In the battle for market share of coffee drinkers, after a year of testing, Tim Hortons rolled out their loyalty program.
It is similar to Starbucks and is based on a visit rather than the amount spent – however, there is a minimum spend of 50cents and there should be atleast 30mins between visits to earn another reward.
After seven visits, you can redeem for a free coffee or tea at any size (McDonalds limits it to a medium only) or a baked good (except Timbits and bagels).
Unlike McDonalds, it wont be on a paper card, but it will be offered on the Tim Hortons mobile app as well as on a plastic re-useable swipe card.
Overall, I am not impressed. Why can I not collect more reward points and redeem for a breakfast sandwich? or a Greek yogurt?
Also, if I am spending more on a French Vanilla or an Iced-Capp which costs more than a coffee, why can I not redeem for a French Vanilla(similar to roll up the rim) or an Iced-Capp?
There is also no mention of specials – like double rewards, happy hour i.e. get two free coffees instead of one between 2-4pm on a monday.
Tim Hortons are notoriously slow in serving and there are long line ups. This will now make it worse while people fumble and search for their cards.
Tim Hortons – If you are launching a loyalty program, offer something more and beyond what the competition is offering.
Offer a feature to load money and accumulate rewards points on one card/app.
Make it easy on the counter staff and make it easy for coffee drinkers.
Not impressed!!