Over 83% of consumers worldwide say that being part of a loyalty program nudges them towards buying from the same brand again. This finding highlights the powerful sway of loyalty programs on shopping habits.
When every brand vies for attention, a well-crafted rewards program is more than just a nice-to-have; it becomes a strategic necessity. We looked at what the big brands are doing and created a universal rewards program that any firearms business using AIM or AXIS can use. It’s simple, effective, and won’t break the bank. Let’s see how it works.
What Big Brands Offer
1. Sportsman’s Warehouse
Founded in the United States, Sportsman’s Warehouse has grown to become a prominent outdoor sporting goods retailer with a presence in 29 states.
Catering to the diverse needs of outdoor enthusiasts, the store offers a wide range of products. Whether you’re a hunter, camper, angler, or just someone who loves the great outdoors, Sportsman’s Warehouse has something for you.
Their product line includes apparel, footwear, and gear tailored to those passionate about hunting, shooting, reloading, camping, fishing, and other outdoor adventures.
Rewards Program: Pros And Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 1% Cash Back: Provides customers a tangible benefit for their purchases. | Difficulty in Updating Member Numbers: Some customers may face challenges updating their member numbers online, leading to creating a new one. |
| Connected to Your POS Profile: The program integrates with your in-store profile, streamlining the process of earning and redeeming rewards. | Limited Notifications: The program misses out on keeping customers informed about their points or special offers through text or email notifications. |
| Welcome Gift: New members are greeted with a 10% discount on a $100 purchase, enhancing the initial user experience. |
2. Scheels
Scheels, headquartered in Fargo, North Dakota, is an American sporting goods and entertainment chain that stands out due to its unique employee-owned and operated structure.
With store locations spread across fifteen U.S. states, Scheels has established a significant footprint in the sporting goods industry.
Their slogan, “Gear. Passion. Sports.” succinctly conveys their focus on providing quality equipment and fostering a genuine love for sports.
Rewards Program: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| High Points Earned: For every dollar spent, customers earn 5 points, allowing for faster reward accumulation. | Credit Card Requirement: To participate, customers need approval for a credit card, which might only be feasible for some. |
| Member Coupons: Members can access exclusive coupons and events, adding value to the program. | Limited Notifications: The absence of regular text or email updates about rewards might leave some customers feeling out of the loop. |
| Multiple Redemption Options: Points can either be used as a statement credit or redeemed during in-store purchases, offering flexibility. |
3. Bass Pro Shops
Bass Pro Shops, operated by BPS Direct, LLC, is a renowned name in the American sporting goods retail sector. With its primary focus on outdoor recreation, the company provides a comprehensive range of products catering to hunting, fishing, camping, and other related activities.
Located in Springfield, Missouri, Bass Pro Shops has grown significantly over the years, now boasting a workforce of approximately 40,000 dedicated employees. This privately-held retailer has made a mark by consistently offering quality merchandise to outdoor enthusiasts.
Rewards Program: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 2% Cash Back: Customers benefit from a 2% cashback reward on their purchases, enhancing the shopping experience. | Account Creation Requirement: To access and activate rewards, customers must create an account, adding an extra step to the process. |
| Flexible Redemption: The program allows customers to apply rewards to any purchase without restrictions, offering freedom of choice. | CapitalONE Promotion: The emphasis on promoting their CapitalONE card rewards can overshadow the free program, potentially confusing customers. |
| Lack of Text Notifications: The absence of text notifications means customers might miss out on timely updates about their rewards. |
4. Petco
Established in 1965, Petco has grown from its humble beginnings as a mail-order veterinary supply company in California to become a leading pet retailer in the U.S. With its corporate offices in San Diego and San Antonio, Petco offers a wide range of pet products, services, and even certain live small animals.
As of 2021, the company boasts approximately 1,500 stores across the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico. Beyond products, Petco’s stores offer various services, including obedience training, grooming, and veterinary care. The company’s commitment to pets and their owners is further emphasized by its digital ventures and smaller “Unleashed by Petco” stores.
Rewards Program: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 5% Cash Back: Petco’s rewards program offers a notable 5% cashback, making it a favorable choice for pet enthusiasts. | App Requirement: To fully utilize the rewards program, customers need to use the Petco app, which might not be convenient for everyone. |
| Instant Credit: The program ensures immediate gratification; a $5 credit is instantly available on the customer’s account once loaded. | Limited Notifications: The absence of text notifications can lead to customers missing out on updates about their earned points. |
5. Natural Grocers
Established in 1955 by Margaret and Philip Isely, Natural Grocers has carved a niche in offering quality natural and organic products. With a commitment to high standards, the company ensures its products are free from artificial additives.
Beyond groceries, they provide health supplements, natural body care items, and even run over 100 in-store veterinary hospitals. Their ethos promotes the well-being of communities, the environment, and the economy.
Rewards Program: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| 1% Cash Back: Natural Grocers offers a 1% cashback reward, which never expires. | Lack of Text Notifications: The program does not offer text notifications, potentially limiting customer engagement. |
| Seamless Account Loading: Rewards are directly loaded to the customer’s account, streamlining the checkout process. | |
| Easy Sign-up: With a simple phone and email registration, new rewards are conveniently delivered via email. |
OtterText Approach: A Universal Solution
Taking cues from these industry leaders, we’ve crafted a rewards program that addresses their shortcomings while enhancing the benefits. This program is tailored for firearms enthusiasts.
About OtterText
Originating from Boulder, CO, in 2020, OtterText was conceived by co-founder Ben Nelson to address a gap in the SMS marketing sector, especially for businesses in the S.H.A.F.T. (Sex, Hate, Alcohol, Firearms, Tobacco) categories.
Initially focused on eSignatures and transactional messages, OtterText expanded its vision to help various industries, from restaurants and bars to shooting sports, navigate the complexities of SMS marketing.
With a foundation built on over 30 years of marketing and advertising experience, OtterText offers a suite of services, including text messaging, eSignatures, and hosting, ensuring businesses remain compliant while achieving growth.
Universal Rewards Program: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Customizable Rewards: OtterText allows businesses to tailor cashback rewards ranging from 1% to 20%. | Manual Redemption: Customers must present their rewards at checkout, as they don’t automatically load into accounts at the point of sale. |
| Expiration Control: Businesses can set reward expiration dates as per their preferences. | |
| Easy Sign-up via Text: A simplified registration process where customers can opt-in with their birthday. | |
| Text Automation: OtterText offers various text automation types, keeping customers engaged. | |
| No Login Required: Rewards are presented with each notification, eliminating login hassles. |
Conclusion
Our universal rewards program transcends the typical offerings by marrying the best elements from major brands with the unique demands of the firearms sector.
It’s a testament to how a thoughtfully crafted loyalty system can foster enduring customer relationships without the hefty investment. Tailored, flexible, and integrated with AIM and AXIS POS systems, our program is poised to redefine customer loyalty for businesses seeking an edge in a competitive market.
Ultimately, the best rewards program aligns with both the business’s objectives and the customer’s preferences. As brands continue to innovate, consumers will undoubtedly benefit from even more enhanced and personalized shopping experiences.
