Customer loyalty/Frequent Diner question

[alohaakamai3]

Can anyone recommend a 3rd party frequent diner program that will interface Aloha that does not require additional purchase of licenses with the Aloha software?

Does Optinet do this, or is that strictly for gift cards?

It's mostly a cost issue for these guys that they do not want to use Aloha's. And quite frankly, I know a number of customers (including a fairly large chain), that simply handles this with punch cards- which I what I already recommended, but I told them I would ask around about a software solution. Punch cards are obviously more administration and do provide a greater security risk, but it's dirt cheap and achieves the same result (with less flexibility however). And it's a cheap way to determine if this sort of marketing technique will even be effective for your business- you can always add a software solution when you find out if it will be worth the cost and hassle to implement it.

 

[DTSMAN]

I haven't seen one, doesn't mean its not out there. You can contact the people at Lone Tree. They are one of the few companies Aloha allows access to their code. They don't have it but they might recommend something if you call them.

http://www.lonetreetechnology.com/products.php

Also, the new reservation systems, like Open Table, that let customers make their reservations on line have it intergrated, but I don't think it goes down to the item level if they are trying accomplish things like buy 5 get one free. But this might point you in a good direction for your research.

http://www.opentable.com/info/diningrewards.aspx

Bo

Remember,
If the women don't find you handsome,
they should at least find you handy.
(Red Green)

http://www.redgreen.com

 

[alohaakamai3]

Thanks Bo.

I was doubting the existence of such a 3rd party interface as well, as Radiant has a reputation of not playing nice with outside sources-if they have proved one thing since they purchased Aloha, it's that they are all about keeping the money "in the family". Open Tables has a strong following, so it was obviously to their benefit to interface with them. And the GC issue- well, I don't know if it was "pre-Radiant" when this interface was developed- but I am surprised this interface even exists. I can definitely see a need for this, as some chains have legacy POS systems, yet still have the need to use gift cards at multiple locations. Still, I am surprised that Radiant didn't give them a "my way or the highway" attitude for that too.

But Frequent diner? Not the worlds most popular interface in general (which I think is a mistake, because people love being rewarded for things they are going to purchase anyway- Speedy Rewards, CVS Cards, and Frequent Flier have all been hugely successful).

Oh well- if someone knows of one, please let me know.