Questions

I want to establish a perks program for my members by offering them discounts from travel partners like airlines, hotels, etc.

I am trying to figure out if there is an easier way to do this than contacting each airline or hotel individually. I see certain companies offering discounts for their members from large airlines between 10-20%. I have one myself, which I can offer 12% off business class ticket. However, its very time consuming to go to each partner. I am curious to know if anyone knows of a faster way to do this.

5answers

Cool concept, but yeah, it can be time consuming.
While there may be automated ways to do this, another way to consider the demands of the individualized approach is to think of the effort as an investment in the relationship. Down the road, this investment could pay dividends, including:
* when a member's issue needs to be smoothed over
* when your airline/hotel contact is moving on to another role, but smoothly transitions you to his or her replacement
* when the airline/hotel needs to cut back on such deals and first trims those with minimal connection to anyone in the business
In short, the travel partners are stakeholders and you must develop a rapport with them as well as any other stakeholders.
If you wish to discuss, send me a PM through Clarity for 15 free minutes.
Cheers,
Kerby


Answered 4 years ago

The easy way would be to purchase points from an established rewards program and give them to your clients.

For example, in Canada we have the Air Miles program. Businesses can purchase points and give to customers. Users can redeem the points for rental cars, hotels, air tickets, etc.

Look for an established program in your country that offers rewards your clients would enjoy and contact them to see if you can buy points in bulk and redistribute them via an online portal.

Cheers

David Barnett
www.DavidCBarnett.com


Answered 4 years ago

This is vague. You do not detail what your members do, what revenue you/they generate, and why they would be interesting to a travel partner. If you are a not-for-profit you must have a compelling value to the travel partner for your membership (since you are selling access). Recall that the NRA was only getting a limited 5% discount off full coach tickets for members going to the national conference from the airline companies. Arguably this is about as high value (set aside the subject matter) and loyal membership in the USA. Further "published rates" are so off the rate card, they are rarely used. I have an AmEx Platinum that gives me a "free companion ticket" every time I book a first-class ticket through their travel desk. First, I do not fly first unless I am upgraded by my carrier, and 2 the cost is usually about 2x what the direct cost is. Giving me a discount on something I would not buy is not a member perk.


Answered 4 years ago

Sure is.

I recommend partnering with a provider in the market already like https://founderscard.com/.


Answered 4 years ago

I would speak with Sendoso.com. Their platform integrates with Salesforce, Marketo, Engagio, Outreach, etc. and it will allow you to track when discounts are applied with your members.


Answered 4 years ago

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