Why People Really Join Loyalty Programs (It’s Not Just for the Discounts)
A lightweight tool that brings a heavy-hitting strategy inside.
We added an iPad to the scale at our scrap yard.
Nothing fancy. Just a check-in kiosk for our loyalty program using SlickText.
That one addition?
It turned casual visitors into recurring customers—and gave us a direct line to their phones.
Here’s what happened.
The Data (and What It Reveals)
Since launching the loyalty program:
223 total rewards have been redeemed
128 were for branded t-shirts
16 were magnets
The rest? $25 gift cards…which is 34%!!
What does this say?
Some customers are here for instant gratification—a quick win and a free shirt.
Others are willing to wait, stacking check-ins for the bigger prize.
That’s marketing psychology in motion.
You’re not just giving away swag.
You’re learning how people think and what they value from your brand.
The Two Customer Mindsets
Short-Term Gratifiers
They want something small and fast. They engage quickly and feel rewarded quickly.Long-Term Optimizers
These folks hold out. They’re building trust with your brand, and when they redeem, it’s a meaningful win.
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about prizes. It’s about permission.
By offering real value up front, we earned something far more important than a one-time transaction:
➡️ Their phone number
➡️ Their permission to message them directly
That’s first-party data—and it’s one of the most under-leveraged marketing tools local businesses have.
No algorithm. No feed.
Just a text message with a promotion, a reminder, or a “hey, we appreciate you.”
And guess what?
They respond.
Examples for Your Business
Whether you're a gym, salon, or cafe:
Gyms can give away water bottles fast… and offer a free PT session for the loyalists.
Cafes can hand out free stickers early… and give away full bags of beans for the regulars.
It’s not just about tiers—it’s about tapping into both types of loyalty behavior.
Want to Try It?
I use SlickText because it’s straightforward and effective.
Yes, I’m an affiliate. But more than that, I’m a fan.
If you want to own your audience instead of renting them from Instagram or Facebook, start here: