Ann Arbor-based FlockTag is operating at businesses like Espresso Royale in Ann Arbor, Novi, Detroit, East Lansing, Champaign, Columbus and Bloomington.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
Instead of a 10 percent off coupon or punch card, customers might win a 30-second sweep to raid a store or a chance to invent a sandwich for a restaurant’s menu.
“This is the new world of loyalty marketing for small businesses,” the report says. “It’s all about concocting a creative way to get customers jazzed about coming back again and again.”
The trend is driven by newer technology companies that are working to digitize customer rewards for small businesses. Companies like Belly, Perka and Ann Arbor-based FlockTag deliver rewards to consumers in an easy and convenient manner — such as one plastic card or a mobile application that can be used at many different stores and restaurants.
“If there is one thing small businesses have been good at selling, it's personality,” the report says. "Now small businesses are using that personality edge in loyalty rewards plans.”
In the Ann Arbor area, customers can sign up for and use the FlockTag card at 25 local businesses. The tech company announced in May that it has raised more than $1 million in a Series A round of funding to grow its business.
Lizzy Alfs is a business reporter for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at 734-623-2584 or email her at lizzyalfs@annarbor.com. Follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/lizzyalfs.