Launching a loyalty program that actually works requires more than clicking "go live." The difference between a program that enrolls 200 members in the first month and one that sits idle is almost always execution at launch. This 20-step checklist covers everything you need to do before, during, and after launch day with LoyaltyPass.
Before launch: setup (Steps 1-8)
Step 1: choose your program type
Decide: stamp card or points program. If your customers spend a consistent amount per visit, use a stamp card. If spend varies, use points. See the stamp card vs points guide if unsure.
Step 2: set your reward structure
Define what customers earn (one stamp per visit, or X points per dollar) and what they earn toward (free item, percentage off, specific service). Write this in plain language that a staff member can explain in 10 seconds.
Step 3: set the stamp/points threshold
For stamp cards: 8-12 stamps is standard. For points: make sure the redemption threshold is clear and attainable within 60-90 days of regular visits.
Step 4: Design your loyalty card
Upload your logo, set your brand colour, add your business name. LoyaltyPass previews how the card looks in Apple Wallet and Google Wallet before you publish.
Step 5: Install the merchant app
Download the free LoyaltyPass merchant app on your staff phone (or your own phone). Log in. Test scanning a pass. This should take under 5 minutes.
Step 6: Test the full customer flow
Sign up for your own loyalty card using the sign-up link. Add it to your Apple Wallet or Google Wallet. Then scan it with the merchant app. Confirm stamps or points are awarded correctly and the card balance updates. Fix any issues before customers see them.
Step 7: Print and place your QR code
Download your LoyaltyPass QR code. Print it at A5 or larger and place it at the counter, till, or checkout area. It should be visible to customers while they pay without them needing to ask for it.
Step 8: set up a backup display
Add the sign-up QR code to your menu, a table card, your window, or your packaging. Multiple touchpoints mean more enrollments.
Before launch: staff preparation (Steps 9-12)
Step 9: Brief all staff
Every person who interacts with customers at checkout needs to know:
- What the loyalty program is ("earn stamps toward a free [item]")
- How to mention it ("have you got your loyalty card?")
- How to scan a customer's pass with the merchant app
Step 10: Agree on the script
Write one or two sentences staff can use at checkout. Keep it simple: "Scan this code to earn a free [item] after [X] visits." Practice it once together before the first shift.
Step 11: Assign a merchant app to each staff member
If multiple staff work the till, either share one phone for the merchant app or set up the app on multiple staff phones. Test that each setup scans correctly.
Step 12: decide who handles redemptions
When a customer redeems a reward, staff need to know how to mark it in the merchant app and what to actually give the customer. Agree on this before launch, not during the first redemption.
Launch day (Steps 13-16)
Step 13: Announce on social media
Post on Instagram, Facebook, or wherever your customers follow you. Show the QR code in the post. "We've launched our new loyalty card. Scan to earn your first stamp." Link to the sign-up URL in your bio.
Step 14: Email or text your existing customer list (if you have one)
A simple message: "We've launched a loyalty program. Here is your link to add the card to your phone. [link]. Earn [reward] after [X] visits." One paragraph is enough.
Step 15: Mention it at every checkout on day one
The first day sets the habit. Every person who pays gets the verbal prompt. Every person who pays and has a phone can join in under 20 seconds.
Step 16: track first-day enrollments
Check your LoyaltyPass dashboard at the end of the first day. How many members enrolled? This is your baseline. If fewer than 5, the counter QR code may not be visible enough or staff are not mentioning it.
First 30 days (Steps 17-20)
Step 17: Send your first push notification at day 14
At two weeks in, send a push notification to all enrolled members. Message: "You are [X stamps] from your first reward. Come in this week." This re-engages anyone who has not visited since joining and reinforces the value of having the card.
Step 18: run a double-points or double-stamps day in week 3
Pick your slowest day and run a promotion: "Double stamps every Tuesday in [month]." Send a push notification. Measure whether it increases visits on that day. Adjust from the data.
Step 19: Review your analytics at day 30
Check: total enrolled members, number of active members (visited since joining), number of stamps or points distributed, redemption rate. Any redemptions are a success signal. Zero redemptions after 30 days suggests the threshold is too high or the program is not being promoted.
Step 20: Plan month 2
Based on what you learned in month 1, decide: do you need more enrollment (promote harder at checkout) or better engagement from existing members (push notification campaigns)?
Ready to launch? Join the LoyaltyPass waitlist, digital wallet loyalty starting at $99/month. Use this checklist and your first 30 days will be measurably better than launching without one.
Related reading: How to Set Up a Digital Loyalty Program in 10 Minutes for the condensed setup guide before you start this checklist. Digital Loyalty Program Results: Small Business Benchmarks for the benchmark metrics to compare against once you are 30 days in. Wallet Pass Push Notification Open Rates explains the push campaign strategy behind steps 17-18 above.
