![]() Often regarded as the first full-scale loyalty program of the modern era, American Airlines' launched their Frequent Flier program in 1981. The late 1900’s saw the birth of one of the most well-known loyalty programs ever created: Frequent Fliers. Betty Crocker introduced their box top program in 1929, laying the framework for loyalty programs as we know them today. Beyond this point, individual brands and retailers began to introduce their own ways of engaging customers, with "box tops" as one of the original brand specific programs.īox tops were coupons that were printed directly onto product packages that could be later redeemed for premiums or rewards. Loyalty programs would continue to be led by stamp collection programs into the early 1900’s. Green Shield awarded stamps for purchases at select retailers that could be later redeemed for catalog products.Īt this point in the history of loyalty programs, we can start to see programs as we know them taking shape. Green Shield stamps became one of the first retail loyalty programs, and could arguably be considered a predecessor of what popular programs like Air Miles and Aeroplan do today. In the late 19th century (around 1891), the transition to less expensive tools began when stamps replaced coins in “loyalty programs”. Retailers quickly learned that using coins as a customer retention tool was a costly way of promoting loyalty. Transition to other forms of loyalty (1800s) Let’s continue through the history of loyalty programs. This customer retention strategy would remain popular throughout the 19th century and would pave the way for the loyalty programs we know today. ![]() At this time, American retailers began to give customers copper tokens with purchases that could be later redeemed for products on future purchases. Some believe that the early roots of customer loyalty programs started with “premium marketing” in the late 18th century. Both traditional brick and mortar stores and ecommerce sites are using them to boost retention and drive down acquisition costs, but how and when did loyalty programs get their start? More importantly, what has caused their recent spike in popularity? It's time for a lesson in the history of loyalty programs! The very early beginnings (1700s) Loyalty and rewards programs have become commonplace in today’s society. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |