The process starts as soon as your subscription is activated, which initiates the setup of your loyalty system.
2. System Setup
Preferred Patron configures your loyalty platform, integrating it with your point-of-sale (POS) system if necessary, or setting it up as a standalone, web, or kiosk solution based on your needs. A library of pre-built campaigns and rewards is included, allowing you to get started right away or customize further.
3. Customization and Training
You can easily customize campaigns and rewards using the provided tools and a brief getting started video. Comprehensive training and support are available, including live demonstrations (usually about 2 hours) and ongoing assistance via phone or email.
4. Go-Live
After setup and any desired customizations, your system is ready for use. Promotions and rewards are immediately available at your POS or through your chosen interface.
5. Ongoing Support
Preferred Patron offers ongoing support, including phone support during business hours, 24/7 email support, and remote assistance if needed.
Customisation
Loyalty Program Structure: You can customize point systems, tiered rewards, and event-based incentives to match your business model and customer engagement goals.
Reward Types: The platform supports a wide range of rewards, including points, discounts, gifts, cashback, and digital rewards. You can set custom expiration dates and renewal policies for each reward.
Personalized Marketing: Offers and communications can be tailored based on customer purchase history, preferences, and demographics for targeted engagement.
Multi-Channel Engagement: Preferred Patron allows you to reach customers via email, SMS, mobile apps, kiosks, and social media, ensuring a seamless and branded experience.
Branding: The system offers customizable branding options, including white-label solutions, so your loyalty program reflects your brand identity.
Reports and Analytics: You can generate custom reports and dashboards to monitor program performance and customer trends.
Integrations: The software integrates with many POS systems and business applications, and provides APIs for custom integrations.
Scalability: Suitable for both small businesses and large enterprises, the platform can scale and adapt as your needs change.
Custom Forms and Data Fields: You can adjust forms, templates, and data fields to collect and use information that’s relevant to your business.
Additional Costs
Preferred Patron’s pricing is transparent, but costs can vary depending on your selected plan, features, and any add-ons. Here are the main cost areas:
Pricing and Fees
Monthly Subscription: Pricing ranges from approximately $29.95 per month for basic plans, $59.95–$99 per month for small business plans, and up to $249–$349 per month for premium or multi-location solutions.
Setup Fees:
Higher-tier or multi-location plans may require a one-time setup fee, typically between $99 and $299 per location or kiosk.
Basic plans may not have setup fees.
Add-Ons:
Kiosk functionality is available for an additional $39.95–$49.95 per month per kiosk, plus a one-time setup fee.
eCommerce integrations (such as with certain POS systems) may incur extra charges, generally $10–$69.95 per month per location, depending on the platform.
Support and Maintenance:
Standard support (phone, email, tutorials) is included in most plans.
Enterprise or premium plans may include priority support.
There are no hidden fees, transaction fees, or redemption fees.
Email/SMS Credits: Each plan includes a monthly quota for email and SMS campaigns. You can purchase additional credits if needed.
Customization Charges: Advanced or deep software customization is available for enterprise clients and may involve additional fees, depending on the complexity of the requested changes.
Training
Preferred Patron ensures that new users receive thorough training and ongoing support to maximize their success with the platform:
Live Onboarding Training: New clients receive complimentary, live onboarding sessions conducted remotely by a qualified support professional. These sessions typically last up to one hour and cover essential features and workflows.
Video Tutorial Library: Users have access to a comprehensive library of short, task-focused video tutorials. These videos provide step-by-step instructions, making it easy to learn specific features at your own pace.
Live Demonstrations: Prospective clients can request live, interactive demonstrations before purchase. These sessions usually last 1–2 hours and showcase the platform’s core capabilities.
Ongoing Training: Dedicated account representatives are available to assist with setup and provide additional training as needed. Users can schedule further sessions if they require more guidance.
Support Channels:
Phone support is available during standard business hours (Monday to Friday).
Email support is available 24/7 for assistance outside of business hours.
Premium-level customers receive priority phone and email support.
Self-Service Resources: The platform offers help guides, documentation, and a knowledge base for users who prefer self-directed learning and troubleshooting.
Security Measures
Preferred Patron employs a range of security protocols to safeguard both customer and business data:
Cloud-Based Hosting: Data is hosted in a secure, tier-1 data center with real-time redundancy and regular backups to prevent data loss from system failures.
