Remember the good old times when you topped up your kopitiam card to get the 10% discount? With effect from 30 June 2023, such cards will be phased out.
CNA reports that Kopitiam, a popular food court chain, recently announced its plan to discontinue its physical stored-value card as of June 30th. This decision has caused a stir among customers, some of whom are enthusiastic about the change, while others worry about its potential impact on those who are less tech-savvy.
The switch from physical to digital loyalty cards is a response to evolving customer behavior and the increasing reliance on mobile and online solutions for daily transactions. The move will allow FairPrice and Kopitiam to simplify their loyalty program.
But why fix something that wasn’t broken?
Digital loyalty cards are a popular choice for many Singaporeans due to their convenience and accessibility through an app or website. They eliminate the need to carry a physical card, freeing up space in wallets.
Consumers are able to easily monitor their rewards and points on their digital cards, which can be a challenge with physical cards. They may also receive a more personalized experience, such as tailored product recommendations based on their buying habits.
It’s also environmentally friendly
In addition to being convenient for consumers, digital loyalty cards are also more environmentally friendly. Physical cards have a tendency to end up in landfills, whereas digital cards do not produce any physical waste.
The shift to digital loyalty programs can also result in cost savings for firms as they eliminate the expenses associated with printing and distributing physical cards. For organizations with a large user base, such as Kopitiam with over 100 hawker center and food court outlets across the island, this can be a significant cost savings.
These savings can then be reinvested into other aspects of operations. While digital loyalty programs may require maintenance or cybersecurity fees for the app or website, they also provide access to valuable customer consumption data.
I will miss my favorite blue card with the uncle holding kopi o and breakfast set C.
Image source: Kopitiam