Next Visit Reminder - Automated Push Notifications
Overview
Next Visit Reminder is an automated push notification system that re-engages customers who haven't returned after their last visit. By sending timely reminders based on customer purchase cycles, you can prevent customers from forgetting about your business, reduce churn, and drive repeat visits automatically.
What Next Visit Reminder does:
Automatically sends reminder notifications after a set number of days since last visit
Triggers based on when customers last earned stamps or points
Re-engages customers before they become inactive or lapsed
Maintains top-of-mind awareness during typical purchase cycles
Encourages repeat visits through timely prompts
Operates completely hands-free once configured
Unlike manual re-engagement campaigns that require you to identify and message inactive customers manually, Next Visit Reminder works automatically, catching customers at exactly the right moment in their purchase cycle to bring them back.
Before You Begin
Requirements:
Active Perkstar account with push notification access
Loyalty card(s) created and issued to customers
Customers with installed cards on their devices
Understanding of your typical customer purchase cycle
Best for these card types:
✅ Stamp cards (tracks last stamp earned)
✅ Reward cards (tracks last points earned)
✅ Multipass cards (tracks last visit added)
✅ Cashback cards (tracks last cashback earned)
✅ Any card where you want to encourage repeat visits
Tip: Analyze your customer visit patterns to determine optimal reminder timing. Most businesses see success with 7-21 day reminders depending on purchase frequency.
Why Next Visit Reminders Matter
The Customer Retention Challenge
Without reminders:
Customers forget about your business among daily distractions
Life gets busy and loyalty cards are forgotten
Competitors capture your customers during inactive periods
Customers slip from "active" to "lapsed" silently
You lose regular customers without knowing why
With automated reminders:
Stay top-of-mind during customer's purchase cycle
Gentle nudges bring customers back before they're truly lapsed
Maintain engagement momentum from their last visit
Reduce customer churn proactively
Increase customer lifetime value through consistent visits
Statistics show:
Returning customers spend 67% more than new customers
Increasing retention by 5% can increase profits by 25-95%
It costs 5-25x more to acquire new customers than retain existing ones
Regular reminders can increase visit frequency by 20-40%
Benefits for Your Business
Revenue impact:
More frequent visits = higher customer lifetime value
Prevent revenue loss from forgotten customers
Fill slow periods with returning customers
Increase average visit frequency across customer base
Customer relationship:
Shows you remember and value them
Creates habit and routine around visits
Builds brand recall and loyalty
Maintains connection between visits
Competitive advantage:
Stay ahead of competitors who don't remind customers
Capture customers during their purchase window
Turn occasional visitors into regular customers
Build predictable, recurring revenue
Operational efficiency:
Completely automated—no manual work
Scales effortlessly with customer base
Consistent messaging every time
Works 24/7 without oversight
Benefits for Customers
Helpful reminders:
Remembers them even when they forget you
Convenient prompts align with their needs
Saves them from missing out on rewards progress
Creates positive routine and habit
Reward awareness:
Reminds them of progress toward rewards
Prevents points/stamps from expiring unused
Encourages completion of reward cards
Shows current status and benefits
Understanding Next Visit Reminder Automation
How It Works
The automated workflow:
Customer visits your business and makes a purchase
Customer earns stamp(s) or points via transaction
System records timestamp of when stamps/points were earned
Timer starts counting days since that transaction
Specified days pass (your configured delay, e.g., 7 days)
System checks: Has customer earned stamps/points since then?
If NO new activity: Reminder push notification sends automatically
If YES (customer returned): Timer resets, no reminder needed
Customer receives reminder on their device
Timer resets if/when customer visits again
Smart triggering:
Only sends if customer hasn't returned
Resets automatically when customer visits
Tracks each customer individually
No duplicate reminders if they've already returned
When Reminders Trigger
Trigger condition: Days since last earning stamps/points
Triggers when:
Customer earned stamps/points X days ago (your setting)
Customer has NOT earned stamps/points since then
Customer still has installed card
Your configured day count has elapsed
Does NOT trigger when:
Customer has returned and earned stamps/points since last reminder
Customer never earned stamps/points (card installed but never used)
Customer deleted/uninstalled card
Timer hasn't reached your configured day count yet
Frequency:
Triggers after every "inactive period" of X days
If customer visits every 5 days, and reminder set to 7 days → never triggers (they return before reminder)
If customer visits, then 10 days pass with reminder set to 7 days → triggers at day 7
After reminder, if customer doesn't return, may trigger again after another X days (depends on system settings)
Example scenarios:
Scenario 1: Regular customer
Day 0: Customer earns stamp
Day 5: Customer earns another stamp (reminder cancelled, timer resets)
Day 12: Customer earns stamp again (reminder cancelled again)
Result: No reminders sent—customer visits regularly
Scenario 2: Lapsing customer
Day 0: Customer earns stamp
Day 7: Reminder sends (no activity since day 0)
Day 10: Customer returns, earns stamp (reminder worked!)
