Free Wash Club

[MrsNewMat]

I have heard a lot about "Subway" type concept; giving away a free load of wash every few loads. For example, every 6th load is free.

For those who have tried the above strategy.....

How did you come to "every Nth" wash free? How did you calculate so it doesn't hurt the bottomline greatly?

What type of cards/punching/signature you used to make it scam proof?

Did you have any trouble customers punching or duplicating your cards?

What type of disclaimers/fine print, if any, did you use?

Any other pitfalls or bad experiences?

What are some positive outcomes you experienced?

Lastly, what did you name the membership card/club?

Thanks in advance

[ajay]

called it free wash club. with how to join. buy 12washers get 1 free. Any size washers. people questioned, "what if I used 1 50lb versus 2-25..." strict to the policy of 1 stamp per washer. worked well. we gave customers money($1.25) to do whatever they wanted. No no case of customers punching holes themselves. we kept their cards on the counter. it helped us to get to know our customers. It's a incentive that build loyalty - doesn't cost much to make it happened as long as you're attendant. During non-business hours, customers told us number of washer they did and we stamped them the next day.

Good way to market if you have competition. We used back of business cards with numbers (1 to 24). When we ran out of the cards, we used 3*5 cards.

ajay

[Anonymous]

It is simple with a card system - I have the system automatically handle it. Each 15 washes on the same card earns a free double wash.

[ajay]

sure rub it in why don't you......I'll get there soon enough, will likely be the first one in my area to do it. Just as soon as I get some of expenses behind me, I'll take a look at this direction as well.

ajay

[Gary C]

When I was attended I did it just like ajay. It worked great 12 washes seems to be a good #. If someone scams you once in a while it's no big deal they still need to spend money to dry them.

Gary

[Kitty]

My former employer will probably get annoyed with my discussion about his "wash club" He had always thought about initiating the free club, but never needed to until competition of a new store moved in and then we worked hard to promote the club prior to their opening. With me as a hands on manager, I promoted the use of the card and customer service. Having attendants we kept the cards alphabetized at the location to spare the trouble of a lost card. The use was wide spread and we gave hundreds of free washes away, but it was a great wash club I had signs on the changers, signs everywhere promoting the club and telling how to join. But better yet, I spent time in the mat finding those that did not participate and turned them over to wash club customers I insisted they sign up and take advantage of our free wash club. I shouldn't be so hard to give away a free wash or two? I advertised our desire to give away free washes to our loyal patrons. We gave 6 bucks in washes for every 12 washes (meaning visits) We called it Dave's Dirty Dozen the 13th wash was free. At the time of my exit we had several hundred customers using the card. We gave away 1000's in washes. But we promoted it, went out into our clientelle and insisted they take advantage of the service we took responsibility of handling their cards for future use. Ease was let for the customer........

It always determined how one presented the "club" and how to attract new customers including paying their free wash can promote loyalty loyalty in this business is important to customer retention. It had worked for him while I was there and I am sure they have not reduced the effort needed to keep the wash card important.

The wash card would be used as a refund slip for the customers that cashed in their cards. We would calculate all the cards and reduce the income by the amount we gave out.

The card works if you staff works for its success. I used the cards to make a spread sheet of our members and where they come from. It was a beneficial promotion and worth a try. We printed cards from the local printer and I posted hand crafted colorful posters promoting the club. Customers that were addressed with our new service would gladly fill out the necessary paper work. Customers not spoken too by the attendants would not envision without being prompted into conversation. Subway would do better if they kept my card.........you start a club retain the cards, learn you customers name and show loyalty, Your customers will show the loyalty too. Simple systems give them a catchy name with a promotion that shows your desire to give free washes away.

Bottom line never hurt any........ome free washer or two a week with dry will be little noticed when counting you change.

[brucefla]

I had one, it was called the DIRTY DOZEN WASH CLUB.

Each stamp of the card was based on a 1.50 topload wash. I would add up all of their washing money, divide it by 1.50 and stamp em "and give them the extra punch if it was over .75 of a remainder.

Later the following year, when energy prices went up and competitors raised prices, I just too away the card instead of raising prices!

NOW if prices need to go up this or next year, I will re-introduct th card. Its linda like raising prices half a quarter, lol