By BRIAN SMITH
People are always into saving money. A new program gives them a way to gain rewards simply by shopping their favorite stores.
Through the SpotOn program, a number of Weatherford businesses are helping customers save money and the great thing is, one card works for all the businesses. Brandon Hutchens with Hutch’s Pie and Sandwich Shop on College Park Drive, one of the first in the city to start the program, says response has been great since the program started about a month ago.
“We have signed up about 120 people,” Hutchens said. “It’s been good.”
After signing up for the program, which is free, cardholders are asked to scan their card to receive a point for each purchase. Cards are given as are items which fit on your key ring. Every time a person comes into a participating business, they can gain special discounts.
By visiting spoton.com, the app can be downloaded to your phone so no cards are needed. Once at the website, click on the for customers link and provide a phone number so the link can be texted right to the phone
Right now, the points are not transferable between businesses, meaning the points you earn at one business have to be used at that business. One card, however, can be used at all the businesses.
At Hutch’s, discounts such as 20 percent off a purchase, free pies, cups of soup or a sandwich can be achieved. You can redeem your discount immediately or let them add up.
Other restaurants, such as Nizza Pizza, Cowboys Ranch Café, Bakers’ Ribs, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop and Sunny Street Café, are using the program. Non restaurants taking part include Merle Norman, AIM Mail Center, Something Special and Scentimentals Boutique and a host of others. A full list of participating businesses can be downloaded to any SmartPhone.
Michelle Hovanek, owner of Glamour Paws on South Main Street, said the machine used was installed last week and she has signed up about 25-30 people in the first days. She said part of the problem she’s having is people not wanting to take part because they think it may be too complicated.
“If they take the time to listen to what’s involved, you can earn some pretty good things like 25 percent off if you bring a friend, discounts on teeth cleaning,” Hovanek said.
The program also allows businesses to hook into a computer system and let customers know about special discounts, Horvanek said.
“If we’re having a slow day, we can let customers know we’re offering a 20 percent discount or whatever for that day to get more people in the door,” Horvanek, who has been doing pet grooming for 35 years, said. “It’s another way to offer discounts and let people know what we’re doing.”
Mike Hernandez with 2 Outlaws BBQ said the program has been getting some positive feedback but response has been pretty slow. People are taking the cards but are not signing up.
“We’re getting some feedback and that’s good because we’re starting to introduce some new food items,” Hernandez said. “It’s been great as a way to bring people in the door to try our new products like steaks.”
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