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Last night my roommate showed me this card he had gotten on his car after leaving it at bar this past weekend. On the back it looks like a parking ticket that the city would give you, at least in Fargo. Then on the reverse side it you find out that it is actually a coupon for 15% your next visit including your guests. This is the first time I have seen a bar offer this type of service. The card proudly says you are receiving this because you were responsible enough not to drink and drive.
Big D’s is a bar and grill that gets most of its traffic and crowd from the local collages and office parks. They constantly play ads on the radio for their food and drink specials. It is no surprise that they will have a parking lot full of cars and some of those cars remain over-night. I think offering a discount on cars left over is a great way of bring return customers.
First off, let’s rehash what probably happened. Some people made the choice to go out and enjoy themselves a little too much (visit #1). Then they either carpooled to the next bar or got a cab home for the evening. The next day they have to return to collect their belongings, since they weren’t in jail for drunk driving (visit #2). Bam, 15% discount coupon stuck in the window of their car. Can’t let 15% go, can we now? So they return to use their discount (visit #3). Perhaps, they are a slow learner or maybe a lush and the process repeats itself again. Now, I am psychologist but I do know that if you start visiting a place more than a couple of times it will produce a habit. Not all of the people who got this coupon will visit the bar every night of the week, but even if it becomes a once a week spot that bar is gaining. They are using the allure of a discount and yet another visit to their business in order to get your patronage. If they get a 5-10% conversion rate out of those cards and discounts they are out virtually nothing in the long term.
How are you getting people back your website or blog? Are you offering something that surprises people or something they would enjoy? What advantage does your patronage have over the average customer?
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I think that’s a brilliant idea. I used to go to a place in Flagstaff AZ that offered free cab rides to and from the NAU Campus to the bar, we just always tipped the driver. We spent plenty on drinks there, as well as cover, but never had to worry about drinking and driving. If more places offered things to reward the DD or the responsible parties….I just think that’s brilliant.
Mandi’s last blog post..Yard Sale! People bought our worthless crap!
Yeah I know what you mean, The local college did a deal here where all cab rides were $2 per person. They got a lot of business and I know a lot of people that used the service.
Not only is that brilliant, but it is promoting responsibility. This is most excellent and more bars should do this!
Drunk people regularly park at my blog (Roxiticus Desperate Housewives). Now you’ve given me the inspiration to give them something that keeps them coming back…thanks!
Roxiticus Desperate Housewives’s last blog post..Another Shameful Page-Turner: The Liar’s Diary
I am sure this marketing idea is worth the paper it is printed on.
Wow, what a great concept. I wish I had thought about that. I know some bars have partnered with limo companies and if you cant drive they will give you a ride home for a small fee.
BigPappa’s last blog post..Traffic Presents Part Deux
Yeah imagine is a local bar had their own bus to drop people off with. Say you offer a cover charge then those people could get a free ride back home. If they pay and don’t use the ride, more $.
[…] Nothing brings people back like FREE BEER. - A great lesson to be learned about hidden marketing influences. […]