How to connect your point of sale to a loyalty program

Why connect it

• The cashier doesn't do anything extra. At rush hour, any additional step gets skipped.
• Points come from the real invoice amount, not from what someone types.
• Less fraud: nobody can add points without a sale behind them.
• You know what each member buys and how often they come, per location.

If you don't have an integration yet, don't wait to start: the program can launch with a terminal where the cashier looks up the customer or scans their card, and the point of sale can be connected later.

Your team's 5 decisions

1. How the customer is identified at the register

The most common ways are scanning the code on their digital card or asking for their phone number. The phone works even when the customer doesn't have the card handy; scanning is faster. Ideally accept both.

2. Which amount earns points

Decide whether points are based on the total including tax or on the subtotal, and whether tips or service charges count. Then set the rule, for example 1 point per Q10. What matters is that it's the same at every location and the cashier can explain it.

3. How redemption works

Does the customer redeem a catalog item, or are points taken off the total like cash? Does their tier discount apply? Also decide who can authorize a redemption and whether it works at any location.

4. What happens with voids and refunds

If an invoice is voided, the points it earned must be reversed. Otherwise the program invites abuse. Make sure the integration covers this from day one.

5. Who tests it, and where

Start with one location and a couple of weeks of testing. Check that points on invoices match what you expect before turning it on everywhere.

What to ask your POS provider

• Can your system talk to outside platforms when an invoice is closed?
• Can it show the customer's points balance on screen?
• How much time and cost would the work on your side take?
• Who supports us if a sale doesn't earn points?

You don't need to understand the technical side: with these answers, your loyalty platform's team and your POS team coordinate with each other.

How SnapRate does it

• A custom integration with your point of sale or invoicing system: points are earned on every invoice and reversed if it's voided.
• Redemption at the register, with the customer's tier discount applied.
• Identification by digital card or phone number.
• A configurable conversion rule, for example 1 point per Q10.
• Our team coordinates the connection and testing with your provider.
• Meanwhile, or if you have no integration, a staff terminal to add and redeem points in seconds, with an optional receipt photo to prevent fraud.