FOR RELEASE: 2-9-2006
 
 
FIRST MARKETING LAUNCHES LOYALTY REWARDS PROGRAM
LOYALTY ACCELERATOR COMBINES PERSONALIZED COMMUNICATION
WITH CARDLESS TECHNOLOGY
 
 
POMPANO BEACH, FL (Febuary 2006) - First Marketing announced the launch of a cardless loyalty rewards program for the automotive market. Called Loyalty Accelerator, the program will make its debut at the 89th annual National Automobile Dealers Association Convention and Exposition in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 11-14, at booth #4681.

Facing competition from third-party service providers, dealers are challenged to keep customers coming back for service and parts after the initial vehicle purchase. The effect on a dealer’s business can be significant, as the NADA reports that service and parts are 57 percent of a dealer’s profits and 11.5 percent of revenue.

Loyalty Accelerator works with a dealer’s customer database to track and award ongoing transactions, without the need for swipe cards. Customers become members of the program upon their first vehicle purchase or based on other criteria specified by the dealer. The foundation of the program is the points-earning strategy, which the dealer can customize for sales, service and referrals. The dealer controls the services rewarded and the rewards offered.

“Loyalty Accelerator is designed exclusively for automotive dealers to help them build long-term, profitable customer relationships,” says Ron Drenning, First Marketing’s president. “Without the hassle of swipe cards or costly kiosks, it’s easy for the dealer and the customer. The technology allows dealers to incent and reward desired customer transactions. The ongoing, personalized communication allows them to motivate customers with targeted offers. We house all the services needed to run a loyalty program so it’s a very smooth experience for the dealer.”

Members can access their account information and redeem points for rewards through a password-protected member Web site. Once members, they receive a variety of welcome materials during the critical first 90 days of the relationship, and then ongoing personalized print and e-mail communications. Loyalty Accelerator allows dealers to segment and communicate with customers based on purchase activity and program participation.

Program measurement is also included in the program, as First Marketing tracks ongoing activity for each customer and the impact on purchase behavior. This allows First Marketing and the dealer to continually refine the offer strategy and respond to the changing customer.

About the Company
First Marketing specializes in maximizing customer relationships through education, cross-sell/upsell, loyalty rewards and channel marketing solutions. The company’s PCI division has been helping automotive dealers increase repeat, referral and service business for more than 30 years. Visit www.first-marketing.com/loyalty for more information on Loyalty Accelerator.
 
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For more information, contact:
 
Sandra Olivieri
First Marketing
Phone: 954.956.3412
Fax:954.971.4884
E-Mail: [email protected]
URL: www.first-marketing.com