Digital Loyalty

Warning of backlash against ‘virtual idiots’

Nobody said transformation was going to be easy

Join The Loyalty Surgery, October 16th & 17th in London for two days of discussion, case studies, insight and innovation

Those tasked with creating and growing a strong and loyal customer base are faced with massive challenges. Customer behaviour, needs and wants are under constant change, and while technology is, in principal, offering solutions, the implementation of new communication methods is fraught with … [Read more...] about Warning of backlash against ‘virtual idiots’

SCA postponed as EBA bows to pressure

The date for the compulsory use of Strong Customer Authentication has been delayed after a maelstrom of pressure from all parties. No new date has been given. This decision does not affect the roll out of Open Banking, which is still set to take place on September 14 also, and is having its own problems.

The recent decision by the European Banking Authority (EBA) and confirmed by the European Commission that all ecommerce retailers should use Strong Customer Authentication from … [Read more...] about SCA postponed as EBA bows to pressure

Seeing deadline for strong authentication as opportunity

The recent decision by the European Banking Authority (EBA) and confirmed by the European Commission that all ecommerce retailers should use Strong Customer Authentication from September 14 is going to cause major problems for consumers and businesses alike. But isn’t this a massive opportunity for loyalty?

The requirement for SCA will apply to online shoppers whose purchase is of more than £27 in a single transaction and will require shoppers to relay codes sent to their mobile … [Read more...] about Seeing deadline for strong authentication as opportunity

BPme launches across retail network

Trend establishing for fuel and shop reward earning

BP has announced the launch of a new customer loyalty programme, BPme Rewards, across the BP retail network in the UK which, like Shell, will reward points for spend across both fuel and shop purchases.

BPme rewards spend on fuel and shop purchases

BPme Rewards offers customers the option to earn and redeem BPme Rewards Points, for the first time, with the choice of using either the BPme app or a physical card, to … [Read more...] about BPme launches across retail network

Shame on you Boots

What happened to the Plastics Pact?

The news that Boots has digitised its Advantage loyalty card programme was completely overshadowed today by the unexplainable news that it was replacing paper subscription bags with plastic.

"Livid" and "baffled" customers have been complaining to the company and at least one was so incensed she took her bag back to the store with "shame on you!" and "paper, not plastic!" written in capitals in black marker pen.

Boots joined the … [Read more...]

Google Pay adds functionality for rewards and loyalty cards

Offer data and transactions can be 'pulled' from Gmail

Google Pay has gained more functionality in a new update to enable it to be more pro-active with a customer to improve their use of linked payment cards.

The new functionality involves the ability to 'scan' Gmail for information on a user's financial perks, transations and other information. This includes rewards from using loyalty cards or other similar systems.

This may mean it could work as a hub for card … [Read more...] about Google Pay adds functionality for rewards and loyalty cards

Have more sex, urges Jack Ma, to employees working 9 hour days

Monitoring possible effects of Alibaba's global ambition

Jack Ma, founder and chairman of online marketplace Alibaba, has been even more controversial than usual recently. At a group wedding celebration of 102 employee couples attended by 10,000 workers, he sparked criticism for advising his newlywed employees to have sex six times in six days.

Jack Ma, CEO of Alibaba and probably the world's riches man

This is a play on his controversial company motto and work … [Read more...] about Have more sex, urges Jack Ma, to employees working 9 hour days

Ford revamps loyalty programme

US first, but international initiatives in pipeline for app based rewards

Ford Motor Co. is rethinking how it rewards loyal customers, in response to input from its retail network.

The automaker has unveiled FordPass Rewards, an app-based loyalty programme that awards points for spending money on vehicle maintenance. It benchmarked against leading programmes in travel and hotels to arrive at the proposition.

Ford's last programme, Owner Advantage Rewards, was … [Read more...] about Ford revamps loyalty programme

Boulangerie loyalty for a UK audience

Loyalty works well for coffee and fast food establishments because of the frequency of purchase. In France particularly, it is custom to buy bread at least once a day.

So it is no surprise that French bakery and patisserie brand Paul is launching its first mobile payment and loyalty app. The surprise is that it is exclusively for UK customers.

The app, which will be available from May 20, is powered by Yoyo and will be free to download from the Apple App Store and … [Read more...] about Boulangerie loyalty for a UK audience

Rumours and more rumours as Tesco Clubcard price cuts

Everyone watching as latest ‘big plans’ emerge Tesco is reported to be trialling price cuts for loyalty members but this is not the only big rumour circulating.

Tesco is also said to be bringing together its retail, financial services and mobile offerings in a deal that could bring it into direct competition with Amazon.

First the price cuts for Clubcard holders

The Sunday Times reported yesterday that Tesco was … [Read more...] about Rumours and more rumours as Tesco Clubcard price cuts