Membership Cards

Sam’s Club stores use plastic membership cards that look and act in some ways like a credit or debit card to identify members. There are several reasons why membership cards are used for these private membership cards. At first glance, it would seem the idea of the private membership store was an idea that flies in the face of conventional retail logic. Most retail locations are obsessed with trying to attract customers to shop with them rather than with a competitor.

The truth is that the private membership store is just as interested in attracting customers as other retail stores and our using the membership concept to accomplish just that. The idea is to create an idea in the customer’s mind that such good bargains are to be found at the store that only a special and select group of consumers are going to be allowed to take advantage of them. This subtle psychological approach is telling the customer that he is going to be excluded from these advantages and bargains unless he has a membership. The plastic card is the tangible proof that the customer is going to be included and not left out. In the case of Sam’s Club, even the use of the name club creates this idea that you are either included in the club or excluded from it.

The plastic cards have another even more important and practical advantage. The vast increase in the use of tracking software in the retail industry allows stores to gather data on the shopping habits of their customers. When the card is scanned during the checkout process at the retail location, data concerning the items purchased can be entered into a data file. This file gives the retailer a detailed picture of the types of purchases made by each customer. This information in turn can be used to direct specific advertising campaigns toward the customers that are the most likely to be receptive.

Plastic card printing is an expense and it is fairly certain the retail locations that use them are getting their money’s worth from this investment. It may be in the creating of the Club idea which lets the customer feel he is on the inside and will reap benefits denied to others, or it may be in the data tracking possibilities. In either case, the plastic card that indicates membership or allows access to special discounts has gradually become more and more popular as it takes its place beside credit and debit cards in our crowded wallets.

There is just something about that stores that require a membership for you to shop there. For some reason you feel connected to the store and loyal when you are a plastic card carrying member. Of course, you have to pay membership fees to actually be allowed to shop in the store, but this is not a turnoff as one might initially think. Instead, those who have membership cards to these types of stores feel special because they have the privilege of shopping at such a fine establishment. Also, these little plastic cards give members a feeling of power or popularity in a sense because all of their friends and family members will ask them to take them shopping. Now, this works to the advantage of the store and it creates customer loyalty.

The majority of stores that require a membership will allow you to apply in store and get your card the same day. That’s because they have a plastic card printing area in the back that can create your membership card in no time. This will make you feel extra special because as a member you are being taken care of so well. What does this do to the customer in turn? It serves to reinforce that customer loyalty. Membership clubs have really gotten customer loyalty down to an art and they know how to get you and keep you shopping in their stores.

Besides paying to be a member you will have to always take your card with you in order to be let in. If you don’t have your card you won’t be shopping that particular day so be sure you keep it in your wallet or in another safe place. Once you start shopping in the store you will realize that the savings you enjoy are worth paying a small membership fee. Not to mention you can buy in bulk which makes life easier all around and less shopping. Currently there are a few major chains of membership warehouse stores and they all have the basic premise. Buy in bulk, save money, and feel special because you are a member of the store. Other items are also sold in the store that aren’t bulk items including electronics, clothes, home goods, patio furniture, and the like. If you are interested in becoming a member of one of these stores all you have to do is show up, pay your membership fee, and become a member. Most of these stores will give you a guest pass for one day to try out the shopping experience and see if you really want to become a member.

At times when all people are looking for ways to save money, there are others who are enjoying the benefit of spending. These people found the advantages of having membership cards that do not just allow them to save but to earn something that they can use in the future as well.

Being a member of an establishment or partner companies can give its member variety of benefits. Aside from the recognition that a person is a part of such prestigious company, the opportunity to save, earn and take advantage of the limited promotions and exclusive access to events hosted by these companies are reasons why many people would love to have a membership card.

The membership cards come in various forms. Each card has different policies, terms of use, limitations as well as methods to earn and save. Nevertheless, despite of the differences, the objective of these membership cards only comes down to one – and that is to provide savings to its members.

Here are the two (2) common types of membership cards printing and their advantages.

1. All-in-one Membership Card. This card is normally from a company that focuses in this industry. These companies also have specific audiences – i.e. military, mothers and women, rich and famous and children, etc. This type of card normally requires membership fees and is renewed annually.

The companies that offer all-in-one membership cards have partners where their members can take pleasure of its preferred pricing. The partners are usually hotels, restaurants, travel agencies like airlines and car rentals, specialized shops and more. Members can enjoy special price on services and products as well as freebies and added surprises from these partners.

2. Membership cards that earn points. This card is normally offered by supermarkets or specialized stores to their regular customers. This type of card is usually free or given to customers when they reached the required purchase amount. The card is presented to the cashier to earn points from their consumed commodities. Then the accumulated points each time they buy can be converted into an item or equivalent cash.

For equivalent item, the member is provided by a list of items with corresponding points. Members can freely choose what item they should exchange for their accumulated points. On the other hand, the card that converts earned points into cash can be used by card holder for his/her future buys in the same store.

Now, that the world is suffering from the effects of global economic crisis, it would be better if we will take advantage of such membership cards. After all, nothing comes for FREE. What makes these cards helpful is that it gives us another way to spend our money wisely while getting an extra gift.

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