Stay with me

Patrick Williams, creator of YOU ROCK in Washington State, USA, specialises in helping businesses succeed in their marketplace. He works with small retail shops through large scale corporate businesses offering simple strategies to yield more business and greater customer retention.

To increase client loyalty Williams recommends starting a loyalty benefits programme. In a recent tip he says, "Are you looking for a way to tell your customers to 'stay with me'? Maybe it is time to create a loyalty program.

You don't have to go far to find great models. Barnes & Noble has been charging $25 every year to be part of their rewards program, giving their customers 10% off of every purchase.

There are tons of businesses who use a simple email list to send out coupons or special offers on a regular basis to keep customers coming back for more.

Keep in mind that no loyalty program will work if you have a lousy product, service or treatment.

So make sure you deliver real quality and value first, then create a loyalty program that will keep your customers coming back again and again. "


If you have a quality product, service or treatment and are ready to incentivise your clientele with a loyalty programme, CardsPlus offers an out-of-the-box gift and loyalty software to encourage clients to stay with you.

Ready to start? Call us 086 16 CARDS (22737)

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10 colours to include in your 2011 marketing and loyalty campaigns for added benefit

What is going to get the attention of your clients this year?

Pantone predictions
Colour authority Pantone released their predictions in late December and as we noticed late last year– exotic, vibrant colours are on the up and up.

The colour of 2011 is Honeysuckle – a fresh, cheerful and versatile shade of pink. You can expect this colour to feature across the industries in new marketing campaigns, clothing designs and even home industry trends.

Pantone also gave Russet, Regatta, Coral Rose, Peapod, Blue Curacao, Beeswax, Lavender, Silver Peony and Silver Cloud the thumbs up for 2011.

This palette is strong, intriguing and healthy with a particular nod to saturated African and Indian inspirations.

How it will help you

Forecasting
Armed with this knowledge, you have the edge in trend appeal. You can choose to embrace the power of popularity– much like the turquoise of yore, these colours have mass staying-power and will still look hip and fresh for the next few years according to trend analysis.

African Influence
Local is Lekker and with the unique African influence these colours are primed and ready to pounce on your target audience.

Colour Association
Harnessing the power of colour provides subconscious messages to your audience.
These colours are energetic and vibrant. Using these colours for a marketing or loyalty campaign associates your campaign is associated to youthful vibrancy and positivity.

Putting it on plastic
We love this new palette of dramatic , rich shades– even more so because they look so good on plastic. Pair Coral Rose with Regatta and Honeysuckle for high energy impact – or Peapod and Blue Curacao with a touch of Silver Peony for a subtle chic result.

Give it the 2011 twist with increased interest in striking colour combinations. You can’t go wrong in this palette– so go big and reap the benefits of trend appeal.

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Client FAQ: What do I need to start a card orientated loyalty programme?

Card orientated loyalty programmes for retailers is a popular solution for companies looking to increase revenue and client loyalty.

There are just two key steps that we recommend to clients who are ready to start their own highly effective loyalty programme.

Back-End software:
The software can be as simple as RewardsPlus or as complicated as hiring a loyalty provider.

This back end software will manage the rewards and keep track of all details of the clients. Think of it as your heavy lifter that will do all the hard work for you.

Plastic cards:

Once you determine your system and are ready for implementation, you will just need some cards to round off the system. You can use barcodes, magnetic stripes or even contactless technology– depending on the system you choose. At CardsPlus, you can be up and rolling in just 10 days or fewer.

There you have it! Just two step to a highly effective loyalty programme in your retail
establishment.

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4 benefits of switching your paper business cards into plastic

So many businesses have chosen plastic business cards over paper for their marketing. But what benefits are being enjoyed by our clients with the upgrade to plastic?

Appeal
Plastic business cards can be ordered in different thicknesses and finishes and hold bright, beautiful colours exceptionally well. Logos and other important details come out crisp and clear. There are also many different effects that can be used on the cards, giving them an ultra sophisticated, richly elegant, and professional look.

Innovative Designs
Plastic business cards are the perfect canvases for very innovative designs. Attracting attention is easy on plastic.

Durability
Plastic cards are also extremely durable. Unlike paper business cards that get washed, or worn, torn and dirty and then thrown away– plastic cards are waterproof, scratch resistant and won’t get tossed due to illegibility.

Perceived Value
Handing over a plastic business card gives your client the idea that they have been given something of value and will hold onto the card longer than an ordinary
paper card.

Our clients are quickly seeing the benefits of switching to plastic. It seems to be an
effective, attractive and inexpensive way to create great hype about your company with a mere flick of the business card.

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What you will need to start printing your own cards tomorrow

Are you ready to branch into printing your own cards, either as a side business or for your company?

We created a brief rundown of what you will need– besides a computer or laptop– to start printing your own plastic cards…

A reliable plastic card printer: There are a wide variety of plastic card printers that will suite a variety of needs from single sided printing to high security printing. We recommend EDIsecure for their durability and reliability.

Software: Connecting to a database gives you the freedom to let the printer print without stopping to browse for a photo. Pick Jolly Technologies IDFlow to get the most bang for your buck

Consumables: Don’t forget your ribbons with the ink ribbons and the plastic cards to print on!

That’s it! You are ready to print! Print on!

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