First Data introduces mobile loyalty program for SMBs
First Data Corporation Tuesday announced the commercial integration of its Perka mobile loyalty product. Its apps are now available through First Data distribution systems, according to a press release.
Perka is a cloud-based customer loyalty product that connects businesses to their customers using location-based apps and mobile phones, according to the announcement.
Merchants sign up, activate their welcome kit and then work with a Perka customer service representative to design a customized loyalty program. Customers participate by downloading the Perka app on any smartphone, where they instantly see a list of participating merchants nearby and what loyalty promotions they are offering. When entering the store, customers launch the app and check in, which signals their presence to the merchant, who then greets them by name and validates their purchases, according to the announcement.
Merchants can add Perka on the Clover Station, which is First Data's touchscreen point-of-sale product.
"An integrated solution like Perka for the Clover Station is yet another proof point of First Data’s transformation from a transaction processor to a trusted business advisor and technology solutions provider," Guy Chiarello, First Data president, said in a statement. "Loyalty programs are an effective method to increase sales and build a stronger base of regular customers. With Perka, we are adding valuable functionality to First Data’s SMB offerings, taking advantage of our unique position and scale to deliver a powerful solution to small and medium-sized businesses."