Skip to main content

Program Evolution Examples

Learn how major loyalty programs can evolve from closed-loop points to open, portable rewards with Loyalteez. Each case study includes concrete implementation examples.

Overview​

Traditional loyalty programs invest 2-5% of revenue in rewards that:

  • Expire or devalue over time
  • Only work within a single brand's ecosystem
  • Create complexity through tier structures
  • Focus on retention, not acquisition

The Loyalteez approach: Split that same investment into:

  • LTZ (1%) — Portable rewards that work across the ecosystem
  • Perks (2%) — Brand-specific value that attracts customers from across the network

The result: same investment, but customers come because they want to—not because their points expire.

Case Studies​

Quick-Service Restaurants​

ProgramKey ChallengeLoyalteez Solution
Starbucks RewardsExpiring Stars, tier complexityPortable LTZ, no expiration
McDonald's RewardsClosed loop, McDonald's-onlyNetwork amplification
MyPaneraDual systems (rewards + Sip Club)Unified LTZ earning

Travel & Hospitality​

ProgramKey ChallengeLoyalteez Solution
Delta SkyMilesDevaluing miles, status treadmillStable value, portable rewards
Marriott BonvoyHotel-only value, 24-month expirationEcosystem rewards
Carnival VIFPCruise-only tiersUniversal LTZ + experiences

Retail​

ProgramKey ChallengeLoyalteez Solution
Sephora Beauty InsiderTier climb, annual resetSame value for everyone
Amazon PrimeClosed ecosystemOpen LTZ layer

Coalitions​

ProgramKey ChallengeLoyalteez Solution
Blue RewardsPartner defection, subsidizationProtocol (self-funded)
Scene+Coalition tensionProtocol harmony

Implementation Patterns​

Purchase Rewards (Most Programs)​

// Replace points/stars/miles with LTZ
await fetch('https://api.loyalteez.app/loyalteez-api/manual-event', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    brandId: process.env.LOYALTEEZ_BRAND_ID,
    eventType: 'place_order',
    userEmail: customer.email,
    domain: 'yourbrand.com',
    metadata: {
      order_id: order.id,
      order_value: order.total,
      // Track legacy equivalent for analytics
      legacy_points_equivalent: calculateLegacyPoints(order.total)
    }
  })
});

See: Event Handler API | E-commerce Guide

Subscription Rewards (Prime, Sip Club)​

// Reward subscription commitment
await fetch('https://api.loyalteez.app/loyalteez-api/manual-event', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    brandId: process.env.LOYALTEEZ_BRAND_ID,
    eventType: 'subscription_renewed',
    userEmail: customer.email,
    domain: 'yourbrand.com',
    metadata: {
      subscription_type: 'premium_annual',
      amount: 139.00,
      ltz_bonus: 1390 // 1% of annual value
    }
  })
});

See: Custom Events Guide

Travel Events (Airlines, Hotels, Cruises)​

// Track travel completion
await fetch('https://api.loyalteez.app/loyalteez-api/manual-event', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    brandId: process.env.LOYALTEEZ_BRAND_ID,
    eventType: 'flight_completed', // or 'stay_completed', 'cruise_completed'
    userEmail: traveler.email,
    domain: 'yourbrand.com',
    metadata: {
      booking_id: booking.id,
      fare_paid: booking.totalFare,
      // Track status for display (not gating)
      elite_status: traveler.currentTier
    }
  })
});

See: Custom Events Guide

Coalition Migration (Blue Rewards, Scene+)​

// Each partner sends own events (no subsidization)
await fetch('https://api.loyalteez.app/loyalteez-api/manual-event', {
  method: 'POST',
  headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
  body: JSON.stringify({
    brandId: process.env.PARTNER_BRAND_ID, // Each partner has own brand ID
    eventType: 'place_order',
    userEmail: customer.email,
    domain: 'partner.com',
    metadata: {
      partner_network: 'coalition_evolved',
      partner_id: 'partner_name',
      order_value: transaction.total
      // Partner funds own LTZ — no subsidization
    }
  })
});

Perks as Acquisition​

The key insight: customers from other brands have LTZ too. Your perks become an acquisition channel.

// Example perks replacing legacy redemptions
const perks = [
  // Starbucks: 60 Stars → $2 off
  { name: "$2 Off Any Item", cost: 200, category: "discount" },
  
  // McDonald's: 1,500 points → McChicken
  { name: "Free McChicken", cost: 150, category: "freebie" },
  
  // Marriott: Elite benefit → open perk
  { name: "Late Checkout", cost: 300, category: "convenience" },
  
  // Delta: Status perk → open perk
  { name: "Lounge Day Pass", cost: 500, category: "access" }
];

See: Perks Service

Read the Full Case Studies​

Visit the Program Evolution hub for all 10 detailed case studies with complete implementation guides.

Each study includes:

  • Current program breakdown
  • Pain points analysis
  • Loyalteez redesign
  • Concrete code examples
  • Before/after comparison
Last updated on