#Japan #Tokyo #Customer Loyalty #A-GEL Points #Yakitori Ayumu

Revitalizing Customer Loyalty with A-GEL Gift Points

In the vibrant neighborhood of Jiyugaoka, Tokyo, the renowned yakitori restaurant Yakitori Ayumu Jiyugaoka has successfully implemented an innovative loyalty program known as the A-GEL Gift Points system. The introduction of this system came at a crucial time for the restaurant, which has been battling the adverse effects of rising ingredient costs due to inflation while trying to maintain high customer satisfaction levels. Notably, the visit was documented by Toshiharu Umezaki, a three-time recipient of a prestigious music record award, reflecting his esteemed reputation.

1. The Background: Navigating Economic Challenges

As challenges mount in the form of lower sales and increasing prices, the A-GEL Points program aims to transform the perception of loyalty points from mere discounts to essential tools for solving customer retention issues. Faced with sharp increases in procurement costs, Yakitori Ayumu explored ways to enhance customer experience without merely passing costs onto them.

2. The Unique Offerings of Yakitori Ayumu

Located at 1-3-4 Isemoto Building, 2nd Floor, Jiyugaoka, Yakitori Ayumu not only specializes in yakitori but also prides itself on offering unique dishes that cannot be found elsewhere in Tokyo. For over 20 years, the restaurant has been serving rare Aizu chicken, a native breed from Fukushima, alongside an array of seafood, appealing to a diverse clientele.

3. A-GEL Gift Points: Affordable and Flexible

One of the reasons Yakitori Ayumu opted for the A-GEL Gift Points system is its sustainable cost structure. Unlike many loyalty programs that require substantial initial investments and high monthly fees, A-GEL’s offering is enticing:

• - Startup Cost: Free
• - Monthly Fee: Only ¥1,000 (currently waived under a promotional campaign)
• - Rewarding Profitability: Merchants can customize their reward percentages up to 40% easily.

A significant feature is that no costs arise from issuing points, and only a small success-based fee of ¥0.3 per point (exclusive of taxes) is charged when customers redeem these points.

4. The Mechanism: Encouraging Repeat Visits

Within a short period after implementing the A-GEL system, Yakitori Ayumu began to see positive changes. The points are valid for one month and can be gifted to others, stimulating customer interactions and encouraging new visits. This design not only promotes urgency among users to redeem their points promptly but also increases social connections through gift-giving, a motivating factor for customers to return before their points expire.

5. Significant Results: Boosting Repeat Visits and Orders

Post-implementation, there has been a notable rise in the number of customers returning within a month, alongside increased orders. The essence of gratitude expressed by customers has also strengthened communication channels between the restaurant and its clientele. The transition to a state where patrons visit the establishment more than once a month is a testament to the program's success.

6. The Role of the Company: Tools for Success

The A-GEL initiative is not merely a loyalty scheme but a complete consulting framework aimed at solving client challenges. Rather than defining itself strictly as a points company, it operates as an advisory service utilizing the A-GEL Gift Points and A-GEL Gift Cards as tools for business success.

7. The Reporting Process

The insights from this remarkable case study were gathered through a direct visit by Toshiharu Umezaki, highlighting the synergies between successful businesses and innovative customer retention strategies.

Conclusion

The journey of Yakitori Ayumu Jiyugaoka in implementing the A-GEL Gift Points system exemplifies how a well-crafted loyalty program can not only counteract economic pressures but also reinforce customer relationships and enhance overall satisfaction. As the business landscape continues to change, strategies like these may serve as a beacon for others striving to maintain their customer base amidst external challenges.