Customer Loyalty Scheme Discounts??

[L-CSteve]

Hey Memebers....

I was wondering if any other techies here offer Customer Loyalty Scheme Discounts.

As i am a new business startup i want to encourage my potential residential customers to do business with me whlist they recommend myself with word of mouth.

Basically,

1. You recommend Lightning Computers to a friend (as many as you like)
2. They have their computer repaired by Lightning Computers
3. On completion of the repair we send you a BIG THANK YOU & a £5 Voucher Cheque

These Voucher Cheques are valid for 12 months and can be redeemed against any labour rates or Repair/Maintenance Services for on-site visits.

Example: You recommend us to 2 family or friends who get their pc work completed with us, we send you 2 x £5 Loyalty Voucher Cheques = £10. One month later you decide to get your PC memory upgraded, we quote you £10 labour, you pay for the labour by handing over your loyalty vouchers. So the more you recommend, the more you get paid.!

 

[callthatgirl]

I have tried 3 different referral programs and all have given me bad results.

Each one was juicier too. I think that most people just want to refer you, they don't do it to earn money or discounts/free support.

I have one now, and I track all my calls 100%....some folks have just one sitting idle. I give out coffee cards, Target and dining cards.

 

[hardtoremember]

I give out coffee cards, Target and dining cards.

That is a really good idea.

 

[FrancePCSupport]

Hi

Here in France (couldn't tell you about the UK as I moved out 6 years ago) EVERYTHING and EVERYWHERE has loyalty cards, from the cheapest "pound shop" to mobile phone contracts.

For me, introducing a loyalty scheme was near obligatory and though I wouldn't say it was a unique selling point, it certainly hasn't hurt.

Brent

 

[MobileTechie]

Seems to me the OP was really describing referral inducements rather than loyalty schemes.

CTG is probably right in saying that people give referrals because they think you are worth it rather than saddle their friends with a poor supplier because they get £10 off a future services they might not even need.

However I do have a referral scheme. I write a code on the back of 2 business cards which I give to the client. This identifies any referrals back to them. They get 30 mins phone/remote support for 1 referral and an hour onsite or a workshop fix for 2. I think it's quite a lot to give out but I think if every customer gave me two more customers then a lost hour is well worth it.

I think a loyalty scheme will work to a degree. You could reduce prices slightly so they are getting a better deal or offer presents or free services. I think it's as much that it generates goodwill and a relationship as it is about financial inducement.

 

[L-CSteve]

Thanks for all your replys,

I was thinking if the discount scheme didnt work. I might try free gifts like Mouse Mat & Pen, personalised with Lightning Computers.

Maybe this would be a point of call, when there pc / laptop needs fixing and there number is in front of there eyes etc etc.

 

[pctechit]

I do this... an have it on my business card

I thought long and hard on how to use the back of my business card... and then decided to make it a loyalty card (not referral).

With every paid service you get 1 Tech Reward.
Collect 5 Tech Rewards on this card and get a Free PC Tune-up.

Then below that I have spaces numbered "1" "2" "3" "4" "5" "Free"

I made sure to specify you need to collect 5 Tech Rewards on this card, so that they will keep my business card handy!

I then had my logo printed up on tiny little stickers and those stickers can be placed over the "1" "2" "3" space until they collect the "Free" Tune-up

 

[hardtoremember]

This thread got me thinking about different ways to go about it. Much like pctechit I was thinking business cards. Maybe dating the back of the card and setting it on top of their pc or near their modem or something and telling them if they keep the card and have it the next time I'm out they'll get a 15% [or something] discount on their next service.
Trying to think of a way to get them to keep my name around.

 

[callthatgirl]

Sometimes when I go to events, I will put on the back of a card "$25 discount" and then one lady...I have to laugh....called.

After 30 minutes of support, I told her that the bill was $37.50

She said, "Oh, I have one of your $25 discount cards, so we'll just call it even, thanks!" and she hung up.

Me:

I knew she would call back at some point, I so put down on the sheet that she owed $12.50.

Yep, she called 2 weeks later and came in with a system crash, I told her she owed $12.50. Gladly paid up.

 

[hardtoremember]

After 30 minutes of support, I told her that the bill was $37.50

She said, "Oh, I have one of your $25 discount cards, so we'll just call it even, thanks!" and she hung up.

Me:

I'd be confused too! Easy to call it even when the extra isn't on your side! You are a patient lady, I would have called her right back.