Before building a loyalty programme, ask one question: is your product bought more than once at all? If not, no design will make the programme work.
Stores it suits
- Consumables repurchased regularly: skincare, supplements, coffee, household supplies.
- Stores with an average repurchase rate of twice a year or more.
- Categories where everyone competes on price, so loyalty becomes the differentiator.
Stores it does not suit
Durable goods and rare large purchases. Someone buying furniture once every few years will not be moved by a points balance.
Keep the rule simple
"One riyal = one point, 100 points = 10 riyals" is understood instantly. A complex system of tiers, badges and multipliers is not understood, so it is not used.
Make the first reward close
If a customer needs ten orders to reach the first reward, they will forget the programme. Put the first reward one or two orders away.
Show the balance where decisions happen
A balance hidden in the account page has no effect. Show it in the cart and at checkout: "You have 240 points — use them now".
Measure repeat rate, not sign-ups
Member count is a misleading number. The real one: did repurchase frequency rise after launch?