The "Almost There" Nudge: Re-engaging Customers with a Nearly Full Stamp Card

Imagine a customer rummaging through their wallet, pulling out a dog-eared stamp card with just one sad, empty square left on it. That nearly complete card is a powerful thing. It represents loyalty, repeat business, and the promise of a well-deserved reward.

But it also represents a considerable risk. If that customer forgets about it, that card—and all the goodwill it represents—can get lost forever.

The "one stamp to go" moment is the most critical point in the loyalty journey. Getting it right doesn't just mean giving away a freebie; it's your chance to cement a habit, make a customer's day, and smartly increase your sales right there and then. Here’s how you do it.

Part 1: The Digital Tap on the Shoulder

First things first, you can't rely on your customers to remember how close they are. Life is busy. Their morning coffee routine might be interrupted by a new café opening next door. This is where a gentle, automated nudge comes into play.

Your customer might have nine stamps, but if they don't realise it, they have no reason to choose you over a competitor.

This is precisely what meed is built for. Because meed is digital, it can see when a customer is on their penultimate stamp. You can set up a simple, automated message that goes straight to their phone:

"Hey Sarah! You're just one stamp away from your free coffee at The Daily Grind. Pop in soon to claim your reward!"

This simple message does two brilliant things: it reminds them of the value they’ve built up with you, and it puts your shop top of mind, giving them a compelling reason to walk through your door. It’s the modern, effective way to say, "We miss you, and you're this close to a treat!"

Part 2: The In-Store Magic Moment

The digital nudge gets them in the door. Now for the real magic. The customer is at your counter, ready to pay. They scan their phone, and you see it: they have one stamp left to get their reward.

This is not the time for a standard transaction. This is a golden opportunity. With a bit of training, your staff can turn this moment into a fun, interactive experience that customers love. It’s not about a hard upsell; it’s about a helpful, slightly cheeky suggestion.

Here’s a playbook with examples you can steal for your own business.

For the Coffee Shop

• The Scenario: A regular orders their usual flat white. Their meed card shows 9/10 stamps. Getting this coffee will fill the card, meaning their next coffee is free.
  

• The Nudge: Your barista says, "Ah, brilliant! This coffee gets you your final stamp, so your next one's on us. Just so you know, if you fancy grabbing one of those almond croissants today, that would also count as an item and fill your card. So you get a treat now and a free coffee next time!"
  

• Why It Works: You're offering instant gratification. For a couple of quid, they get a pastry and the satisfaction of completing their goal. It feels like a win.
  

For the Bakery or Deli

• The Scenario: A customer is buying a sausage roll. The offer is "Buy 5 baked goods, get the 6th free." They are one stamp away.
  

• The Nudge: "Ooh, you are dangerously close to a freebie! This sausage roll is your fifth stamp. You know, if you wanted to grab a brownie for later, that would be your sixth item, and we could make that one free for you right now."
  

• Why It Works: This is the ultimate in instant rewards. You're not making them wait. You're giving them the free item immediately, which feels like they've cleverly played the system.

For the Independent Bookshop

• The Scenario: A customer is buying a paperback. Your programme is "1 stamp for every £10 spent. 10 stamps = £10 off." They have 9 stamps and are about to get their 10th.
  

• The Nudge: "I've just spotted you're about to hit your £10 reward with this book, which is fantastic! We've got these lovely new journals by the till. If you were to add one to your purchase today, you could use that £10 reward immediately on the whole lot."
  

• Why It Works: It transforms a future discount into an immediate one, encouraging them to spend a little more to save a lot more. The total transaction value goes up, and the customer leaves with a bargain.
  

For the Pizza Takeaway

• The Scenario: A customer orders their usual Margherita. Your deal is "Buy 5 Pizzas, Get a 6th Free." This is their fifth pizza.
  

• The Nudge: "Nice one! This is your final stamp, so your next pizza is on the house. To celebrate you being such a great customer, if you add a portion of garlic bread tonight, we'll throw in a can of Coke for free."
  

• Why It Works: You're rewarding the reward. A tiny, high-margin giveaway (a can of pop) makes the customer feel extra special for their loyalty, and you've easily added a profitable side to the order.

It's a Nudge, Not a Shove

Engaging customers with a nearly full stamp card

The key to all of this is the tone. It's friendly, helpful, and conspiratorial. You're letting the customer in on a little secret to help them get the most value.

Combine the automated "come back in" message from meed with a well-trained, enthusiastic team, and those nearly complete stamp cards will stop being a risk and start being your most reliable tool for driving that little bit of extra business, one cupcake at a time.

Use our mighty wizard and set up your STAMP card right now. Hit the banner below, and start engaging your customers so that they have a nearly full stamp card.