Posts Tagged ‘partnership marketing’

The VAT rate will revert back to 17.5 percent on 1st Jan 2010, will this change the way consumers shop or is sales promotion a bigger factor?

Thursday, November 26th, 2009

As we approach Christmas and the new year comes ever closer, retailers’ attentions whilst fixed on the issues of Christmas revenue, are also looking at the changes that are due in the new year. The lower VAT rate of 15% will rise again to 17.5% little over a year after it was lowered. Will this encourage consumers to spend more money before the prices go up again, or will they even notice a difference? Sales figures have been up on the same period last year but surely has more to do with the rise in consumer confidence. The Nationwide’s Consumer Confidence Index shows that there was no improvement last month in consumer confidence but the previous months’ increases have meant that year on year the increase has been significant. There does seem to be hope on the horizon as other major economies have recently exited the recession and companies such as Sainsbury’s and many more are reporting higher profits once again.

It’s hard to tell if the VAT reduction has really drastically changed things for consumers or businesses. To consumers it seems to have been more of a gesture, as on small every day purchases the 2.5% only equates to pennies. In general consumers have been responding positively to sales promotion techniques – many not leaving the home without a voucher or their loyalty and membership programme or discount club guide in hand. From a consumers’ point of view the discounts found in in-store sales, loyalty and membership programmes or discount clubs usually offer far more value than 2.5% and so eclipse the good of the VAT reduction. These discounts can knock profits but also generate loyalty, retention and even revenue if businesses sell the loyalty and membership programmes or discount clubs to its existing customers.

It could be argued that traditional sales promotion techniques have done more in the last year to promote consumer spending than the lower VAT rate. A discount or reward is something that consumers instantly recognise as value for money and can put into context. By employing sales promotion techniques a lot of businesses have managed to stay competitive during difficult times. As the sales and discounts continue into the new year it’s debatable whether consumers or even retailers will notice a massive difference when the VAT increases to 17.5% again.

Contact Us for information on sales promotion and implementing a discount for your brand or reward for your customers. We operate a number of membership and loyalty programmes that offer members discounts, giving the brand access to a large membership base of loyal customers. This helps businesses to drive loyalty retention and revenue.

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5 ways to catch consumers’ ever-shifting attentions

Thursday, September 24th, 2009

Consumer Incentives, Loyalty and Membership ClubsThese harsh economic times have seen a massive change in the way we all purchase products/ services. The taboo on bargain hunting has long been lifted and it’s all about the consumer trying to outsmart the business so they can get more for less. But this culture in turn has led to a decline in brand loyal consumers as they search around for the best deal available to them. The unsettled nature of consumer spending has helped superstores such as Tesco and Morrisons who can trade under the banner of value all under one roof – a one-stop-shop for everything, but surely this type of shopping experience is devoid of any emotional tie or specialist knowledge? So what can every other business do to compete and catch the attentions of the fickle consumer? Here are a few of our ideas:

1. Start with the basics! In recent years we seem to have forgotten that providing a service that’s good enough for customers to recommend is one of the best ways to advertise a brand. If a customer recommends a brand to their friends and then those friends recommend the brand to their friends the customer base could grow significantly. By neglecting your customers’ word of mouth promotion, all other marketing is futile. Providing a great customer experience is the easiest way to get talked about online too. Tools like twitter are all word of mouth based like real life – just to a much bigger captive audience. Plus in these harsh economic times it has become even more important to tap into the online and free marketing options.

2. A loyalty card is a good consumer incentive but it’s a big expense and a lot of businesses now have them so how effective are they? In today’s world surely customers want a consumer incentive that’s a little more immediate? One immediate option is a sale, but many sectors are already saturated with these. So how about rewarding consumers by working with a third party business? These consumer incentives can be anything from 2 nights for 1 at a hotel or free pampering treatment to a free 2 for 1 Movie and Game Rental Card. They can be vouchers that are distributed physically, online or virally.

