New cardless loyalty programme launched

Loyalty programmes have just gone more digital, with the launch of Chopink, a new cardless loyalty system that is smart device-based.This new system, created by mobile applications developer Werebits, replaces the traditional paper-based loyalty stamp cards and is downloadable for free on Android and iPhones.Users are required to scan the QR code from participating merchants' outlets using the ‘Chopink' app to receive collectible loyalty stamps.Ho Heng Yew, marketing  director of Werebits, said the idea behind the app was to provide a simple reward programme, whereby consumers need not worry about misplaced cards or the hassle of carrying many different loyalty cards in their wallets.There are currently 18 F&B outlets on board the programme, including Gloria Jeans Coffee, Qbean, Lighthouse Coffee, Tea Garden and GoldenBun Kopitiam, among others."We started with F&B outlets but we are talking to salons, boutiques, cosmetics retailers and health and spa centres to expand the loyalty programme offering," added Ho.With the app being free, Werebits draws its revenue from participating businesses' subscriptions, which cost RM48 per month for each of the businesses' outlet. It is targeting 1,000 outlets by year-end.It has already spent RM80,000 on the app development and plans to spend an additional RM20,000 on advertising and promotions for the rest of the year. The company is currently planning to place online ads, including on Facebook.