Getting a customer through the door once is great, but getting them back again and again? That’s the real win.
If you’re in the business of serving customers. Whether you run a café, hair salon, gym, pub, or boutique, you already know one thing for sure.
In Australia’s competitive retail and hospitality scene, repeat customers can mean the difference between just surviving and actually thriving. So, how do you build genuine loyalty that turns casual buyers into raving fans?
Let’s dive into some smart, tried-and-true loyalty program ideas (with an Aussie twist) that’ll help you grow your business without burning a hole in your wallet.
It’s no secret: loyal customers are worth way more than new ones. In fact, studies show that repeat customers spend 67% more than first-timers. Not only do they come back, but they’re also more likely to refer mates, leave good reviews, and forgive the occasional hiccup.
With online shopping and delivery apps turning heads left, right, and centre, you’ve got to work a bit harder to keep people coming back. But don’t stress—we’ve got smart, achievable strategies to make your business the one they always return to.
Aussies appreciate a good chinwag and a business that remembers their name (and maybe even their usual order). Personalisation is key to building loyalty.
If you’re running a coffee shop, knowing that “Jess likes her latte strong with soy milk” might just keep her coming back. In a hair salon? Remember their last style or colour. In retail? Note their size or favoured brand.
You can automate a lot of this through your POS system, which can store customer profiles and purchase history, so you’re not relying on memory alone. That little bit of effort goes a long way.
It might sound old school, but stamp cards still work wonders—especially in places like cafes, juice bars, and takeaway shops.
Buy 9, get the 10th free? It’s familiar, easy, and effective. Even better if you offer a digital version through SMS or an app, so customers don’t need to carry it around.
Top tip: Offer a “welcome freebie” after their first few visits. This not only gets them to come back but also gives them a feel-good reason to share your business with their mates.
Everyone loves to feel like a VIP. Loyalty programs that go beyond discounts and freebies—like early access to sales, birthday treats, or “mates rates”—add real value.
Let’s say you run a boutique in Fitzroy. Offer your regulars first dibs on new arrivals, or a cheeky 15% off when they hit a spending milestone. Run a bar in Newcastle? Invite loyal punters to members-only tastings or comedy nights.
The goal here is to make them feel part of an exclusive club—one they don’t want to miss out on.
Australians are tech-savvy, but we’re not all glued to our phones 24/7. A good loyalty program strikes a balance between being convenient and being personal.
Here’s what’s working well across Aussie small businesses:
Make sure it’s dead easy to join—nobody wants to fill out a form the length of a Centrelink application just to earn points.
Loyalty isn’t just about discounts—it’s about connection. And Aussies love a local business that gets involved in the community.
Support a local sports team? Offer rewards for supporters. Partner with other small businesses in your area to offer cross-promotions. Got a café? Maybe local gym members get a discount on smoothies.
You’ll not only attract new customers but also build stronger ties with those already coming through your doors.
Sometimes, the best loyalty boosters are the unexpected ones.
Imagine your regular customer walks into your bar and gets a free pint “just ‘cause they’ve been awesome.” That moment sticks. It’s not part of a program, it’s not on a points card—it’s just good old-fashioned generosity.
This “surprise and delight” tactic doesn’t have to cost much but pays off in serious customer goodwill. Random acts of awesome = repeat visits.
Here’s a sneaky way to build loyalty: actually listen.
Ask your regulars what they love and what could be better. Whether it’s food portions, product selection, playlist vibes, or service speed, showing you care and then taking action builds massive trust.
Chuck a quick survey link in a receipt or email, or just ask them directly at checkout. When they see their feedback taken seriously, they’re more likely to stick with you.
We touched on this earlier, but a POS system for your restaurant isn’t just for ringing up sales—it’s a powerful tool for tracking customer behaviour and implementing loyalty programs.
With the right POS, you can:
It’s the backbone of smart loyalty strategies. So if your POS isn’t helping you drive repeat business, it might be time for an upgrade.
At the end of the day, loyalty comes down to this: treat your customers right, and they’ll treat your business right. Offer value, make it personal, reward their return, and show that you appreciate them.
There’s no need for fancy gimmicks or expensive software. Start with one or two small ideas from this list, keep it authentic, and let your customers know they matter.
Because in Australia, we back the brands that back us.
Need help setting up smarter loyalty tools? A good POS system can make your life heaps easier. Organising customer data, tracking purchases, and automating rewards. Make sure your tech is working as hard as you are!
