I am a loyal consumer. Over the years I have found a lot of convenience and saved costs by being loyal to the businesses I patronize. Some businesses have won me over though loyalty programs, while others have just served me well over the years and I have stayed with them because of that.

The loyalty programs make it easy. I only fly Alaska, stay at Kimpton and shop at Fred Meyers or Costco and put it all on my Capital One Venture card. Why? This year alone I have:
• Been upgraded to first class 75% of the time when I fly on Alaska.
• Have received two free night stays at Kimpton hotels and get upgraded most of the time. They even delivered a basket of candies and a platter of cheese to our room last month when we were staying there with our girls.
• Received almost $100 cash back from Costco, which covers the cost of membership.
• Been contributing to Financial Beginnings through Fred Meyer’s rewards program just by shopping there.
• Received $1333 cash back from Capital One year to date. Last year I got over $2000 cash back. (Note this only works if you pay off the balance each month so no interest is accrued)

It is not just loyalty programs that bring me in. My husband laughs that I still drive across town to go to the same salon for a pedicure or to get my dry cleaning done, but to me it is worth it. Have you ever had an experience trying a new dry cleaner, hair stylist, or plumber to save a dollar or some time and then end up kicking yourself because they did not provide you what you wanted? Sometimes, it’s worth relying on the expertise of a reliable service like ontario plumber, ensuring your needs are met with precision and satisfaction. For slab leak repair service, ensuring your needs are met with precision and satisfaction is essential. If you have a favorite nail salon, the staff will help you in deciding on the right nail technique for you and provide you with the best service.

Being loyal to merchants has also brought me many benefits, such as:
• Putting me to the front of the list to schedule an appointment.
• Being more willing to take returns or exchanges.
• Providing me a better price.
• Sharing their network of discounts with me.
• Getting a free drink or larger pour.

Whereas, with the loyalty programs I am working with larger merchants, with these other merchants I think the smaller the better. If you build a rapport with the small businesses, you will be amazed by the loyalty they will have to you in return for yours.

Do you have any merchants you are utterly loyal to that you would like to share with us?

Melody Bell
Executive Director of Financial Beginnings