{"id":11792,"date":"2020-12-16T15:54:24","date_gmt":"2020-12-16T15:54:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/passkit.com\/blog\/?p=11792"},"modified":"2021-04-07T20:53:28","modified_gmt":"2021-04-07T20:53:28","slug":"why-you-need-to-ditch-your-paper-punch-card-in-2021","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/passkit.com\/blog\/why-you-need-to-ditch-your-paper-punch-card-in-2021\/","title":{"rendered":"Why You Need to Ditch Your Paper Punch Card in\u00a02021"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the old saying goes, \u201cout with the old and in with the new.\u201d<\/p>\n

We live in a day and age where technological wonders have made it so the world can almost function 100% digitized.<\/p>\n

Think about it for a second.<\/p>\n

Over the past two decades, the music store and video rental shop have both become obsolete. Why? Because people don\u2019t buy physical movies and records\/CDs anymore. Yes, both products still exist, but they\u2019re almost irrelevant.<\/p>\n

Instead, digital streaming has taken over in those industries.<\/p>\n

Then consider the functionality of our homes. HVAC and security systems are often entirely Smart-Tech-enabled. You don\u2019t have to touch the actual devices themselves. Instead, it\u2019s all done over your phone.<\/p>\n

What we\u2019re getting at here is that the world is traveling in one direction. And when you equip your business with paper punch cards for its loyalty program, you\u2019re swimming against the proverbial tide.<\/p>\n

Sadly, this will result in customers going elsewhere to enjoy loyalty-based perks. Namely, they\u2019ll align with businesses leveraging digital solutions to reward their repeat customers. This shift is primarily due to convenience, safety, environmental benefits, and ease-of-use.<\/p>\n

We will discuss this topic more in-depth throughout this blog:<\/p>\n

The Current COVID-19 Climate Doesn\u2019t Support Physical Punch Cards.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Any method with the potential to stop the spread of COVID-19 should be applied in your business.<\/p>\n

Whether it\u2019s a restaurant, caf\u00e9, hairdresser, or anything else, many establishments are trying to go as contactless as possible. These efforts are due to the deadly virus.<\/p>\n

Applying contactless protocols becomes less likely when your loyalty program involves physical punch cards. Failing to evolve and embrace a digital loyalty solution means you\u2019re putting your staff and customers unnecessarily at risk.<\/p>\n

A digital stamp card solution from Loopy Loyalty <\/a>only requires a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet to dole out rewards. Thus, you\u2019ll end up maintaining contactless protocols and adhering to the safest practices within your establishment.<\/p>\n

\"Contactless<\/a><\/p>\n

In the COVID-19 landscape, the advantages of ditching your punch card couldn\u2019t be illustrated any clearer.<\/p>\n

Still, that\u2019s not the only significant boon that comes with a digital stamp card solution. The benefits are plentiful\u200a\u2014\u200aalmost to the point of being endless.<\/p>\n

Physical Punch Cards Are Bad for the Environment<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Did you know that 46% of the world\u2019s forests are already destroyed?<\/p>\n

Moreover, tropical forest destruction accounts for 20% of current greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n

By implementing a loyalty program with paper punch cards, it feeds that monumental environmental problem. It\u2019s understandable if there\u2019s no other option on the table. You want to treat and convey your appreciation to your customers.<\/p>\n

But it\u2019s not the only option. Digital stamp card solutions are readily available, minimize waste, and are environmentally friendly.<\/p>\n

Customers Forget Digital Stamp Cards<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Put yourself in your customers\u2019 shoes.<\/p>\n

They\u2019ve been coming to your establishment repetitively, helping build your business and increase your bottom line.<\/p>\n

While this hypothetical individual consistently purchases from you, they don\u2019t regularly remember their physical card. In fact, they might have almost<\/em> accumulated the requisite stamps to earn a reward, but then they lost their card. Suddenly, they must start from the bottom after all that work.<\/p>\n

Does that seem fair?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s a rhetorical question because we all know the answer.<\/p>\n

Conversely, the only thing your loyal customers must remember with a digital stamp card is their mobile phone. Last we checked, in 2020, iPhones and Androids are practically third arms that people bring everywhere.<\/p>\n

This way, your customer base can receive the rewards they deserve instead of missing out because physical cards are cumbersome and easily lost\/forgotten.<\/p>\n

Physical Punch Cards Don\u2019t Help You Target Customers.<\/strong><\/h4>\n

With your traditional paper punch card, the related transactions begin and end in your establishment. The benefits here are relatively limited. Yes, it creates some urgency to make purchases, but that\u2019s only one dimension.<\/p>\n

With digital solutions, it goes well beyond the stamps or rewards.<\/p>\n

First and foremost, it\u2019s possible to target specific customers with marketing messaging via push notifications on their mobile devices.<\/p>\n

Best of all? Loopy Loyalty<\/a> allows you to filter and finely tune your targeting to varying degrees. Whether you wish to message all your customers or a specific segment, the capabilities are waiting to be leveraged.<\/p>\n

\"LL\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Predominantly, businesses finding the most success with this feature are:<\/p>\n