Loyalty rewards programs are supposed to make customers feel valued and appreciated, but they often do the opposite. Instead of rewarding loyal customers, they create a sense of obligation, frustration and resentment.
Loyalty rewards programs are often complicated and confusing, with hidden fees, expiration dates and exclusions. Customers have to keep track of points, miles, coupons and codes, and spend a lot of time and effort to redeem them. Sometimes, they end up losing their rewards or paying more than they expected.
Loyalty rewards programs also create a psychological trap for customers. They make them feel like they have to buy more to get more rewards, even if they don’t need or want the products or services. They also make them feel guilty or disloyal if they shop elsewhere, even if they find better deals or quality.
Loyalty rewards programs are not worth the hassle and the stress. They are bad for customers and bad for businesses. Customers should be loyal to themselves, not to brands. They should shop based on their needs, preferences and values, not on rewards. And businesses should focus on providing value, quality and satisfaction, not on manipulating customers with rewards.