Regulatory Compliance: The platform adheres to major data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and Canada Anti-Spam Law (CASL).
Data Encryption: Industry-standard encryption is used for both data storage and payment processing, ensuring sensitive information is protected.
Access Controls: User access is managed through permissions and controls, so only authorized personnel can access sensitive data.
Privacy Policy: Data is stored solely for service provision and is never shared without explicit consent. Merchants are responsible for reporting any suspected account security issues.
Virus and Crash Protection: Data is protected against viruses and local device failures. If a device crashes, users can reconnect from another device without losing data.
Updates
Regular Updates: Preferred Patron releases updates to the platform on a regular basis, enhancing features, security, and overall user experience.
Real-Time Delivery: Updates are delivered in real time, so users benefit from new features and improvements as soon as they are available.
Update Management: Updates are managed by the provider and typically do not require user intervention. Some users have suggested that the update process could be more automated, but overall, updates are straightforward and minimally disruptive.
Data Ownership and Portability
Preferred Patron’s policy specifies that merchants retain ownership of their business and customer data. The platform stores merchant and customer information solely for the purpose of providing the agreed-upon services. Preferred Patron will not disclose merchant data without prior written consent from the merchant. Merchants are responsible for ensuring that any personal data collected from customers has been obtained with explicit consent.
Regarding data portability, the terms do not explicitly outline automated export or migration processes. However, since the merchant owns their data, they may request access or export of their information if needed. Preferred Patron may set reasonable limits on file size, storage space, and processing capacity, but does not claim ownership over merchant-uploaded content. Merchants are also responsible for managing access levels to their own data within the platform.
Preferred Patron may access merchant account data only to resolve support or technical issues, and merchants are required to notify Preferred Patron if there are any concerns about account security.
Scaling Up / Down
Preferred Patron’s cloud-based infrastructure is designed to be highly scalable. The platform can support businesses ranging from small shops to large multi-location chains and enterprise organizations. This flexibility allows businesses to scale their loyalty program up or down as their needs change.
Terms for scaling generally involve adjusting your subscription to accommodate more or fewer locations, users, or features. As your organization grows, you can add outlets or expand functionality; if your needs decrease, you can reduce your subscription level accordingly. There are no specific penalties mentioned for scaling down, but changes in scale may affect your monthly fees and any applicable setup costs for new locations or features.
In summary, Preferred Patron gives merchants control over their data and supports both growth and reduction in scale through flexible, cloud-based subscription management.
The terms & conditions for contract renewal and cancellation
Contract Renewal:
Preferred Patron agreements begin on the installation date and continue for the term specified in your purchase agreement.
Contracts automatically renew for additional, identical terms unless either party provides advance written notice of termination before the current term expires.
Regular recurring subscription charges are billed monthly in advance and require automatic monthly payment.
Cancellation:
You may terminate your agreement at any time by providing written notice to Preferred Patron at their designated address.
Annual contracts can be cancelled within the first 30 days without incurring additional fees, allowing new clients a risk-free trial period.
Preferred Patron may terminate the agreement if you breach any terms, fail to pay fees (with a 15-day cure period after notice), if required by law, if service is no longer commercially viable, or if there is extended account inactivity.
Upon termination, all access to the services is removed, your data and account information may be deleted, and you must discontinue use of the software.
If service is disconnected for non-payment, a reconnection fee equal to 25% of the outstanding balance may be required, and all outstanding balances must be paid before reconnection.
Termination for cause is at Preferred Patron’s sole discretion, and they are not liable for any damages resulting from service interruption or termination.
Compliance
Preferred Patron maintains compliance with several major data protection and privacy regulations:
GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation): Ensures the privacy and protection of personal data for EU residents.
CCPA (California Consumer Privacy Act): Protects the privacy rights of California residents, including transparency, opt-out, and data access provisions.
CASL (Canada Anti-Spam Law): Regulates electronic communications and marketing to Canadian consumers.
Security Practices:
Data is managed in a high-security, tier-1 data center, redundantly mirrored in real time, and regularly backed up.
The platform uses industry-standard encryption and access controls.
Data is only used for providing services and is never disclosed without explicit merchant consent.