Microsoft Looks To Reward Loyalty

Microsoft is jumping into the retail fray this week as it looks to launch a pilot rewards program for customers called Earn. The program, still in beta, is rolling out at three Microsoft stores in U.S. states: Arizona, Massachusetts and Washington.

Twitter-based Microsoft watcher h0x0d (the guy who recently discovered the new OneClip and Flow apps from Microsoft) was the first to spot Earn, reports VentureBeat.

“Microsoft Earn is a customer rewards beta program that we are piloting in our Arizona, Massachusetts and Washington stores,” a Microsoft spokesperson told VB. “As part of our commitment to delivering outstanding choice, value and service, Microsoft Earn helps Visa and MasterCard customers turn Earn Credits received for purchases at their favorite retailers and restaurants into technology rewards at Microsoft stores. Registering for the program is as easy as visiting www.earnbymicrosoft.com.”

To tap into Earn, users will have to enroll by providing contact info and debit or credit data on themselves. Users will then pick up 10 percent in Earn Credits when they use their cards at select national retailers (Starbucks, Whole Foods, 7 Eleven, PetSmart, Papa John’s, and 1-800-Flowers.com) as well as at hundreds of participating local restaurants. Earn Credits can then be used toward products at Microsoft stores (software, laptops, tablets, phones, Xbox consoles and games, headphones, speakers, etc).

The hook? Earn points go toward tech without actually having to buy a bunch of tech first. Plus, Microsoft offers a solid value prop to merchant partners – those who join give consumers a reason to shop at their location even without a discount at that exact location. It literally costs merchants nothing since the discounts all come through Microsoft – which itself  is clearly looking to drive shoppers into its stores.

So do consumers want a tech reward program? It seems that is what this pilot is looking to find out.
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