Retaining customers is one of the smartest strategies to increase sales and ensure sustainable growth for any business. According to studies, increasing customer retention by just 5% can boost profits by up to 95%. But the question is: which rewards really make the customer return? In this article, we will show you 5 effective reward ideas to retain Smartbis customers and what data proves that these strategies work.
1. Progressive Discounts for Purchase Frequency
Offering progressive discounts is a simple and powerful way to encourage repeat purchases. The logic is: the more the customer buys, the greater the discount on the next purchases. The customer perceives an immediate benefit in continuing to buy, which increases the purchase frequency.
According to the Goal Gradient Hypothesis, consumer engagement increases as they approach the reward. In an experiment with car wash loyalty cards, customers who received two pre-stamped stamps (artificial progress) completed the card faster with a redemption rate of 34%, compared to 19% for the traditional group. This acceleration in repeat purchases is directly applicable to the use of progressive discounts, which generate increasing motivation.
A case of an e‑commerce analyzed by Blue Monarch Group reveals that after adjusting the discount strategy to personalized rewards and incentives, it reduced churn by 31%, increased purchases without discounts by 42%, andimproved CLV (customer lifetime value) by 29%. This demonstrates that offering increasing benefits generates effective loyalty, without convincing customers to wait only for offers.
2. Point Program with Smart Redemption
Point programs continue to be one of the most effective strategies to retain customers. The logic is simple: with each purchase, the customer accumulates points that can be exchanged for products, services, or discounts. This system creates a cycle of return, where the customer always has a reason to return and enjoy their benefits, strengthening their bond with the brand.
The numbers prove this effectiveness. The Bond Loyalty Report reveals that 78% of consumers feel more inclined to continue buying when participating in a loyalty program, and 85% of participants say these programs increase their likelihood to stick with the brand. The Antavo Global Customer Loyalty Report 2024 highlights that about 90% of businesses with loyalty programs achieve positive ROI, with an average return of 4.8 times the investment.
Additionally, a study by McKinsey showed that customers who are members of point programs are 62% more likely to spend more and 59% more likely to choose the brand over the competition.
The impact is so significant that 72% of consumers say they have changed brands in search of better offers and rewards, according to Antavo. This behavior is also reinforced by a study by Acxiom, where 66% of consumers say they adapt their spending according to the benefits offered in loyalty programs.
Purchase decisions are directly influenced by these programs. Data from ReferralRock and Bond indicate that 69% of customers choose where to buy based on the possibility of accumulating points. This same statistic is confirmed by LoyaltyLion, which points out that 69% of consumers consider the point system a decisive factor when choosing a retailer.
3. Early VIP Offers
Offering early access to promotions and launches for loyal customers creates a sense of exclusivity and value. The customer feels that they are part of a select group and prioritizes your brand over the competition. A study by Accenture shows that 91% of consumers prefer to buy from brands that offer personalized and exclusive offers.
An article by MobiLoud on e‑commerce and retention shows that invitations for early access transform common promotions into VIP experiences, using triggers like scarcity and exclusivity. This approach increases engagement, loyalty, and LTV (customer lifetime value) without relying on generic discounts.
Academic studies, such as the one published in the Journal of Marketing, indicate that exclusive promotions are perceived more favorably than open offers, especially when delivered in a segmented manner to selected groups.
4. Referral Bonuses with Dual Benefit
Turning your customers into brand promoters is one of the most effective strategies. The referral bonus offers a reward for both the referrer and the referred friend. The customer has a real incentive to recommend your company, and the new customer already enters with a benefit, increasing conversion chances. According to Nielsen, 92% of consumers trust recommendations from friends and family more than traditional advertising.
An analysis by Sage Journals showed that referred customers make between 31% and 57% more additional referrals compared to non-referred customers, driving organic growth. According to statistics compiled by Viral Loops, referred customers are 37% more likely to make another purchase, and referral marketing is responsible for conversion rates almost 4 times higher than traditional channels.
A study by Wharton/Schmitt et al. points out that customers acquired via referral programs have 16% more lifetime value (LTV) than regular customers, as well as lower churn and higher margins. A report by Deloitte, cited by Talkable, highlights that companies with referral programs observe 70% higher conversion rates and 69% faster sales closing, as well as up to 10× ROI on referral program investments.
5. Personalized Surprises on Special Dates
Sending personalized gifts or coupons on special dates, such as birthdays, creates a powerful emotional connection with the customer. It makes the customer feel remembered and valued, which increases loyalty. Epsilon identified that 80% of consumers are more likely to buy from brands that offer personalized experiences.
According to the PwC report, 48% of consumers are willing to share their birth date in exchange for exclusive benefits PwC. This highlights that customers are willing to provide personal information in exchange for personalized experiences that add value to them. According to an article by NewCraft on birthday marketing: Birthday emails have open rates up to 3–5× higher than standard promotional emails. Conversion rates are up to 480% higher, and the average order value can be 20–40% above regular orders. Additionally, customers who engage with these campaigns tend to have 15–30% more lifetime value (CLV).
Conclusion
To retain customers, it's not enough to offer random discounts. It's necessary to create a reward system that truly generates value, is exclusive, and encourages repeat purchases intelligently. The strategies shown here are data-driven and can be practically and efficiently applied by Smartbis. Want to know how to implement these strategies in your business? Speak with a Smartbis specialist and start turning your customers into fans of your brand.