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How to start a loyalty program your café customers actually use

4 min read · Last reviewed: 2026-10-12 · Zaxore

The short answer

A loyalty program works when customers understand it at a glance: one earning rule, a first reward a regular can reach soon, and a balance they can check anytime. Make joining take seconds at the counter, keep earning automatic and redeeming a separate choice, and add tiers or expiry only once the basics are running.

Start with one earning rule anyone can repeat

The rule should fit in one sentence your staff can say while handing over a cup: points for every amount spent, at a rate you choose. Spend-based points suit a café because a coffee and a pastry together earn more than a coffee alone, without any extra rules to remember.

  • Pick one rate and keep it stable; changing it often makes customers doubt their balance.
  • Round in one direction, and say so, so small amounts do not cause questions at the counter.
  • Avoid special earning rules per product at the start; promotions can come later.

Set rewards a regular can reach in a few visits

A first reward that feels far away is quietly ignored. Offer a small, popular item as the first reward, then one or two bigger ones for people who want to save up. Choose rewards that cost you little to give but feel generous, such as a drink upgrade or a pastry, and show each reward with a picture so it is easy to want.

Decide clearly what earns points and what does not

Write the exclusions down before launch, and print them where customers can read them. Clear rules prevent awkward moments when a customer expected points.

  • Taxes: points are usually earned on what the customer pays for the items, not on the tax.
  • Discounts: earn on the price after discounts, so a reward does not earn points on itself.
  • Excluded items: gift cards, bottled products with thin margins or items sold at cost.
  • Online orders: decide whether they earn the same way as counter sales, and say so.

Make joining quick and the balance easy to see

Sign-up happens during the busiest moment of the visit, so ask for one identifier, such as a phone number or email, and nothing else. Customers come back to a program they can check: a page or card showing their balance, the next reward and how close they are.

  1. Ask “Are you a member?” before payment, not after.
  2. If not, offer to join with one identifier and give them their code or card.
  3. Attach the member to the sale so points are added automatically.
  4. Tell them their new balance or how close they are to the next reward.

Keep earning and redeeming as separate choices

Earning should happen every time without a question. Redeeming should happen only when the customer asks, because many prefer to save toward a bigger reward. Then add extras slowly: tiers that raise the earning rate for your most loyal regulars, and points that expire after a long period of no visits, with a reminder before they do. Announce any expiry rule from day one.

How to tell if your loyalty program is working

  • Regulars ask for their points without being reminded.
  • Customers mention how close they are to a reward.
  • Rewards are actually being redeemed, not just collected.
  • Staff offer the program without hesitating, and sign-up does not slow the line.
  • Members come back between their usual visits, for example for an afternoon order.

If rewards pile up unclaimed, the first reward is probably too far away. If few people join, the sign-up is probably too slow or the offer is not being made.

How it works in Zaxore

Loyalty is a module you switch on in guided setup or on the Setup screen. Each member gets a loyalty code and their own points page showing balance, rewards and history.

  • You set the earning rate (1 point per 1.00 unless changed). Points are earned on the sale’s items after every discount and before tax, rounded down; excluded products or categories do not earn.
  • At the register, the cashier finds the member by card, phone, email or code before payment. That only earns; redemption of points or a reward is opened on purpose, within the same sale.
  • Customers ordering online who are signed in to My Zaxore see an estimate of the points the order earns and can choose to redeem. Guest orders earn no points; customers can join at checkout with a 4-digit PIN.
  • In My Zaxore, customers see your store with its loyalty card, balance, progress to the next reward and rewards store. Points stay with the store where they were earned.
  • Optional: tiers with an earning multiplier, rewards limited to certain tiers, and points expiry with reminders.
  • The register needs an internet connection; recording sales offline is coming soon — in development. Card payments are recorded at the register, and online orders are paid at the branch.

Open the demo: Café / restaurant Sample data · nothing is saved

Questions owners ask

Should points be earned on tax?

Most programs award points on the price of the items, not the tax, because tax is not your revenue. Whatever you decide, state it in your rules so customers and staff give the same answer.

Is a punch card enough for a small café?

A punch card can work for one product, but it is easy to lose and does not reward bigger orders. Points on spend reward the whole order and let customers check their balance at any time.

In Zaxore, does attaching a member use their points?

No. Attaching a member at the register only earns points. Points or a reward are used only when the cashier opens redemption at the customer’s request.

Can customers see their points in Zaxore?

Yes. Each member has a points page with balance, rewards and history, and customers signed in to My Zaxore see your store there with their progress to the next reward.

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You will continue in the Zaxore app to create your account and set up your business.

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