Receipt Scanning Loyalty Rewards App with Tiered System
In just 14 weeks, we built a loyalty rewards mobile app that boosted customer engagement by 60% and increased repeat purchases for loyal customers.
How We Developed a Tiered Loyalty Rewards App for Plumbers and Installers for Sanbra Fyffe Limited, a Leading Plumbing Supplies Manufacturer in Ireland
Sanbra Fyffe Limited, a leading manufacturer and wholesale distributor of plumbing products in Ireland, faced the challenge of identifying loyal customers and rewarding them to increase customer retention and repeat purchases.
They aimed to create a loyalty and rewards mobile app to recognize and reward plumbers and installers nationwide, showing appreciation for their support and trust. By enhancing their relationship with these professionals, Instantor aimed to boost repeat purchases.
The new loyalty program will allow plumbers and installers to register on the Instantor Rewards mobile app, upload receipts of purchased plumbing products, and earn reward points for each receipt. Participants can then compete in monthly competitions, fostering engagement and loyalty.
Platforms
Web, iOS, Android Mobile App
Duration
14 Weeks
Industry
Marketing Tech
To ensure a seamless user experience and efficient backend operations, we used the following technologies
Partnership Goal
The client's goal was to boost repeat purchases from their core customers — plumbers and installers — by introducing a dynamic loyalty program through a tiered rewards loyalty app. They were looking for a small, adaptable team with strong technical skills to take charge and achieve measurable outcomes.
Our collaboration aimed at improving user engagement, promoting repeat purchases, and utilizing advanced technologies to create a seamless and rewarding experience across the country.
Before
- No targeted audience-specific engagement or loyalty program in place
- Lack of a simplified digital experience to enhance engagement
- Absence of effective means to appreciate and reward customers
- Difficulty in converting new customers into loyal, repeat buyers
After
- Successful attraction of new customers to the mobile loyalty app
- Enhanced ease of access through the mobile app
- Significant increase in customer engagement through interactive features
- Higher customer purchase frequency and spending
- Improved customer retention rates
- Increased frequency of repeat purchases
- Simplified receipt upload process for user convenience
- Efficient competition management for administrators
- Real-time processing of receipts
- Automated selection of competition winners leading to greater customer satisfaction
Team Formation
Our team showcased their loyalty app development expertise through this project. Four team members collaborated to create a reward structure with a tiered rewards system. We worked closely with the client, whose representatives provided ongoing feedback and support.
Daily updates were communicated via Slack, and Asana was used for project management to maintain clear communication and organization. To keep the project on track, we followed Agile methods with two-week sprints. Support issues were promptly handled through Slack, ensuring quick responses.
For bug fixes, we conducted thorough testing in development, testing, and staging environments before going live. This organized and communicative approach ensured we delivered a loyalty rewards app that provides an excellent user experience and converts casual customers into loyal users of the brand.
zero to launch
product purchase receipts in 1st month
increase in average order value
Our partnership
We were excited to partner with Sanbra Fyffe Limited, a prominent plumbing supply firm, to develop their loyalty rewards app. The loyalty program allows plumbers and installers to register through an online web app or a mobile app, join the Instantor rewards program, and participate in monthly competitions by uploading purchase receipts.
Each receipt earns reward points, helping members advance through Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, each with special gift packs. Members also receive updates on new products and exclusive invites to training and social events.
We used advanced technologies like Caddy Reverse Proxy and AWS S3 to make the mobile loyalty app fast and secure. Users can log in and upload receipts easily and without hassle. Customer receipt photos are safely stored, and all information is protected. This ensures a great user experience, keeping customers satisfied and coming back for more.
Registration
Plumbers and installers can easily register online or through the Instantor rewards mobile app.
Receipt Upload
Users can snap and upload proof of purchase of Sanbra Fyffe products via the app, earning reward points for each upload.
Monthly Competitions
Reward points from receipt uploads qualify members for monthly competitions offering prizes like weekend getaways and electronics.
Tiered Membership
Members progress through Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers based on accumulated reward points, each tier offering special Instantor merchandise.
Exclusive Benefits
Members receive updates on new products and exclusive invitations to training sessions and events.
Push and Email Notifications
Users receive push notifications for upcoming competitions and alerts about potential prize wins. Confirmation emails are sent upon successful receipt uploads.
Reward Point Tracking
Members can monitor their reward points and loyalty tier status through their account.
Super Admin Panel
Super Admins manage competitions, user activity, and winners through comprehensive tools including CSV export options.