3. Market your business and staff as specialists in the field – it’s doubtful that the checkout lady at Tesco knows anything about the electrical goods she’s selling. Make your product/service knowledge and customer service something that stands out from competitors and people might just choose you. Niche businesses will always benefit from the power of word of mouth too – but also consider well targeted campaigns like placing discounts and offers in a media that’s relevant to your industry!

4. If all else fails – if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em. Offer your consumers more. Sell a loyalty and membership programme or discount club such as The Big Savings Club or The Entertainment Club to your customers, the non-competing brands will help give a good association and back up the products that you already offer. Consumers will see the loyalty and membership programme or discount club as a reward for using your brand and extension of the goods/services that you offer. One step further would be to make the club bespoke so all the discounts are presented under the umbrella of your brand, a good example of this is the JML VIP Club. Loyalty and membership programmes or discount clubs area a free marketing solution as they are usually set up or run by a third party agency. In fact it can be a way for large businesses to earn substantial incremental revenue, whilst a third party such as The Rocket Marketing Group manage the programme and its members (your customers).

5. Loyalty and membership programmes or discount clubs can be used to feature a discount and then distributed by other non-competing businesses. Your discount will be presented to a new sector of consumers in association with other brands encouraging new customers to become loyal to your brand. This is a quick and easy free marketing solution that is handled by loyalty and membership programme or discount club agency such as The Rocket Marketing Group. All your business has to do is offer an exclusive discount to discount club members.

Contact Us if you are interested in free marketing solutions such as developing a loyalty and membership programme, featuring your business in a loyalty and membership programme or purchasing rewards as a consumer incentive.

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Top ten UK & Ireland city breaks – the rewards for consumers and businesses

Wednesday, September 9th, 2009

Edinburgh CastleWith Brits spending more and more time holidaying at home on ‘staycations’, we wanted to explore the UK and Ireland to find our favourite city break destinations, seeing what there is to entice tourists there and which businesses are potentially profiting from this increased trade. There are so many different areas in the UK and Ireland, each individual in what they have to offer tourists. And as companies such as The Rocket Marketing Group launch discount clubs like the 241 Hotel Club, which gives members 2 nights for the price of 1 at over 300 hotels, the UK and Irish tourism trade really can now compete with the rest of the world for offering affordable yet interesting and unique holidays.

Bournemouth

Famous for its expansive sandy beaches and warm south coast climate this is a popular destination for old and young alike. There are plenty of attractions, many focussed around the seafront, making it a major competitor to the traditional beach holiday abroad. Providing the sun stays shining tourists can spend hours enjoying the beach for free. Every business from ice cream vans to clothes shops and restaurants benefit from visitors who can spend money that they’ve saved by getting 2 nights for the price of 1 at their hotel.

Brighton

Or London-by-the-sea as it is known is a bustling seaside resort with plenty to entertain tourists both on and off the beach. In sunny weather the pebble beach is very popular as are the galleries and eateries that sit along the seafront. There is the famous pier with rides and bars plus quirky independent shops that benefit from the busy holiday seasons. There is still plenty to do when the weather is not quite so good such as busy bars, nightclubs and comedy to name just a few. This will always be a popular resort but with cheaper hotel accommodation such as 2 for 1 at Holiday Inn, or Rottingdean, White Horse, people are freed up to really enjoy everything Brighton has to offer.

London

The capital of Britain has activities and sights to interest everyone so people travel from far and wide to see this exciting cosmopolitan city. Traditionally known of as an expensive destination this puts some people off visiting, but with cheaper accommodation like 2 for 1 at Earls Court Holiday Inn Express or further south at Kingston Lodge plus consumer incentives and discount clubs, attractions such as the world-class theatres, galleries, shopping, restaurants, the London Eye and Madame Tussauds become accessible for more people. This city is a great alternative for people who might normally take a break in Paris, Rome or Barcelona.

