"Preferred Methods of Communication” A Study of Foodservice Operators and Loyalty Programs Sara Cooney Minneapolis, Minnesota Winter 2002
“Today we receive more information from all types of media in a single day than our grandparents did in a whole month.” - Robert Cogan, Communication. Advisor Today, August, 2002
Know, understand and respond to your audience.
The Players involved... Food Manufacturers: Brokers/Distributors: Foodservice Operators: Produce Sell Prepare
Foodservice Market Channel Foodservice Operators Distributor Sales Reps Distributor Companies Foodservice Manufacturers Brokerage Houses Broker Sales Reps
Loyalty Program Examples
Communicating and Promoting Loyalty Programs
Communicating Loyalty Program Information -Is the best choice? -Does this audience have easy access to the web? -Are ed promotional messages comprehended and retained? -Would a combination of communication methods be a better choice?
Research Question Is there a preferred method to communicate information regarding loyalty programs to foodservice operators?
Food Service Operators
Respondents fell into the following categories: Educational Facility Deli/Coffee Shop Care FacilityCaterer Business Feeder Hotel/Motel Recreation/EntertainmentRetail Store Fine Dining Rest.Family Casual Rest. Quick Service Rest.Other
What communication method do you prefer when receiving loyalty program promotional information? Direct Mail Sales Force Combination of DM & EM Combination of DM & Sales Force
Results Communication Preferences
Do you generally read loyalty program promotional information sent via Direct Mail? 71% said they “Always” or “Sometimes” read messages sent in this format.
Do you generally read loyalty program promotional information sent via Electronic Mail? 39% said they “Always” or “Sometimes” read messages sent in this format.
61% “Rarely” or “Never” read those messages. If 39% always or sometimes read messages....
Know your audience.
Launch programs using direct mail. Encourage the sales force. Once the program is established, use in combination with other communication methods. In response to the results...