A Regulars loyalty card gives your bookstore customers a points card in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Staff scan it at the till, points add up with every purchase, and rewards like store credit toward a new book appear on the card. It gives readers one more good reason to buy from you instead of a big online store.
Why does loyalty matter for a bookstore?
Readers are loyal people. They come back for the shelf talkers, the staff picks and the feel of the place. But they also know a click can send a book to their door. A loyalty card helps tip the choice toward you.
Book buying has a rhythm. Some readers come in every week. Others come for a new release or a holiday gift. December is busy, and so is back to school. Summer brings beach reads. A card lets you thank every kind of reader, and reach them when a new season starts.
Points fit a bookstore well. A kid's picture book and a hardcover art book cost very different amounts. Points per dollar keep things fair.
How bookstores use a digital loyalty card
Points per dollar
Every purchase earns points. Readers who buy more earn more, and rewards come at a few levels.
Event announcements
Send a message about an author reading or a book club night. It shows on the card and can pop up on the lock screen.
Win back lapsed readers
The dashboard shows who has not been back in 30 days. The we miss you message invites them to browse again.
Birthday book treat
Ask for birthdays at signup. The birthday message goes out on its own with your offer.
What rewards work for a bookstore loyalty card?
Readers love rewards that lead to more books. Here are some ideas.
Weighing your options? Read stamps or points: which loyalty card fits your shop.
What messages can a bookstore send?
Messages show on the card and can pop up on the lock screen. These samples come from a made-up shop, Dog-Eared Books.
Readers like to hear about new books, not sales pitches. Keep it short and bookish. For more ideas, read customer retention ideas for local businesses.
How do I set up a loyalty card for my bookstore?
You can set it up in less time than it takes to shelve a new shipment.
- Make your card. Choose points or stamps, set your rewards, and add your logo and colours.
- Print your poster. Regulars makes a QR code poster for your till or front table.
- Start scanning. Staff sign in with a PIN and scan cards with any phone or tablet.
Cards come in English, French and Spanish, and can follow the reader's phone language. See plans in the pricing section, or start your 30-day free trial.
Questions people ask
How does a loyalty card work at a bookstore?
Readers add a card to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. At checkout, your staff scan it with any phone or tablet. Points are added and rewards show on the card.
Should a bookstore use stamps or points?
Points per dollar usually fit a bookstore best, since a paperback and a box set cost very different amounts. A stamp card can work for a simple buy 10 books, get a discount style program.
What is a good reward for a bookstore loyalty program?
Store credit toward a book is the most common. A free tote bag, bookmark or coffee from your café also work as smaller rewards.
Does Regulars connect to my bookstore point of sale?
No. Staff scan the card with a phone or tablet at the till. It works next to whatever register you already use.
Can I let readers know about author events?
Yes. Send a short message that shows on the card and can pop up on the lock screen. Keep it to the events your regulars will care about.