CambridgeCambridge

As one of England’s most treasured historic university cities, Cambridge is a fascinating place to visit. Again, great on a sunny day as you can meander the streets taking in the beautiful architecture, punt down the river or join the locals and go for a cycle. But there’s also plenty to do inside from world-renowned exhibitions, theatres bars and cafes that will benefit from an increase in tourism. This can be achieved by presenting consumers with an affordable romantic break accommodation like 2 for 1 at Cambridge Crowne Plaza.

Manchester

This is just one of the North West’s interesting and vibrant cities, with a reputation for great nightlife including music, theatre and restaurants. This city gives tourists a good time all year round they visit. There are lots of tourist attractions that reflect the strong character of the city such as the working people’s museum and Urbis – a new kind of museum. As in all of the cities featured, all of these attractions would benefit from increased visitor numbers.

York

A beautiful historic city with many unique features, the magnificent Cathedral, Roman city walls, numerous exhibitions and winding streets with independent shops means tourists are spoilt for choice. It can be a romantic getaway or fun-packed and educational holiday destination for all the family. The city caters well for tourists and there are discount clubs and consumer incentives that give savings which could help increase visitor numbers and as a result benefit the city hugely.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is another city that is geared towards tourists – one of the most popular cities in the UK. The interesting history and many unique and original architectural features make it one of the country’s most beautiful places. There is so much to do all year round and one of the world-famous festivals is a must-see for anyone, as well as sampling some of the regional food and drink specialities. Cheaper hotels or deals such as 2 nights for the price of 1 at Edinburgh Royal Mile Holiday Inn Express may prompt people to plan the trip they’ve always thought of.

Cardiff

Wales’ capital and largest city is a good mix of the heritage of the old and the progressive new. Cardiff is a bustling and interesting city at the heart of this proud country. The tourist attractions range from the historic Cardiff Castle to the modern and monumental National Assembly for Wales and Cardiff Bay, as well as lots of beautiful shops – all of which would benefit from a rise in trade.

Belfast

Belfast makes for an interesting visit with its castle and Victorian heritage, including Botanic gardens plus entertainment at the Grand Opera House or family attractions like Aunt Sandra’s Candy Factory. It’s also a good base to explore the rest of Northern Ireland including stunning natural sights such as Giants Causeway. Tourists can use offers such as the 241 Hotel Club so they can enjoy the beauty that Northern Ireland has to offer.

Dublin

Dublin is the Irish capital and a city that promises everything – an exciting nightlife with trendy bars, traditional pubs and live music plus lots of family attractions and access to some beautiful scenery. This has always been a popular destination all year round but it can be expensive. Discount clubs, consumer incentives and savings on accommodation such as Dublin Blanchardstown Crowne Plaza, could really help more tourists enjoy this complete holiday destination.

These breaks are all unique and the attractions in various locations appeal to a wide selection of people. The diversity of such a small area is what makes the UK and Ireland interesting places for anyone to explore. The 241 Hotel Club offers 2 nights for the price of 1, making it a product with mass appeal and can be used effectively as a consumer incentive, staff benefit, sales promotion tool plus much, much more.

So why not support British tourism while taking advantage of this powerful new promotional incentive? The 241 Hotel Club is available to purchase so if you would like to find out more Contact Us.

Offers correct at time of publication and subject to terms and conditions.

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Can the British holiday boom last?

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

Suffolk imageThere have been many surveys and reports this year indicating an increase in the number of British people taking their holidays in Britain. Travelsupermarket.com conducted research back in July, showing that 50 % of British holiday makers said that they were most likely to book a holiday in Britain in the next 12 months. The ‘staycation’ as it has been dubbed is a new fashion that is fantastic for the British economy. But as we begin the ascent out of recession, can the British hotel trade continue to compete with the allure of foreign holidays that offer the probability of good weather and escapism from our everyday life?

It’s unfortunate that it has taken a recession for British people to discover that Britain has the kind of diverse landscapes and cultures that can be just as enjoyable and interesting as flying abroad for a holiday. Maybe the good experiences of this year’s holidays will encourage British holiday makers to have a staycation more often. But this element cannot be relied on too heavily as summer memories will soon fade as the winter sets in.

