This survey was conducted over several weeks through a mailing list of cardholders. Under bright lights and threats of sleep deprivation we extracted the following bits of information from them to help guide our efforts.
What is Your Favorite Thing about the GO LOCAL Rewards Card?
Here are a few comments culled from their answers:
“I really like the idea of having a discount network for local shops. It helps me find cool/unique shops I may not have known about otherwise.”
“[I like] when you swipe it and save money instantly! Also, how it works to support local businesses and bring them together!”
“I like getting discounts and rewards...that is the key part to my choosing a business.”
“[It’s] a means for me to identify locally owned businesses--I enjoy shopping with businesses that support the local economy.”
“I like using it at grocery stores. It makes me feel like I am being rewarded for being a local and loyal customer.”
“I love to shop local, and when I also get a "reward" I feel acknowledged, in relationship, a win-win.”
And the results:
Why should businesses offer GO LOCAL Rewards?
We wanted to hear directly from cardholders, "if you could talk to local business owners and tell them a reason why they should offer rewards, what would you say?"
“All things being equal, if I have the choice of shopping at two different businesses and one offers GO LOCAL I will shop at the one with GO LOCAL.”
“Exposure! It's a great way to advertise your business and become visible to those who didn't know you before; lots of folks like me like to support local.”
“I’ll always choose a GO LOCAL merchant over a non-member.”
What can businesses who currently offer Rewards do to improve the process?
“I wish they would ask me if I have a card. I always use it at Copperfield's because I am used to using their former card. I forget everywhere else!”
“It would be nice if merchants asked if you had a go local card.”
“Better GO LOCAL signage; often have to ask at checkout.”
“I would like a sign in the window showing it is a GO LOCAL store.”
“Have a reminder sign at checkout to remind people to use it like ‘we accept’ or ‘We support’”
“Many businesses and merchants do not ask to see your GO LOCAL card....they forget to help you remember to register the purchase you just made.”
“Have more obvious signs at check-out for the rewards card.”
“When I go into a store, it isn't evident they are a GO LOCAL merchant, and it isn't clear what their Go Local Reward is. I would use my card a lot more if I knew.”