User Management
Admins can oversee user details, tier settings, and notifications to ensure effective program management.
User Profile Management
Users can register, verify, and log in to manage their profiles, update details, change passwords, and adjust communication preferences.
What happened next
The Instantor loyalty rewards mobile app has been a resounding success! In just 3 months after launch, over 5,000 plumbers and installers downloaded the app, demonstrating robust engagement. Users spent an average of over 3 minutes per session actively participating, and there was a notable 25% increase in repeat purchases. This underscores the effectiveness in fostering customer loyalty and driving business growth of the mobile loyalty app.
As we enter our 4th year of collaboration, our client has expressed great satisfaction with our project development process and approach. The loyalty rewards program, introduced in 2021, exemplifies our ongoing dedication to innovation and delivering impactful loyalty solutions that strengthen customer relationships.
Have further questions?
What is a loyalty mobile app?
A loyalty mobile app is a tool designed to reward customers for their continued business. It allows businesses to offer rewards, discounts, and exclusive benefits to loyal customers through a mobile platform, making it easier for users to track and redeem their rewards on-the-go.
Key Features:
Reward Tracking: Customers can view their points or rewards easily, helping them stay engaged.
Personalized Offers: The app can offer tailored discounts and promotions based on user behavior.
Referral Programs: Customers can earn rewards by referring friends or family to the business.
Easy Redemption: Users can redeem their points or rewards directly from the app during their next purchase.
A loyalty mobile app enhances the customer experience, boosts engagement, and helps businesses build long-term relationships with their customers. It’s a simple, yet powerful way to drive repeat business and increase brand loyalty.
What is a loyalty reward system?
A loyalty reward system is a program that encourages customers to keep coming back by offering rewards for their continued support. It’s a way for businesses to show appreciation to their most loyal customers.
How it works:
Earning Rewards: Customers earn points or credits for actions like making purchases, signing up for newsletters, or referring friends.
Redeeming Rewards: These points can be redeemed for discounts, free products, special offers, or exclusive services.
Personalization: Businesses can tailor rewards based on customer preferences or purchase history to make the experience more appealing.
This system helps businesses build stronger relationships with customers, increase repeat sales, and create brand loyalty. It's a win-win, benefiting both the customer with meaningful rewards and the business with increased customer retention and engagement.
Can a loyalty app really boost customer engagement?
The Instantor Rewards app is a perfect example of a successful loyalty program. By offering points for every purchase and providing tiered rewards, the app has significantly boosted user engagement.
Key Highlights:
High Engagement: Users spent over 3 minutes per session actively participating in the program.
Increased Loyalty: This engagement translated into stronger customer relationships.
Boost in Sales: Instantor saw a 25% rise in repeat purchases, proving the program’s effectiveness.
A well-designed loyalty program, like Instantor's, not only attracts repeat customers but also fosters long-lasting loyalty and increased sales.
What are the technical challenges of building a receipt-based loyalty program?
Building a receipt-based loyalty program comes with some technical challenges.
Key Challenges:
- Manual Review: This method ensures accuracy but can be time-consuming, particularly when dealing with a large number of users.
- Optical Character Recognition (OCR): OCR technology extracts data automatically using your phone's camera, making it more convenient. However, it can struggle with blurry images or complex receipt layouts, leading to errors.
To ensure the best results, combining both manual review and OCR often provides a more accurate and efficient solution for processing receipts.
How long does it typically take to develop a loyalty app?
The development time for a loyalty app depends on its complexity. A basic app, like Instantor Rewards, could be built in 3-6 months. However, a more feature-rich program with advanced functionality may take longer to develop.
Key Considerations:
To keep things on track, it's crucial to prioritize the most important features first. Focus on creating a Minimum Viable Product (MVP), which allows you to launch the app quickly. This approach helps you gather user feedback early on, enabling you to make informed decisions and refine the app in future updates.
Is there a way to track the success of my loyalty app?
Absolutely! You can track the success of your loyalty app using analytics tools that provide valuable insights into key metrics.
Key Metrics to Track:
- User Engagement: See how often users interact with the app and their level of activity.
- Purchase Frequency: Monitor how often customers make purchases through the app.
- Redemption Rates: Track how frequently customers redeem rewards and incentives.
By closely monitoring these metrics, you can assess your app’s performance and make necessary adjustments. This data-driven approach helps optimize the loyalty program for even better results, ensuring it’s a win for both your customers and your business.
How can a rewards mobile app benefit my business?