Some of the most popular city breaks in Britain include London, Edinburgh and Brighton. These destinations have seen visitors descend on them this summer giving the tourists a taste for the theatre, historic sites, theme parks plus regional food and drink specialities. Most of these activities don’t rely on sunshine so could survive as an addition to the annual summer sun break or as an interesting alternative to spending hours sleeping on a beach.

The increase in the British tourism trade this year has been in direct response to the recession but we mustn’t forget that it is only in the last 20 or 30 years that foreign travel has become financially possible for the average British family. The rise in cheap package holidays to countries such as Spain and then the increase in budget airlines selling flights abroad for less than it costs in train fares across the country has contributed to British people travelling further a field than British holiday hot spots such as London, Brighton and Blackpool. But as eco/green issues become more widely understood, airport taxes continue to rise and the budget airlines start to fold, this era of cheap foreign holidays could soon be over.

So if British resorts and cities remain competitively priced surely this will contribute significantly to Britain being able to compete with the popular destinations abroad? Hotels have traditionally been the most expensive element of any British break so a consumer incentive that focuses on hotel discounts, whether stand alone or part of a discount club would be a useful sales promotion technique for encouraging the Brits to think twice about holidaying abroad.

A recent sales promotion idea has seen The Rocket Marketing Group launch the 241 Hotel Club. This discount club offers members 2 nights for the price of 1 at major hotel chains including Holiday Inn, Holiday Inn Express, Crowne Plaza, Old English Inns and Brook Hotels, giving members the choice of over 300 hotels across the UK and Ireland. The 241 Hotel Club is a discount club that has been created by The Rocket Marketing Group and will initially be given as a reward to members of its loyalty and membership programmes. The 241 Hotel Club is also intended to be sold as a consumer incentive for other businesses as it is an impressive sales promotion tool that could encourage customers to buy certain products/services. This discount club would be suitable for almost any consumer incentive or employee benefit as it’s a product that most would be interested in whether they are young or old, rich or poor, prefer city breaks or countryside retreats.

There is so much to see, do and be proud of in the UK and Ireland and any initiative that illustrates this and makes it accessible for more people to enjoy, will help the recession hit UK and Ireland.

For more information on our loyalty and membership programmes/discount clubs or if you are interested in purchasing the 241 Hotel Club as a consumer incentive or employee benefit sales promotion tool please Contact Us.

Offers correct at time of publication and subject to terms and conditions.

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The Rocket Marketing Group creates the 241 Hotel Club

Tuesday, August 25th, 2009

241 Hotel ClubThe Rocket Marketing Group has developed a new hotel club, giving members 2 nights for the price of 1 at a range of hotels throughout the UK and Ireland. Working with major hotel groups, Rocket has created the 241 Hotel Club which includes over 300 hotels. Members can stay at the hotels as often as they like for the 12 month membership term. It’s a fantastic opportunity for 241 Hotel Club members to travel and see the fantastic and varied attractions the UK and Ireland have to offer. With consumers cutting back on their spending, this year has seen a rise in the amount of people taking holidays in the UK and Ireland rather than travelling further afield for their annual break.

Andy Huggins, Managing Director of The Rocket Marketing Group commented: “The climate is perfect to create a fantastic new hotel club. The 241 Hotel Club gives members the opportunity to take a break without having to worry about spending too much money, making short breaks more accessible. It’s also great exposure for the hotel groups involved. They get to market their product, encouraging customers to stay at their hotel. This is a strong marketing tool for the hotel groups.”

The 241 Hotel Club will initially be given as a reward to Annual Members of Rocket’s core membership programmes. Members will be provided with a directory from which they can choose their hotel. Hotel bookings are made directly with the hotel by contacting the hotel group directly, quoting the relevant promotional code.

