Overview
Card templates and tiers are an integral part of core programs. They allow you the flexibility to apply different rules to each type of card, creating a variety of unique programs within the same merchant account. (For more about applying rules and how rules work, see the article on Rules and Wallets) We create card templates for card-based and cardless programs; in both cases, card templates determine how a card will work when it's used at one of your locations.
Card templates and tiers allow for both consistency of the implementation of your core programs, and flexibility to adapt to unique aspects of your business model. Not sure which card templates and tiers will best meet your organization's needs and goals? Contact Paytronix Support at [email protected] for assistance.
Why do I need a card template?
A card template is a set of rules and specifications that define how a card will operate when it's used at one of your locations. Without a card template, a POS will not know how to process a loyalty, gift, or comp card at your registers.
Here are some things to consider when creating a card template and to share with Paytronix so we can best assist you:
Is this card going to be used for a loyalty program? Comp cards? Gift cards? eGifts?
If a guest has more than one card, can they ever be combined into one card?
For loyalty programs only:
Where/how can can a guest join your loyalty program? At a register? Online? Multiple venues?
Will guests need a physical card with a card number to join? Can they join by providing specific information, and then receive a card number?
Does your program include any referral incentives (i.e. refer a friend)?
Do you currently have an eClub (email club) program?
Will guests select a "favorite store" when they join?
Can a guest give an alternate piece of information (e.g. a phone number) if they forget their card?
For gift card programs only:
Can gift cards be bought or redeemed in more than one currency?
Will guests be required to create an account/login to check the balance of a gift card? To view their transaction history?
Do you sell gift cards only at your locations? At retail locations (retail and warehouse stores)?
Less common:
Will you require a guest to enter any specific information when registering a card?
When a card is activated, will it be added to the check as its own line item?
Should the card ever expire?
Why would I need more than one card template?
Any time you have variances in your program that would change how the card should work during a transaction, or you have different accounting and reporting needs, you'll likely need an additional card template. Some examples include:
Your organization is multi-concept; different concepts will have different loyalty programs
Gift cards are sold in multiple venues; you need to account for distribution costs on some gift cards but not others
What is a tier? How is a tier different than a card template?
While a card template determines how a card will work during a transaction based on the rules of the core program, tiers can segment users within that program. You want everyone's card to operate according to same rules, but still need to create more defined categories of guests, In most cases, guests do not opt-in to tiers; they are assigned to tiers. Tier assignment can be automatic (via a set of tier-based rules), or manual (adjustments made to guest accounts by a person). Usually, the rules set in a tier will not override the rules that drive the card template. Tiers offer a lot of flexibility and utility; they can be used in many different ways.
Some tiers are guest-facing; guests know that there are multiple tiers, and which tier they are in. A common example is a tiered rewards programs with basic rewards for all guests, and enhanced rewards for guests who earn their way to a higher tier (usually through dollars spent, or specific purchase goals). Other tiers are not guest-facing; guests do not know they are even in a separate tier. These types of tiers are often used for marketing or accounting purposes.
Examples of tiers that are not guest-facing include:
Tiers for guests who purchase a specific item regularly, to send more relevant marketing messages, to customize campaigns
A tier for employees, as they may receive rewards at a different rate than guests
Tiers within a comp card template to be able to distribute different amounts of free or discounted menu items to employees who are in in different eligibility categories
A tier for inactive users; you might want to approach inactive users differently in campaigns or marketing initiatives