← Guides to keep your customers coming back

How to get customers to join your loyalty program

Updated October 21, 2026

A loyalty program only works if customers join. The good news: it's rarely because they don't want to. They don't see it, don't understand what they get, or it looks like a hassle. All of that can be fixed.

Why most customers don't join

They don't know it exists: the QR is hidden or nobody mentions it.
It looks like a hassle: downloading an app, creating a password or filling in a long form.
They can't see what's in it for them: the reward is too far away or not explained.
The timing is wrong: there's a queue and nobody wants to hold it up.

8 ways to get more sign-ups

Put the QR where customers wait Next to the till at eye level, on the table or on the salon mirror. That's where they have a few free seconds and their phone in hand.
Always offer it at checkout One short line, the same every time: “Want to earn points with this purchase? Scan here and get 10 free.” What isn't offered isn't used.
Give a welcome gift A few points or a stamp for joining. Besides encouraging them, customers start with the card already under way, which motivates them to finish it.
Keep the first reward close If the first reward takes 3 or 4 visits, customers see it's within reach from day one. Keep a bigger one for your most loyal customers.
Make joining take seconds No app to download and no passwords: scan, enter an email, done. Every extra step means fewer sign-ups.
Hand out small cards with the QR With the receipt, in the bag or on the tables. Those who don't join at the counter can do it at home.
Share it on social media and messaging apps Your followers already know you: a sign-up link with the welcome gift turns followers into customers who come back.
Get your team on board If the whole team offers it, sign-ups multiply. Check how many you get each week and celebrate the good ones.

What to say at checkout

Short lines that say what the customer gets and don't sound like a sales pitch:

“Shall I add you to the stamp card? This coffee is your first stamp, and the tenth is free.”
“If you scan here, this purchase already earns points. It takes 10 seconds and there's nothing to download.”
“Do you have our card yet? You get 20 points for joining today.”

Mistakes that hold sign-ups back

Asking for too much information up front. Name and phone can wait for the second screen.
A reward too far away, like 50 visits for a coffee.
A small QR in a place nobody looks at.
Running the paper card and the digital one side by side without explaining which counts.