For anyone interested in purchasing The 241 Hotel Club or for more details visit the website at www.241hotelclub.com or Contact Us.

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Waitrose… Pizza Express … does aggressive discounting destroy brand value?

Monday, August 24th, 2009

It seems like all people want at the moment is the cheapest deal, and that lowering prices and putting huge sale posters up is the only way to entice consumers into a shop/business. But with sale savvy shoppers and the help of internet comparison sites how far can this go? Have prices finally reached rock-bottom and how has this aggressive discounting damaged the perceived value of these items/services? Have we allowed the financial panic to reduce brands’ value? The possible recession solutions have raised so many questions for marketing professionals and as we start to see light through the economic gloom the answers are starting to become clearer.

In hindsight it seems short-sighted of businesses to look at aggressive or competitive discounting as the complete recession solution, for example will Pizza Express ever be able to return their prices to the level they were 2 years ago? Many people only visit Pizza Express if they have a 2 for 1 voucher because there’s always an abundance of vouchers online and you can basically download them whenever you like. A lot has changed from 2 years ago when the brand was known to belong in the upper level of high street chain restaurants, to now when you might think of it as a discount Pizza restaurant. It has not only changed our perceptions of the price but also with it the type of people who eat there – in many people’s view it’s not the experience it once was. By heading such an onslaught of discounts, this recession solution has effectively but gradually and probably unintentionally rebranded their business and the brand value has suffered.

Another example of this recession solution is Waitrose, who introduced their Essentials range, giving customers the opportunity to buy quality produce at a low price. This was in response to reports that supermarket shoppers were switching to own-brand goods to save money. Waitrose has always been known as a more exclusive supermarket and this is surely the primary reason people are brand loyal and choose to shop there; so if people are prepared to pay a premium for your products why change that? Waitrose positioning themselves using the same marketing techniques as less aspirational brands was always going to pose the risk of missing the target market. It’s still early days but isn’t it potentially damaging to long term profits if the brand were to be devalued any further or reach the point where their identity was forced to change as Pizza Express’ has?

These are just two questionable aggressive discounting decisions but they are definitely not alone. Is it therefore possible to give customers what they want whilst marketing your business out of the situation? Reducing the price does tap into the mood of the nation but there are ways to do this which make the discounts appear exclusive rather than the norm. Surely this is less damaging to perceived brand value?

Discount hunters often belong to externally managed loyalty and membership programmes or discount clubs that offer their members’ discounts on a variety of products and services. The discounts offered are seen by members of the discount club as a privilege and the brands’ value remains higher than the discount price.

A good example of this is Champneys Health Resorts which is a company offering premium pampering breaks. It’s important that they remain as an elite product because that’s what makes the product/services appealing, so to aggressively discount them would damage the perception of exclusivity. This doesn’t mean that the recession does not hit their business as it has other businesses but they have to approach discounts in a different way. Champneys have chosen to put a select few offers on their website but also offer a discount to members of The Rocket Marketing Group’s loyalty and membership programmes. The brand is still seen as luxury because the offers are presented in a way that makes customers feel like the discount is special.  The 15 % discount they offer The Rocket Marketing Group’s loyalty and membership programme club members is a great offer and has prompted a number of redemptions.

Businesses use loyalty and membership programmes to market their brands to consumers who are specifically looking for a special offer, enticing them to become brand loyal. The idea being, that the members of the loyalty and membership programme or discount club will become brand loyal to the businesses within the savings clubs by giving them what they want in a controlled way. These savings clubs are often offered to businesses as a free marketing option with the proviso that they offer club members a discount on their brand.

The Rocket Marketing Group operates a number of loyalty and membership programmes helping businesses create brand loyal consumers, driving both retention and revenue.

Contact Us for details of how a loyalty and membership programme (discount club) can work effectively for your specific businesses.

Offers correct at time of publication and subject to terms and conditions.

