Water Refill Loyalty App: A Card Monster Case Study

At Card Monster, we have done a few projects of loyalty apps for businesses looking to create better customer experiences. Loyalty apps are great to engage customers with their product and enhance repeat business. 

This case study focuses on a partnership with a local water company dedicated to offering eco-friendly, affordable hydration options.

The company provides treated spring water, charging just R1.80 per liter, and encourages sustainability by refilling bottles.

To incentivise environmentally conscious habits and create repeat business, we developed a loyalty app using AppSheet. Here’s how our solution transformed their business and boosted their customer loyalty. 

If this is something you need in your business, please feel free to reach out to us. 

Understanding the Client's Needs

The water company prides itself on affordability and sustainability, offering filtered, and UV-treated water at competitive rates.

Their customers can refill empty bottles and containers in-store, supporting eco-friendly practices.

Despite this, the business faced challenges:

1. Customer Retention: While customers appreciated the affordable pricing, there was little motivation to return regularly or recommend the service.
2. Environmental Goals: The company wanted to reinforce its commitment to sustainability by encouraging more customers to refill instead of purchasing new bottles.
3. Rewarding Loyalty: The business lacked a structured way to reward repeat customers and promote their services.

The Card Monster Solution

We designed a custom loyalty app on AppSheet that incentivises customers to refill their bottles and purchase water through a rewards-based system called "Quench." Here’s how it works:

1. Refill Tracking: Each time a customer refills their bottle, the app records the transaction.
2. Point Accumulation: Customers earn Quench points based on the liters they purchase. For example, refilling 10 liters earns 10 Quench points.
3. Reward System: After accumulating a predetermined number of points, customers unlock rewards such as free refills or discounts on bulk purchases.
4. Digital Convenience: The app eliminates the need for physical cards, ensuring customers can easily track their points and rewards from their phones.

Features of the Loyalty App

User-Friendly Interface

Designed with simplicity in mind, the app ensures customers of all ages can use it effortlessly. Your staff will be in controll of the app to search for customers and update loyalty points as they go along.

The dashboard displays points, rewards, and refill history at a glance making it very easy to see where your customers are and what they can do to earn more points.

Real-Time Updates

Customers receive instant notifications about their points and rewards after every refill.

This transparency builds trust and keeps them engaged with the program and makes them want to come back for more. At the moment they are using sms's but if they would like they can integrate updates with email.

Custom Branding

The app features the water company’s branding, making it a very trustworthy and easy to integrate with their branding and colour scheme.

Push Notifications

Reminders about upcoming rewards or promotions encourage customers to stay loyal.

Now that the company has everyones cell numbers once they sign up for the loyalty app, they can send them SMS's encouraging customers to refill or notifying them on new sales or deals you may be having at the store. 

Implementation Process

Collaborative Design

We worked closely with the water company to understand their business and customer preferences.

Together, we designed a reward structure that balanced affordability with meaningful incentives.

Every step along the way we were able to support the water company and get their desired app perfect for their needs. 

AppSheet Development

Using AppSheet, we developed the app with speed and precision. The platform allowed for rapid prototyping and adjustments based on client feedback.

By working closely with the client, we were able to deliver desired results of the app for their business. We charge at an hourly rate and work closley with our clients.

Training and Launch

The staff received online training to ensure seamless integration of the app into daily operations. We create a perosnalised video to ensure that we understand your business and their needs.

Customers were introduced to the app through staff and understood how the loyalty app worked by it being explained to them with signage at the store.

Results Achieved

Increased Customer Retention

The loyalty app fostered repeat visits, with customers consistently returning to earn and redeem Quench points.

The refill loyalty app encouraged sustianble habits.

Boosted Revenue

The reward system incentivised customers to purchase larger quantities to accumulate points faster.

This resulted in an average 25% increase in refill volumes per transaction

Environmental Impact

By encouraging refills, the program significantly reduced the demand for single-use plastic bottles.

Customers embraced the company’s sustainability mission, enhancing the need to come back and refill instead of buying single use every time. 

Enhanced Brand Loyalty

Customers who engaged with the app expressed greater satisfaction with the service.

Word-of-mouth referrals grew, with customers recommending the program to family and friends.

Key Takeaways for Businesses

This case study highlights the power of a well-designed loyalty program in driving customer engagement and environmental impact. Businesses considering similar loyalty apps can learn from these insights:

1. Tailor the Rewards: Align incentives with customer values. In this case, free refills and discounts resonated with the target audience.
2. Leverage Technology: Digital platforms like AppSheet streamline the creation and management of loyalty programs.
3. Promote Sustainability: Incorporate eco-friendly practices into your business model to attract environmentally conscious customers. Align with the future and set goals for yourself as a company that will operate in the future.

Why Choose Card Monster?

At Card Monster, we specialise in delivering loyalty solutions tailored to your business needs. Whether it’s a card-based system or an innovative app, we’re committed to helping you build stronger connections with your customers.

Conclusion

The water refill loyalty app is a great case study to creating repeat customers and finding enironmental solutions for your business.

By combining affordability, sustainability, and rewarding experiences, the water company successfully enhanced customer engagement and achieved its business goals.

If your business is ready to use a loyalty app or card solution, contact Card Monster today. Together, we can create solutions that benefit your customers and the environment.