Affordable, simple to use loyalty technology to help small to medium-sized retailers maintain long-term sales

LONDON, 7 February 2011 – Htec, one of Europe’s leading providers of payment and loyalty solutions today introduced the breakthrough GemPOINTS loyalty system for smaller retailers. The simple to operate low-cost loyalty solution with secure smartcard technology allows retailers to operate a comprehensive loyalty scheme; issuing and redeeming points in the same way large high street loyalty schemes are run. Affordable and simple to use GemPOINTS will help retailers run marketing promotions or special offers and allow collaboration between retailers to maintain longer-term customer loyalty.

Jeff Dakin, head of data services at Htec commented, “Small to medium-sized retailers have always argued that the costs, complexity and security are reasons for not using technology-based loyalty schemes. GemPOINTS was created to address these concerns using a simplified approach that dispenses with the need for any back office infrastructure such as IT communications. GemPOINTS is powered from a standard 3-pin mains power socket and is completely self-contained allowing shop owners to operate their entire loyalty scheme. For the first time, smaller retailers can run a loyalty solution with the same level of sophistication and appeal that the high-street brands currently provide but at a fraction of the cost; increasing footfall and spend.”

The GemPOINTS terminal is the size of paperback book and features a terminal display and keypad for security code entry. The retailer is given flexible auditing and optional administration functions in GemPOINTS to support features such as multiple tariffs, automatic bonus periods for running happy hour promotions on hourly, daily or weekly basis. Customers are given smartcards by the retailer, which are used to securely carry the accrued points and current balances. GemPOINTS can give small retailers a loyalty scheme from as little as £35 per month making it a practical option for convenience, independent, market and all other small stores.

Dakin continued: “Bringing this product to the convenience store or independent specialist retailer gives the insight and power to provide customers with tailored and targeted promotions right at the till and the potential of collaborating with other shops and finding ways to entice the customer to spend and stay loyal is going to be very exciting.”

GemPOINTS is a modular system that grows with the retailer. Options can be added to interface to any till or back office solution and software can be upgraded. GemPOINTS will be the first of the Gem Series payment and loyalty solutions which will launch throughout 2011.