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Archive for the ‘Gas’ Category

As oil resources continue to scarce out and consequently, fuel prices continue on the rise throughout the world, savvy consumers are out on a quest to squeeze the most out of their money, be it to find the cheapest gas out there or to save money through customer rewards programs as a way to help counter their gas-related expenses.

This applies not only to large countries but also to smaller ones, such as Guam, Saipan and Palau where people are rushing out to gas stations to take advantage of the assortment of gas station promotions they have to choose from. But not all promotions are created equal so here are five key points to consider, if you are considering to try these promotions out.

Promotion Reach

Promotions that reward gas purchases at a variety of stations at different regions of the world (often called non-affiliated promotions) may suit better travelers, but for customers who do most of their driving locally, say in Palau or Saipan and already have a favorite gas station, a locally based rewards program, with an affiliated reward system, will likely pay more in the long run.

Entrance

Cards or promotions that charge a membership or annual fee or that require a high rate of purchase rarely outperform a simple rebate or reward that applies to all transactions without any disbursements from the buyer. In other words, instant gratification is not only more satisfying; it makes more financial sense when it comes to a customer rewards program. Let’s face it: people enter reward programs to save money, not to throw money into it.

Usefulness

The reward program must offer something that will actually help the customer’s bottom line such as free gas, cash, airline miles or the like, not simply a decoration or toy. In tough economic times, practical promotions are best.

For instance, the Isla Petroleum and Energy (IP&E) Reward programs center their offers on concrete items such as $7 on free fuel for each 100 gallons of gas or 300 Delta SkyMiles. Simple, concrete things that people can take advantage of and that can give their money more value than simply buying gas.