Consumers Want Cost Savings and Value, New Prizing Survey Finds

Merkle, dentsu’s leading technology-enabled, data-driven customer experience management (CXM) company, unveiled its 2023 Consumer Prizing Report examining how consumers evaluate and choose rewards from brands. The report illuminates a shift from what was once considered “nice to have” to what is now deemed “must have” or essential to consumers with nearly three-quarters (3/4) of respondents sharing a preference for grocery gift cards over spa massages. Merkle polled more than 1,100 consumers in the United States across generations and income brackets, exploring the consumer preferences and desired benefits of consumer loyalty programs and promotions, including how sentiment has changed given inflation and the increased cost of consumer goods.

“The report highlights how brands can improve prize and incentive strategies to drive desired consumer behaviors through promotions, branded games, chance to win experiences, and loyalty programs. Consumers prefer options that are convenient and make everyday lives easier,” said Jen Gray, SVP of experience creative, promotion & loyalty solutions at Merkle. “Consumer sentiment has predictably shifted as people are keeping a closer eye on the household budget.” Key findings from the Consumer Prizing Report include:

  • Financial Relief and Value: Rewards that focus on everyday needs, such as groceries or even a mortgage or rent payment, resonate with consumers seeking some relief for their budget across all household income spectrums including 80% of low-income (up to £49,999), 72% of middle-income (up to £149,999), and 61% of high-income (159,000 and higher).
  • Rewards Delivery: A generational divide separates older and younger generations in how they receive rewards.

    Between 32-50% of Gen X and baby boomers preferring Visa/Amazon gift cards compared to the nearly 47% of millennials and Gen Z, who prefer Venmo/PayPal credit.

  • Impulse Control: An average of 77% of baby boomers are more than willing to wait for a larger sum than a smaller cash prize now, regardless of denominations, whereas 53% of Gen X tilts toward a guaranteed small reward – showing a stronger interest in this type of prize versus any other generation cohort preferences.
  • Accepting Digital Currency: Of all generational cohorts, millennials are the most willing to accept cryptocurrency – albeit only 4%. While 11% of Gen X wouldn’t mind receiving it as a prize showing they have a curiosity for digital currency, but they prefer more secure methods for actual payment.
  • Prizing Preferences: When it comes to physical prizes, brand vacations and shopping sprees remain enticing grand prizes for both genders. Women rank a shopping spree, vacation, and a room makeover as the most appealing, while men prefer a lifetime supply of their favorite brand, followed by a vacation and shopping spree driven primarily by millennial and baby boomer males and likely influenced by tighter budgets.

“It’s no surprise that consumer preferences have shifted given the dynamic external environment,” said Gray. “Additionally, consumers are savvy and will chose a benefit to suit their needs.

The insights in this report will help marketers improve engagement rates, while deepening the customer relationship.

Adjusting the rewards strategy to match customer preference is critical to ensure high retention rates.

Marketers who do not will experience customer churn.”

bedworld listed on couponmatrix.ukfenty-beauty listed on couponmatrix.ukfreddies-flowers listed on couponmatrix.ukpondkeeper listed on couponmatrix.ukwhittard-of-chelsea listed on couponmatrix.ukwicked listed on couponmatrix.uk
bedworld listed on couponmatrix.ukBedworld is one of the leading online retailers for beds, mattresses and bedroom furniture. They offer a wide range of products from leading brands at competitive prices. They also offer a range of kid’s bed frames and mattresses to suit every style! Bedworld offers a variety of discount codes to help you save money on your purchase. So if you're looking for a new bed or mattress, be sure to check out Bedworld.
fenty-beauty listed on couponmatrix.ukFenty Beauty is probably the coolest beauty brand around. It’s cruelty-free, was created by Rihanna herself and has been commended for its diverse foundation shades and celebration of all kinds of beauty. Whether you want a fresh, no-makeup makeup look or bold eyeshadow game, Fenty Beauty has it covered with plenty of viral and TikTok trending products to explore. Add a Fenty voucher to your purchase or check out the Fenty sales to find your favourites for less – we’re tracking the best Fenty offers here at Groupon!
freddies-flowers listed on couponmatrix.ukIndividually arranged floral bouquets are the name of the game at Freddies Flowers, the brainchild of florist Freddie Garland and his team of botanical experts. With the right Freddies Flowers discount code you can enjoy fresh floral arrangements for a fraction of the asking price. Adding fragrance and natural beauty to any home is Garland’s goal and thanks to his decades of expertise and the careful selection that goes into every box, they deliver exactly that with every bouquet.
pondkeeper listed on couponmatrix.ukThere’s nothing quite like a water feature in the garden to add a little dose of tranquility to your space. So, create a pond you can be proud of with the expert team at Pondkeeper! Help yourself to a Pondkeeper discount code to treat yourself to the best quality products from the UK’s leading pond specialists, and stock up on pond liners, pumps, filters and more for a fraction of the regular price!
whittard-of-chelsea listed on couponmatrix.ukStocking a wide range of tea and coffee types, cups, teapots, cafetières and confectionery, Whittard of Chelsea sees to your morning cravings with elegance and zest, helping you tackle the painful daily grind. Whittard is also big on providing a perfect gift for that special person, with accessories and a gift wrap service, plus a tea and coffee club to introduce you to aromas from all over the world. A Whittard promo code will help you stock your cupboards with all the refreshments you'll need.
wicked listed on couponmatrix.ukTake a trip to a wonderfully familiar world with Wicked, the alternative take on the legendary tale of the Wicked Witch. Featuring an ensemble cast of cool and creative characters, all a theatre fan needs is a Wicked discount code to get a great deal on an evening’s show they’ll never forget. Whether you love theatre for the music, the props, the production or for everything else, prepare to discover one of the world’s best modern musicals with Wicked.