Start with what you can count reliably
Your staff will record every visit or purchase. Choose something they can confirm in a second, without judgement calls.
- Same-sized purchases (a coffee, a wash): count items with stamps.
- Very different basket sizes (fashion, delis): count euros with points.
- Appointments or tables: count visits.
- Paid access over time (gyms, clubs): track a membership and check-ins.
Match the reward cycle to visit frequency
A reward should arrive often enough to feel reachable. A café visited daily can use 8 stamps; a salon visited every six weeks needs milestones at 3–5 visits, not 10.
Protect margin with caps and thresholds
Daily earning caps stop accidental double stamps. Point thresholds let you price rewards precisely: a €5 voucher at 100 points is 5% back at €1 = 1 point.
When to run more than one programme
A café with tables might run a stamp card for takeaway and a visit card for table service. Keep each simple; customers see separate cards.
A quick decision table
- Café, bakery, car wash → stamp card
- Boutique, wine shop, pharmacy → points card
- Salon, taverna, groomer, guesthouse → visit reward card
- Gym, studio, club → membership card