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How loyalty and reward programmes support the entertainment sector during recession

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

Times are hard for a lot of businesses at the moment and the country shows little sign of recovering from the recession any time soon. Loyalty and membership programmes offer consumers the great value they are looking for; they can also give businesses what they want in terms of free marketing, plus loyal and regular customers.

Plenty of businesses offer promotional sales but loyalty and membership programmes are a more sustainable way to give discounts. Members know to look within their loyalty programme, whether this is through their directory or online, when they want a reliable, exclusive discount.

Permanent or aggressive high street discounts can be potentially damaging to brand reputation, as they can devalue the brand’s offering in the long-term – something that is notoriously difficult to rebuild. Loyalty and Membership programmes can be a way to combat this as the discount the customer receives feels more like a privilege. When the discount is seen as exclusive to a member, then it is perceived as something of greater value.

The Entertainment Club, operated by The Rocket Marketing Group is a great example of a loyalty and membership programme that supports the entertainment industry. The club offers discounts to members on a range of entertainment from film rental to adrenaline sports, giving members a comprehensive list of activities to keep them entertained. Featured partners include large high street brands and online retailers like Odeon, Blockbuster, HMV, Theatre Tokens, PC World, Firebox, Bowlplex, Virgin Wine and Virgin Experience Days.

A number of the businesses that are featured in The Entertainment Club have seen good sales results this year as people like to look for discounts so that they can continue to enjoy life as much during recession. In this respect loyalty and membership programmes are proving to be useful for partners, helping them to beat the recession. It certainly means that people are changing their spending habits in search of cheaper forms of entertainment, as is the case with Virgin Wines.

Emma Franklin, Virgin Wines Account Manager said: “Staying in is the new going out as people try to find ways to make their money go further. Having wine delivered at home is a perfect solution, and The Entertainment Club puts us in touch with those who are looking for just this kind of service and special introductory offer.”

Other forms of entertainment that are normally prohibitively expensive also have a role in difficult economic times – providing both a form of escapism and also falling into the bracket of affordable entertainment when they are discounted via a loyalty and membership programme. Theatre Tokens has noticed an upward trend in sales this year and feel that the economic downturn could have actually helped sales!

Helen Jones, Marketing Manager for Society of London Theatre comments: “We’ve found that during difficult times people turn to and enjoy entertainment as a way of escaping from the worries of everyday life even if only for a short time. Despite the recession theatre is proving to be popular and our sales of Theatre Tokens have increased by 14% this year compared with the first five months of last year.”

Whatever the public’s reasons for turning to Entertainment Club partners, it remains an effective free marketing tool for businesses, which is sensitive to the mood of the nation. A free marketing solution such as a loyalty and membership programme is a great opportunity for many businesses and those consumers who are continually searching for the best discounts.

Andy Huggins, MD of the Rocket Marketing Group comments: “This year we relaunched The Entertainment Club with a great new look and a fantastic website that is as informative as it is fun. There are some amazing discounts for members, on everything from movies and music to fun, food and drink. And because membership numbers are constantly increasing, then so is the opportunity for businesses to promote themselves, during the harsh economic climate.”

If your business would like to discuss becoming a partner in The Entertainment Club (or another Rocket Marketing Group programme) or for more information on the benefits of promotional marketing please contact Andrew Spratley on 01273 668822 or enquiries@rocketmarketinggroup.com

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Watch your business bloom with the green shoots of recovery

Wednesday, June 17th, 2009

Back in January a government minister said she could see a few “green shoots” of recovery for the economy. This sparked massive debate both in and out of parliament as some people thought it was far too soon to be making such claims. This month has seen yet more signs of economic improvement therefore reigniting the debate.

The statistics seem to show slight improvements in certain areas such as the recent rise in manufacturing output and house prices, but then unemployment figures still seem to be going up. It is a confusing picture hence the debate.

All the confusion has led experts and studies to show that people are still feeling quite negative about the economy but there are some signs of improvement such as the Nationwide’s monthly consumer confidence index for May that showed a rise in consumer confidence.

