1. Do your customers have to download an app?
This is the most important question. Every download you ask for is a customer lost along the way. The best options save the card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet, which already come with the phone, or in a page that opens when you scan a QR code. No app stores, no passwords.
2. How long does it take a customer to sign up?
Try it yourself with your phone. If it takes you more than 15 or 20 seconds, at a counter with a queue it’ll be worse. Ideally: scan, type your name and done.
3. How are stamps or points added?
The easy way is a scanner on your own phone or tablet, without buying hardware. Also check whether several staff members can scan at once and whether it works offline or with poor signal.
4. Can you message your customers?
A card nobody remembers is useless. Look for the ability to send notifications to the customer’s phone: offers, birthdays, «you’re nearly there». Even better if some go out automatically.
5. What programme types does it support?
Today a stamp card may be enough, but tomorrow you’ll want points, a prepaid pass or a gift card. Choose a tool that grows with you and doesn’t force you to switch systems.
6. Can you add your brand?
Your logo, your colours and a photo of your business. A good-looking card gets shown, used and remembered. Templates save you starting from scratch: have a look at the templates by industry to get an idea.
7. Is the data yours?
Your customers are yours. Check that you can export them whenever you want and that the tool complies with GDPR: a data processing agreement, servers in Europe and consent for offers. More in GDPR and loyalty.
8. What do the numbers tell you?
A good dashboard tells you how many customers you have, how many return, how many redeem and who has stopped coming. Without data you don’t know if the programme works.
9. What does it really cost?
Look at the price including VAT, whether it charges per customer or per message, whether there’s a commitment and what happens if you want to leave. Be wary of «free forever» that then charges for every notification. A clear benchmark: Fidelizando’s prices are a flat monthly fee with no commitment.
10. Will they help you if you have a problem?
Ask what support is like: in your language, through which channel and how quickly they reply. A help centre with guides also counts.
Quick comparison checklist
| Question | What you want to hear |
|---|---|
| App for the customer? | No: Wallet or QR |
| Customer sign-up? | Under 20 seconds |
| Scanner? | On your phone, several at once |
| Notifications? | Yes, and some automatic |
| Programme types? | Stamps, points, passes, gift cards… |
| Data? | Exportable and GDPR compliant |
| Commitment? | None |
Try it before you decide
The best test is a real one: create your card, sign up as a customer yourself, stamp it from another phone and redeem a reward. If you’ve done it all in ten minutes without a manual, you’re on the right track. You can do it with a free trial card, and if you already use another tool, see how to switch without losing customers.
Frequently asked questions
What is a customer loyalty app?
A tool to manage stamp, points or reward cards on the phone: the customer saves their card and the business stamps it with a scanner.
Do my customers have to download anything?
Not with a card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet: it’s added with one tap from a QR code and it’s on the phone.
Can I switch apps without losing my customers?
Yes, if you can import the customer list with their stamps or points. Always ask for a tool that lets you import and export.