What do you mean by exclusivity?
“By exclusivity we mean we only work with your establishment during your promotion. We are not working with your competition. Our sales team is only taking your Smart Circle Card with them! Typically, we conduct promotions in your area 3 – 4 times annually, usually working in a different category each time.”
Are the program results easily tracked?
“Yes. Each card sold has its own designated number. You can use your computer to track redemptions. In addition, we can furnish you with additional data such as total number of cards sold, primary areas where they were sold, and percentage of new customers/clients to whom we have sold.”
Who is representing us?
“Most of your sales will come from our Public Sales Network. These distributors work full time and canvass businesses to extend a personal invitation on your behalf. The Professional Sales Team is trained to represent your business specifically. They spend time each day educating each other on your business and on proper technique and conduct. Over 2000 representatives are working on behalf of our clients in North America and the United Kingdom at any given time.”
What percentage of people who purchase a Smart Circle Card will use it, or become a regular customer?
“The offers on your promotion are designated to do two things: get new customers in the door and get them to come back. Unlike television, radio, newspaper or direct mail our promotion is easily measured and tracked. Repeat rates vary by product category, but are typically 8 – 10 times greater than other forms media! The number one factor in building a long-term relationship with your customers is their first impression of your business. The customers we bring you have pre-invested in your business…they definitely will be visiting you!”
Why should I discount my products?
“Consumers view programs from the Smart Circle as loyalty or new customer introduction packages more than discount programs. We tell customers that in lieu of investing your dollars in media and advertising, you want to reach out personally to them. Consumers are aware and understand that advertising costs you money and it makes sense to them that you would take a more direct approach. The beauty of this approach for you is that it is performance based, because you only incur a cost when someone redeems an offer. You only pay for our advertising when it brings customers through your door.”
How long will a Smart Circle campaign be conducted on my behalf?
“It varies according to the venue. Our goal is to increase your traffic flow at a controlled rate. We work with you to drive in the optimal amount of business based on your capacity. While our public network representatives work on your campaign for a concentrated period of time, the private and fundraising networks keep selling your card as long as you allow them to. If for some reason you want to end the program you can cancel or suspend it by giving us 30 days notice.”
This sounds too good too be true. Are there any hidden costs for artwork or redemption fees, etc?
“No there are not. The Smart Circle has been executing these programs for two decades and we know how to drive new business. Our program is designed as a Win, Win, Win! You win because there are no up-front costs; you simply redeem the offers agreed upon. The customers win because they feel they’re getting a good deal and we win as we capture one customer out of every ten to whom we speak.”
Who is your sales force?
“We reach out to new customers in three ways:
1) Public Sales Network – Full time, professional distributors who canvass businesses extending invitations on your behalf.
2) Private Network – Part time distributors working from home selling to the people they know.
3) Fundraising Network – Non-profit community organizations that sell the Smart Circle Cards to raise funds for everything from new team uniforms to homeless shelters.
When and how do your public network distributors sell the card?
“Our public network distributors canvass businesses from 9am to 5pm. The sales team simply presents your promotion by offering the Smart Circle card and informing the potential customer about your business. Their job is to act as your word of mouth ambassadors. Each representative speaks with between 100 and 150 people each day.”
How do we track results?
“Your Account Manager can tell you how many cards have been sold. Each certificate sold has a designated number. We can furnish you with additional data such as number of cards sold to date, primary areas where they were sold and percentage of new customers/clients to whom we have sold. For a nominal fee we can supply you with a report that includes a map showing where the cards have been sold, the answers to your survey questions as well as a list of sales leads for group events, catering and so forth.”
