How many stamps to ask for and what to give: ideas for your loyalty card

The short rule

Ask for enough visits that the reward is cheap for you, but not so many that the goal feels miles away for your customer.

A practical way to think about it: how often does a regular come in? If it's every week, 8 visits is two months. If it's every three weeks, like at a barbershop, 6 visits is already four months. In Repik you choose from 5 to 10.

Do the math with your numbers

Don't use averages from the internet: use your ticket and what the reward costs you. For example, if your coffee costs $45 and you ask for 8 visits, your customer has already spent $360 with you before earning theirs.

And the reward doesn't cost you $45: it costs what you pay to make it. That difference is what makes the card worth it for you.

Do the same math for your business:

1. Multiply your average ticket by the number of visits.
2. Compare it with what the reward costs you, not its menu price.
3. If the reward is too expensive for you, add one or two visits or give something cheaper.

Which visit counts

The easiest rule to explain is one stamp per visit, no matter how much they spent. Your customer gets it right away and you don't have to add up receipts at the counter.

If a customer comes in several times a day, like a coffee in the morning and another in the afternoon, decide whether every visit counts or only one a day, and tell everyone the same.

Ideas by type of business

These are ideas to start with, not rules. Adjust them to your prices and to how often your customers come in.

• Coffee shop: 8 visits earn a coffee, or a pastry.
• Barbershop: 6 haircuts earn a haircut, or a beard trim.
• Nail salon: 10 visits earn a manicure, or a design on two nails.
• Taquería or restaurant: 10 visits earn an order, or an agua fresca.
• Bakery: 8 purchases earn a concha or a bag of bread.

Rewards that don't cost you much

The reward doesn't have to be the most expensive thing on your menu. It can be something that costs you little:

• A bigger size or an extra: cream, bacon, a side of grilled onions.
• Something new you want them to try.
• A short service: a touch-up, a wash, a simple design.

Lines for your card and your counter

A short, clear line sells better than a long one. Use these as they are or change the reward:

• «8 stamps = 1 free coffee.»
• «Collect 6 haircuts and earn a free one.»
• «Every visit counts. Scan and start collecting stamps.»
• «Scan here: your card saves to your phone.»

If it doesn't work, change it

Your first number doesn't have to be your last. If nobody reaches the reward, lower it; if they earn it too fast, raise it or change the reward.

With a paper card you'd have to reprint everything. In Repik you edit the reward in your dashboard and it updates on your customers' cards.