Pizza Hut has now joined the loyalty program mix after it recently launched Hut Rewards, which rewards customers unlimited points for every dollar spent online.
Hut Rewards differs from other pizza loyalty programs because customers can earn a free pizza in as little as one visit, along with points for every dollar spent. The points-based program rewards two points for every dollar spent online on food, which can be applied toward a Medium ANY™ Pizza (any recipe, any toppings) for 200 points; or a Large ANY™ Pizza (any recipe, any toppings) for 250 points.
Jeff Fox, chief brand & concept officer at Pizza Hut, doesn’t hedge on his opinion of the program.
“We believe Hut Rewards is the fastest way to earn free pizza, and thus the most rewarding loyalty program in the category,” Fox told Loyalty360. “Customers can not only earn unlimited points for every dollar spent but also redeem those points for medium or large pizzas with unlimited toppings.”
To kick-start the launch of Hut Rewards, Pizza Hut will offer double rewards on all Pizza Hut food purchases from Aug. 10 through Oct. 1.
New customers can visit PizzaHut.com, click on the Hut Rewards program opt-in, and quickly complete a profile to simultaneously create a digital account and enroll in Hut Rewards. Existing customers can simply sign into their accounts and choose to opt-in to the Hut Rewards program.
Once enrolled, customers can begin earning points immediately, and every dollar spent on food online goes toward a free pizza. Other benefits include exclusive offers, birthday rewards, and more. Hut Rewards points can be earned and redeemed during online or mobile orders only, for delivery or carry out. Taxes, tips, donations and gift cards do not earn points. Upon redemption the customer is responsible for all taxes, delivery charges and delivery minimums that may apply. Additional charges for extra cheese and stuffed crust may apply.
The launch of Hut Rewards comes on the heels of Pizza Hut announcing that it expects to add 14,000 drivers to its system before year's end. The additional drivers enable Pizza Hut to ratchet up its delivery capabilities following the development of a proprietary delivery network algorithm that improves the reliability and accuracy of deliveries.
“We know that if we continue to serve the best-tasting, oven-hot pizza in the category, at a great price, and provide a reliable, easy customer experience, loyalty will follow,” Fox explained. “The launch of Hut Rewards enables us to engage with our customers in a whole new way by providing an easy, consistent way for us to reward them for their loyalty. And, for those who made larger purchases, they can earn free pizza in as little as one order.”
Fox said it’s important to talk to customers every day.
“Customers appreciate the benefits of being loyal to a brand and we designed Hut Rewards as a way to say ‘thank you’ for their loyalty,” he added. “Hut Rewards is the only pizza rewards program with unlimited points, so every dollar customers spend online goes toward free pizza. We think that earning free pizza, faster, can be a significant differentiator for Pizza Hut.”