Choose stamps if your customers visit often and spend about the same each time, like at a cafe. Choose points if order sizes vary a lot, or you want several rewards at different levels. Stamps are simpler to explain. Points are more flexible.
How does a stamp card work?
A stamp card counts visits. Each visit gets one stamp. Fill the card, get the reward.
The big plus is that anyone gets it in a second. Staff don't need to explain anything.
How does a points card work?
A points card adds up points. You can give points per visit or per dollar spent. Customers then pick from a few rewards at different point levels.
The plus is choice. The minus is more to explain at the till.
Stamps vs points: what are the main differences?
Stamps reward how often someone comes. Points can reward how much they spend. Here is the quick view.
| Stamp card | Points card | |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards | Visits | Visits or dollars |
| Number of rewards | Usually one | Several levels |
| Easy to explain | Very | Takes a sentence or two |
| Fair when order sizes vary | Less so | Yes, with points per dollar |
| Best for | Frequent, similar orders | Mixed orders, bigger baskets |
Which shops should use stamps?
Shops where people come often and spend about the same each visit. Simple wins here.
Cafes
One drink, most mornings. Stamps fit like a glove.
Bubble tea and juice
Similar prices, frequent visits.
Barbershops
A cut is a cut. Count the visits.
Car washes
One wash per visit, easy to count.
Cafe owners, see the best rewards for a coffee shop loyalty card for reward ideas.
Which shops should use points?
Shops where one customer spends $8 and the next spends $80. Points per dollar keeps it fair.
Boutiques
Big swings in basket size. Points reward the big shop.
Pet stores
A chew toy one week, a big bag of food the next.
Bookstores
One paperback or a stack of gifts.
Florists
A single stem or a wedding order.
See how it can look for boutiques and gift shops.
What if my shop is somewhere in the middle?
Go with stamps unless you have a clear reason not to. Simple gets more sign-ups, and you can always adjust later.
A middle path: points per visit. Each visit earns the same points, but you still offer a few rewards. That keeps the "count your visits" feel while adding choice.
How do messages change between stamps and points?
Not much. Both can tell people they are close, that a reward is ready, or that you miss them. The wording just changes.
What should staff say for each type?
One short line at the till is all you need. If staff can say it without thinking, customers will get it too.
- ☕ Stamp card: "Every visit gets a stamp. Ten stamps and your next coffee is free."
- 🛍️ Points per dollar: "You get a point for every dollar. At 100 points, you get $5 off."
- 🎯 Points per visit: "Each visit is 10 points. Pick a reward when you're ready."
Try saying yours out loud to a friend. If they ask a follow-up question, trim it down until they don't.
Can I switch later if I pick wrong?
Yes, but don't switch often. Each change confuses people a bit. If you do switch, let current cards finish, and send a short note explaining the new card.
How do I set up either one?
Decide stamps or points, choose your reward (or rewards), set your rules and put up your QR code. That is the whole setup.
Regulars does both. Run a stamp card, or a points card with points per visit or per dollar and several rewards. Cards live in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet, and staff scan with any phone. Plans start at $49 a month with a 30-day free trial. See pricing. Stamps or points, it's all good vibes.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between a stamp card and a points card?
A stamp card counts visits toward one reward. A points card adds points per visit or per dollar and lets customers pick from several rewards.
Which is better for a coffee shop?
Usually stamps. Orders are similar in size and people visit often, so buy 9, get the 10th free is simple and fair.
When does a points card make more sense?
When order sizes vary a lot, like a boutique or a pet store. Points per dollar rewards a big shop more than a small one.
Can I switch from stamps to points later?
You can, but it confuses people if you switch often. Pick the one that fits and stick with it, and let people finish cards they started.
Does Regulars support both stamps and points?
Yes. You can run a stamp card or a points card, with points per visit or per dollar and several rewards.
