As loyalty programs continue to shape customer habits in the cannabis industry, AYR Cannabis Dispensary has positioned itself with the “Welcome Back Rewards” program, aiming to strengthen customer loyalty while offering tangible benefits. While the program’s tiered structure and bonus opportunities stand out on paper, real-world customer experiences reveal both strengths and shortcomings worth examining.
Program Overview
AYR’s “Welcome Back Rewards” program is designed to reward patients and customers based on their annual spending levels. Members earn points for every dollar spent, structured into three tiers:
- Neighbor (Tier 1): Spend up to $500 annually and earn 2 points per $1.
- Friend (Tier 2): Spend between $501–$2,000 annually and earn 4 points per $1.
- Family (Tier 3): Spend over $2,000 annually and earn 6 points per $1.
Customers can redeem their points once they accumulate a minimum of 500 points, which equals $5 off a purchase. Redemptions can be used in increments up to 5,000 points, equating to a maximum of $50 off a single transaction.
In addition to the standard spending rewards, AYR’s program includes bonus point opportunities:
- 500 points for signing up.
- 2,000 points on a customer’s birthday.
- 1,000 points for each successful referral.
This structure offers both immediate gratification and long-term earning potential, which is a hallmark of effective loyalty design.
Program Strengths
One of the clearest advantages of the AYR rewards program is its scalability. The more customers spend, the more efficiently they earn points. High-volume customers benefit greatly by reaching the top tier, effectively making each purchase even more rewarding.
Another highlight is AYR’s allowance for stacking rewards with promotions. Customers can often use their points alongside other store discounts, increasing the overall value of their purchases.
Additionally, the generous bonus opportunities, especially the birthday rewards and referral incentives, make it easy for customers to earn rewards faster without necessarily having to spend more.
Customer Challenges
However, customer feedback reveals several challenges that can impact the overall value of the program.
One frequent complaint is the restriction on redeeming points for discounted products. Given that many dispensary items are frequently placed on sale, customers find their ability to use rewards often limited, which dampens the program’s appeal.
Furthermore, technical issues with AYR’s app and website have been noted. Problems such as login errors, poor loading times, and difficulties tracking rewards leave many customers frustrated, sometimes enough to forgo using the rewards program altogether.
Longtime customers have also expressed disappointment regarding recent changes to the program. Some recall earlier loyalty setups that offered more flexible point usage and larger rewards. The current iteration, while structured, is seen as a downgrade by these customers.
Final Thoughts
AYR’s “Welcome Back Rewards” program is a thoughtful attempt at creating a structured loyalty experience that rewards frequent buyers while encouraging brand loyalty through bonuses and referrals. However, restrictions on redemption, technical hurdles, and a perception of reduced value compared to previous programs have made it a mixed bag for many customers.
For patients and customers who shop regularly at AYR and are willing to navigate occasional redemption challenges, the program can still offer meaningful savings. However, prospective members should enter with clear expectations and keep an eye out for promotions that maximize the value of their points.