Why Great Service Must Come Before Customer Rewards 

Shep Hyken interviews Aleksander Kaczmarek, VP of Loyalty Partnerships at CarTrawler. He talks about how well-designed loyalty programs can enhance customer engagement by providing memorable experiences and perks that make customers feel valued and more likely to become loyal to a brand. 

This episode of Amazing Business Radio with Shep Hyken answers the following questions and more:   

Top Takeaways:   

• There is a difference between loyalty and repeat business. Loyalty programs, including points and rewards, are designed to encourage repeat business. Combined with a great experience, they create an emotional connection that leads to true loyalty. 

• If a company provides poor experiences, no loyalty program can retain its customers. If a company provides an amazing experience, a well-designed loyalty program can enhance it and inspire true customer loyalty. 

• Technology has transformed loyalty programs by creating a more seamless and personalized experience. Brands can now integrate perks and incentives directly into their primary products and services using apps and digital platforms. 

• In the US, a typical consumer might be a member of around 15 loyalty programs. However, what truly matters is the customers' active participation in these loyalty programs, which is crucial to its success. Creating perks that resonate with customers and consistently provide value makes customers use the loyalty programs. 

• Millennials and Gen Z are changing how loyalty programs are perceived and utilized. For example, many prefer booking their travel through their bank's credit card programs, which offer points or perks that can be used for flights, hotels, or car rentals. Loyalty programs must have flexible redemption options and seamlessly integrate into apps and digital platforms. 

• Loyalty programs must blend experiences, savings, and perks to maintain their appeal. Brands must understand customer needs and motivations when designing loyalty programs to make them engaging and memorable. 

• For more insights on loyalty programs, customer engagement, and enhancing customer experience, check out  Driving Loyalty: Market Insights on Car Rentals & Reward Programs report by CarTrawler.  

• Plus, Shep and Aleksander discuss what can happen when multiple brands collaborate to expand the perks and benefits offered to customers. Tune in!  

Quote:  

"Loyalty, when combined with a great experience, is deeper than just a savings and a repeat purchase."  

About:   

Aleksander Kaczmarek is the VP of Loyalty Partnerships at CarTrawler, a B2B tech business that partners with the world's largest brands, including American Airlines and Uber, to provide car rental & mobility solutions for customers. 

Shep Hyken is a customer service and experience expert, New York Times bestselling author, award-winning keynote speaker, and host of Amazing Business Radio.   

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