Martin Gahbauer, Nationwide’s chief economist, said: “The more modest change in overall consumer confidence this month is no surprise and, as we continue to see contrasting news about the state of the economy, it is likely that confidence will remain fragile. While some reports suggest tentative signs of a slowing in the pace of economic decline, it is important to remember that a number of sectors are continuing to contract and any recovery is likely to be sluggish. What is clear from our findings is that while consumers remain pessimistic about the present situation, they appear to be much more confident about the future than they were at the beginning of the year.”

It is a confusing time economically and it can be hard to know what information is reliable, as much of it is speculation or figures which can be interpreted in a number of different ways.

What’s clear is that even during times of consolidation, businesses need to continue to market their brand and encourage customers to become brand loyal because economic recovery is inevitable sooner or later. This may mean that finding alternative or free marketing solutions to match public spending habits and cultural changes that happen during a recession. Now is a good time to foster relationships with new brand loyal customers so that when the green shoots of recovery bloom, there is a customer base to benefit from.

The Rocket Marketing Group operates a number of loyalty and membership programmes which give businesses a free marketing solution. All the partner business has to do is offer an exclusive discount to the loyalty and membership programme member. Loyalty and membership programmes tap into the current consumer trend of discount shopping. People can become less brand loyal unless the brand offers value as well. Our loyalty and membership programmes collectively have an active membership base of over 100,000 all actively seeking discounts and brands to shop from. The loyalty and membership programmes may be a free marketing solution that helps make sure that businesses do enjoy the green shoots of recovery when they appear.

Contact Us if you would like to discuss a loyalty and membership programme as a free marketing solution for fostering new brand loyal customers for your business.

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The Big Savings Club gives Big advantages to businesses

Friday, April 3rd, 2009

The Big Savings Club is one of The Rocket Marketing Group’s most successful rewards programmes, giving members exclusive discounts on everything from holidays and entertainment to shopping and motoring. The club carries obvious advantages for its members, as the exclusive discounts ensure they can maintain a full and luxurious lifestyle even in the harshest of economic climates. The initial benefits for members of the club include a free European flight, free ferry crossing to France, free city cruise break, worldwide accommodation, free hotel accommodation all year round and £400 off a holiday to Florida. All of this is great for the consumer, but the rewards for the partner businesses can be even bigger.

When your own brand’s discount sits along side such big member rewards, the associative value is immense. Consumers feel rewarded instantly and this adds more worth to the exclusive discount they redeem from your business. Plus as a member of a closed group the consumers enjoy a special relationship with your brand. The positive experience for the consumer is translated into a consistent source of revenue for your business.

Brand loyalty is a concept that has become a little lost in the current sale culture of the high street. To find a way around the obstacle of consumer brand-switching is key for surviving the recession and emerging stronger in future years.

With a membership base of over 50,000 people, as a partner of The Big Savings Club you instantly have a receptive audience for promoting your exclusive discount and ultimately, your brand. The fact that partnership is completely free means that it is an extremely cost-effective alternative to other expensive advertising and promotion solutions. And all you have to do as a partner is offer an exclusive discount for members on your products or services. Our existing partners have found the club to be a great form of promotion which delivers real results.

Helen Parkinson, Cottages4you Partnership Account Co-ordinator commented “Cottages4you have been a partner of The Big Savings Club since June 2007 and the bespoke JML Savings Club since 2008. In that time the partnership with the two clubs has generated a total transaction value of £12,746. We have featured in two booklets which have gone out to thousands of customers. It’s an effective way of getting our branding across to consumers.”

As the recession looks set to continue and The Big Savings Club membership numbers continue to grow now is a good time to start gaining big rewards from The Big Savings Club.

We would love to talk to you if you want your business to get a big boost from big savings. Whether you’re interested in promoting your brand by becoming a partner and featuring your business in The Big Savings Club, or if you prefer to join us as a client and gain incremental revenue by selling our clubs to your existing customers.

Contact Us for further information.

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