer preference for sustainable business practices.
Stronger customer insights
Unlike traditional methods, a digital system captures real-time data on customer behaviour. By tracking purchases and engagement, cafes can tailor promotions to encourage repeat visits and higher spending. For example, customers could earn a spin on a rewards wheel after reaching a spending threshold, increasing basket size while making the experience more interactive.
Encouraging upsells and repeat visits
Loyalty programs can do more than reward frequent customers, they can shape purchasing habits. A promotion such as “buy a croissant, get a free coffee” introduces customers to new menu items, potentially influencing future orders.
For venues operating day and night, digital rewards can help drive foot traffic across different trading periods. A morning coffee purchase could trigger a special offer for an evening visit, encouraging customers to return later in the day.
Building long-term customer relationship
Beyond individual transactions, a digital loyalty system helps cafes build a valuable customer database. Collecting email addresses allows businesses to engage customers outside of their visits, sending personalised offers, event invitations, or updates on new menu items. This direct connection strengthens brand loyalty and keeps customers engaged over time.
Additionally, by integrating ad retargeting with social media, cafes can reach past visitors with targeted ads, reminding them to return, promoting special deals, or reinforcing brand awareness.
A smarter, more measurable approach
The key advantage of a Tonza Deal’s loyalty system is its ability to track and measure success. Analysing participation rates and redemption trends allows cafes to refine their approach, ensuring their loyalty program remains effective and aligned with business goals.
By replacing paper loyalty cards with a digital solution, cafes can create a more engaging, efficient, and data-driven customer experience—one that benefits both the business and its customers.
Interested in learning more? Contact Tonza Deals for an obligation-free consult or sign up today.