A rewards mobile app can bring significant benefits to your business by helping you strengthen relationships with your customers.
Key Benefits:
Boost Customer Retention: Offering rewards encourages customers to return, as they want to earn more benefits.
Increase Repeat Purchases: With incentives like points or discounts, customers are more likely to make additional purchases.
Enhance Engagement: A user-friendly app keeps customers engaged, offering them a personalized experience with exclusive deals and rewards.
By simplifying how customers earn and redeem rewards, you can foster loyalty and keep them coming back, leading to increased revenue and long-term business growth.
What features should a loyalty mobile app include?
A loyalty mobile app should include several key features to create a seamless and engaging user experience.
Essential Features:
Easy Registration: Simplified sign-up process for quick access.
Receipt Uploads: Let users easily upload receipts for earning points.
Points Tracking: Allow users to monitor their rewards and progress.
Tiered Membership Levels: Offer rewards based on customer engagement to encourage loyalty.
Push Notifications: Keep users informed about offers, updates, and events.
Monthly Competitions: Engage users with fun, reward-driven contests.
Additional features like exclusive offers, product updates, and social event invitations can further enhance the user experience and boost customer retention.
What are the benefits of building a native app vs. a web app for a loyalty program?
Building a native app for a loyalty program offers several advantages. It provides faster performance since it is specifically designed for a particular operating system (iOS or Android). Native apps also have better integration with device features like push notifications, camera access, and GPS, allowing for a more personalized and engaging experience.
On the other hand, a web app is easier to develop and maintain since it works across different platforms and doesn’t require multiple versions for iOS and Android. However, it may not offer the same level of performance and device integration as a native app.
Ultimately, the choice depends on your budget, timeline, and the user experience you want to provide.
How is the tier system structured in a rewards mobile app?
In a rewards mobile app, the tier system usually has several levels. Here’s a basic breakdown:
- Entry Level: New users start here. They often get basic rewards for simple actions.
- Intermediate Levels: As users engage more, they move up. They might earn better rewards or perks.
- Advanced Levels: Long-term or highly active users reach these levels. They receive premium rewards and exclusive benefits.
- Top Tier: The highest level, often reserved for the most loyal users. Rewards are the best and most exclusive.
Each tier requires users to earn points or complete specific tasks to progress. The more you engage with the app, the higher you can climb in the tiers.
Can users transfer or share their reward points with others?
Yes, many loyalty programs offer the option for users to transfer or share reward points with others, which can enhance the customer experience. This feature allows customers to share points with friends, family, or even donate them to a cause, making the program feel more social and flexible.
In some cases, businesses may allow users to transfer points between their own accounts, or to reward others, which can boost engagement and increase loyalty. However, this feature depends on the specific loyalty program design and business goals.
Allowing point transfers can also lead to increased brand awareness as users share their rewards, promoting the program to new customers.
How can users find out about new rewards or changes to the reward structure?
Users can find out about new rewards or changes to the reward structure through several effective communication channels:
- Push Notifications: Most loyalty apps send push notifications directly to users’ phones, alerting them to new rewards, promotions, or any updates to the reward structure. This ensures users are always in the loop.
- Email Updates: Sending newsletters or personalized email updates is another way to keep users informed about changes in the program.
- In-App Messaging: Loyalty apps often feature in-app messages or pop-ups that notify users of new rewards or adjustments to the program.
- Social Media: Many businesses use their social media platforms to announce new rewards and changes to the loyalty program, encouraging users to stay connected.
- Program Dashboard: The app’s dashboard can display a summary of new or updated rewards, helping users easily track their points and the latest program updates.
By utilizing these channels, businesses can engage users and ensure they stay informed about the latest loyalty program benefits.
What factors influence the cost of building a tiered rewards system in a loyalty app?
The cost of building a tiered rewards system in a loyalty app depends on several factors:
- Complexity of Tiers: More levels with different benefits and conditions increase development time and costs.
- Custom Features: If the tiers require personalized rewards, gamification elements, or advanced tracking, the price rises.
- Integration with Other Systems: Connecting the loyalty system with e-commerce platforms, POS systems, or CRM tools adds to the cost.
- User Interface (UI) Design: Designing intuitive and engaging UI for different user tiers requires more effort and resources.
- Ongoing Maintenance: Regular updates and bug fixes for the loyalty system will incur additional costs.
In general, a basic tiered system may start at a lower cost, but more advanced systems with customizations and integrations will be priced higher. For a more detailed breakdown of pricing, please check our pricing page.
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