This episode originally aired in August 2024 - and it’s just as relevant heading into 2026, which is why we’re replaying it as an encore over the break.

In this conversation, Penny is joined by Mel and Pat to unpack one of the most common (and least questioned) business habits in the nail and beauty industry: traditional loyalty programs.

Stamp cards.

“Every 10th service free.”

Automatic discounts no one really thinks through.

We break down what these systems actually cost you, why clients rarely value them the way business owners hope, and how “loyalty” is often misunderstood altogether.

You’ll hear:

• The real maths behind free services and stamp cards

• Why most clients aren’t staying for the reward anyway

• How loyalty programs can quietly cheapen a premium brand

• Why coffee cards work - and beauty services don’t

• The difference between perceived value and actual cost

• Creative alternatives that reward clients without discounting your work

• Ideas like gifting, gamification, lucky dips, collaborations, and themed rewards

• How to design loyalty around your avatar, not industry habits

This isn’t a “don’t ever do loyalty” episode - it’s a think before you copy what everyone else is doing episode.

If you’re planning your pricing, client experience, or retention strategy for 2026, this one is worth revisiting.This episode originally aired in August 2024 - and it’s just as relevant heading into 2026, which is why we’re replaying it as an encore over the break.