Loyalty Cards and Gift Cards are two marketing tools utilized by all large department stores and chain stores that can easily be utilized by any size business. You can purchase loyalty and gift cards for as little at 60 cents per card. Is it worth it?

A loyalty card or gift card is simply a plastic card that looks like a credit card. The front of the card normally contains the name of your store, some type of offer, your address and telephone number. The back normally contains a little more information along with a number or magnetic strip.

A prepaid card is another term used. A prepaid card is more of a gift card for your own personal use. You purchase a prepaid card with a certain dollar value. In the future, you use that card as a convenient, faster method of paying for purchases. For example, Java City offers a $20 prepaid card. Customers who use the card don’t need to look for cash. They present the card to the cashier who scans it. The purchase is instant and helps speed up the buying process. The customer is happy. He doesn’t have to look for change or wait for change. Java City is happy because loyal customers with “The Coffee Card” keep coming back.

Remember, gift cards or prepaid cards can always be refilled. You don’t have to issue a new card. Once the value of the card is used up (or even before it is used up), your customer can instantly add $10, $20, $50 or any amount to the original card.

Did you know that 15% of all gift cards never get used. And, gift card owners spend 30% more money per transaction.

Loyalty cards look similar to a gift card but have a different use. They are designed to encourage repeat business by offering customers an incentive to keep them coming back to your store. Loyalty cards normally contain your store or restaurant name, address and telephone number.Depending on how “innovative”are, you can come out with all sorts of loyalty card offers that really work well. The idea is to give or sell your customer a loyalty card that keeps them coming back to the store.

10% off all purchases on Thursday whenever you show your loyalty card.

Give a 10% off your next purchase loyalty card. So, if a customer buys $150 worth of clothing, that customer will receive a $15 Loyalty Card good on his next purchase (perhaps at least 1 week in the future).

Buy a new car. Give your customer a $100 loyalty card to be used on his next servicing.

Buy 10 six packs of beer, get the next six pack for free.

Instead of offering customers a discount, sell them a $100 Prepaid Card (or Gift Card) for $90.

In a hair salon, give your customer a $25 gift card if they bring in a new client.

Exchange discount cards with retailers in your area to advertise your store. If a customer picks up a loyalty card in another store and brings it to your store, give him 20% off his first purchase.

Free newspaper card. Make a purchase using your loyalty card and receive today’s newspaper for free.

The ideas and options are endless. Once you figure out a great offer, you will have a customer for life. Customers treat loyalty and gift cards like credit cards. They normally carry them in their wallet or pocketbook. Your loyalty or gift card is a constant reminder to return to your store. Any more ideas you want to share? Write to .

How much does it cost? Gift cards and loyalty cards can be purchased for as little as 60 cents each.

How easy is it to design and obtain loyalty cards? I’m glad you asked. pcAmerica used to design and print loyalty cards for its customers. Now, we found a great partner to work with that will do all the work for you. PlastiCard+Plus can design and print your loyalty and gift cards for you with little effort on your part. They have templates that allow them to easily and quickly design your cards. This family owned business can do all the artwork or incorporate your artwork. They can print loyalty cards, key chain type cards, and even package your cards for in-store displays.

www.plasticardplus.com