Frequent wash program?

[tw1012]

I am implementing a frequent wash program at my wash.

I was initially going to give them to everyone but the thought crossed my mind that I might just want to use them as a marketing tool when I talk to people in the community. My thought is that my loyal customers are already loyal and if they ask I will give them to them.
I then run the risk of upsetting my loyal customers by not voluntarily giving it to them if they find out through someone else about the cards.
What are your thoughts? Does having a loyalty program encourage regular customers to use the wash more or am I just giving away free washes to people who would use the wash anyways?

 

[captain cw]

At my washes I give a bonus token to every customer. They can use it for a $1 vacuum cycle or save them up for a free wash. It's been very successful for customer loyalty.

 

[jimbeaux]

My thought is take care of your existing customers! Nothing would tick me off more to find that a business that I was loyal to was giving a better deal to a stranger.

 

[JMMUSTANG]

If the object is to increase business I would think you would want to give them to anybody/everybody you can.
My business motto is 20% of my customers produce 80% of my business and the other 80% of my business is generated by 20% of my customers.
I even have business cards made that I give out when I go out for such times as lunch/dinner that I give the waiter/waitress 1/2 off my wash (along with a nice tip).
The cards are completely different (color/offer) than any others so that I can see if I get many back. It's amazing how many I get back.

 

[ajdingo]

What i am doing is give a Card out thats as 8 carwash, When the customer comes in for the carwash either cashier stamps or signs it. When customers filled all 8 wash, They get a free wash.

 

[tw1012]

I agree

Yep I think I would be mad too if a company were doing that as well.

I am going to give the cards to all my customers.

thanks,

Trevor

 

[rph9168]

We used to give a customer a discount on a wash if they brought in a wash receipt that was less than two weeks old. It was an economical program since we did not have to print any coupons. We had a sign at the wash describing the program. Not sure of what percentage used the program but I think it helped increase frequency. Many would bring in one car and then use the receipt on their other one often on the same day.