Why a simple loyalty card can keep your customers coming back

A loyalty card can turn one-time shoppers into regulars, building a loyal fanbase for your shop. U.S. small and mid-sized merchants can use this easy tool to boost repeat visits and grow sales without breaking the bank.

Why Loyalty Cards Matter

Loyalty cards reward customers for coming back, creating a win-win for your business. Studies show 68% of consumers are more likely to shop at stores with loyalty programs (LoyaltyOne, 2024).

Key Benefits

  • Increases Repeat Visits: Loyalty cards encourage return trips, with 62% of shoppers visiting program stores weekly (Bond Brand Loyalty, 2024).
  • Boosts Sales: Loyal customers spend 20% more on average than one-time buyers (Retail Customer Experience, 2024).
  • Strengthens Bonds: Personal rewards make customers feel valued—57% say loyalty programs build emotional connections (Forrester, 2024).

How to Create a Loyalty Card Program

Starting a loyalty card is simpler than you think. Here are three tips to get going:

  • Design a Basic Card): Print punch cards (e.g., “Buy 10, get 1 free”) at a local shop—75% of customers prefer simple rewards (Yotpo, 2024).
  • Promote It at Checkout: Train staff to mention the card when ringing up sales. In-store pitches drive 80% of sign-ups (Podium, 2024).
  • Offer a Wild Bonus Reward: This one’s a crazy idea, but it works! One of our RAY customers, a coffee shop, gave a free drink and a quirky sticker to anyone who filled their card in a month. It felt out there, but it doubled their card sign-ups and boosted visits by card members by 40% that quarter (RAY Customer Insights, 2024).

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Tools to Power Your Loyalty Program

RAY makes your loyalty card program a breeze by helping you manage and maximize rewards. With RAY, you can:

  • Track card redemptions in real time via a centralized dashboard, so you always know who’s earning rewards and when.
  • Send personalized offers through QR codes (available June 2025) to loyalty members, encouraging them to visit during slow hours.
  • Analyze customer return patterns to tweak your program, ensuring your rewards keep locals coming back for more.
  • Whether you run a single store or a small chain, RAY helps turn loyalty cards into a growth engine.

Conclusion

A simple loyalty card can transform casual shoppers into devoted customers for U.S. merchants. With a few clever steps, you’ll keep your store buzzing. Request a Demo with RAY to see how you can launch a loyalty program that brings new customers!

Ian Mackern

Explores growth, customer experience, and technology that drives impact. Helps restaurants stand out online as part of RAY’s business development team.