Result: One reminder successfully re-engaged customer
Scenario 3: Inactive customer
Day 0: Customer earns stamp
Day 7: Reminder sends
Day 14+: No response, customer remains inactive
Result: Reminder attempted, customer didn't respond (may need follow-up via email/SMS)
Configuring Next Visit Reminder Automation
Step 1: Navigate to Push Automation
Log in to your Perkstar account
Click Push in the left-hand menu
The Push Notifications screen opens
Click the Push Automation tab at the top of the screen
The Push Automation configuration screen appears
What you'll see:
Card selector dropdown at the top
Multiple automation tiles (Feedback, Next Visit Reminder, Birthday Congratulations)
Configuration options for each automation type
Step 2: Select Your Card
Choose which card template to configure:
Locate the Card dropdown selector
Click the dropdown to reveal your loyalty cards
Select the card you want to set up next visit reminders for
All your created card templates appear:
"Coffee Shop - Stamp Card"
"Restaurant Rewards Card"
"Spa Membership Card"
Etc.
Why card selection matters:
Single card businesses:
Select your one card
Configure reminder once
All customers receive reminders based on this setting
Multiple card businesses:
Configure each card separately
Different timing for different locations or customer types
Return to dropdown to configure additional cards
Tailor reminder strategy per card
Example: Retail chain
Downtown Store Card: 14-day reminder (high foot traffic, frequent visits expected)
Suburban Store Card: 21-day reminder (less frequent visits typical)
Online Store Card: 30-day reminder (longer purchase cycles)
Step 3: Locate the Next Visit Reminder Tile
Once card is selected, automation tiles appear:
Scroll to find the Next Visit Reminder tile (may also be labeled "Visit Reminder" or "Return Reminder").
The Next Visit Reminder tile contains:
Enable/disable toggle (top-right corner)
Message field for your reminder text
Timing field (days after last earned)
"Apply to Cards" field (shows associated cards)
Save button
Step 4: Enable Next Visit Reminder
Turn on the automation:
Look at the top-right corner of the Next Visit Reminder tile
Find the toggle switch or enable/disable button
Click the toggle to turn it ON (usually turns green or shows "Enabled")
Toggle states:
OFF (disabled): No reminders will send
ON (enabled): Reminders send automatically after configured days
When to disable:
Testing or troubleshooting
Temporarily pausing reminders (seasonal closure)
Revising messaging strategy
Want to prevent reminders during promotions
Important: Reminders will NOT send unless toggle is enabled, even if message and timing are configured.
Step 5: Compose Your Reminder Message
Write the message customers will see:
Locate the Message field in the Next Visit Reminder tile
Click in the text box
Type your reminder message
Make it friendly, encouraging, and value-focused
Message guidelines:
Character limits:
Optimal: 60-100 characters
Maximum effective: 120 characters
Longer messages truncate on lock screens
Put most important information first
Tone:
Friendly and welcoming (not nagging)
Miss them, don't guilt them
Focus on positive (rewards, benefits) not negative (you haven't visited)
Create gentle urgency without pressure
Structure:
[We miss you] + [Benefit/Reward] + [Call to action] + [Emoji optional]
Effective reminder message examples:
Miss you / We notice approach:
"We miss you! Visit us this week for bonus points ☕"
"It's been a while! We'd love to see you again 🎉"
"Missing our favorite customer! Come back soon! 💙"
Progress/reward focus:
"You're halfway to your free coffee! Visit us soon ☕"
"Don't forget your rewards—you're almost there! 🎁"
"Your loyalty card misses you! Keep earning toward your reward ⭐"
Incentive-based:
"Come back this week and earn 2X points! 🎉"
"We miss you! Visit now for a special welcome-back offer 🎁"
"Return visit bonus: Extra stamp just for coming back! ☕"
Time-sensitive:
"Haven't seen you in a while! Visit this week for a surprise 🎉"
"Your points are waiting! Don't let them expire—visit soon ⏰"
"It's been too long! Special offer ends this weekend ⏰"
Casual/friendly:
"Hey! When are you coming back to see us? ☕"
"Long time no see! Stop by anytime 😊"
"We've been wondering where you've been! Visit soon! 💙"
Professional/elegant:
"We'd be delighted to welcome you back soon ⭐"
"Your next visit is waiting. We look forward to seeing you 💎"
"Please visit us again—your loyalty is appreciated 🙏"
Question format:
"Ready for your next reward? Visit us this week! 🎁"
"Craving [your product]? We're here when you are! ☕"
"Time for another visit? Your card is waiting! 😊"
What to avoid:
❌ "You haven't visited in a while" (negative framing, guilt-inducing)
❌ "Your rewards are expiring!" (unless true—don't create false urgency)
❌ "WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" (pushy, all caps, inappropriate)
❌ Long explanations that truncate on lock screen
❌ Generic "Come visit us" with no personality or value
Emoji usage:
One emoji maximum
Relevant: ☕🎉🎁⭐💙😊⏰💎
Place at end of message
Test on actual devices
Step 6: Set Timing (Days After Last Visit)
Choose when reminder should send:
Locate the timing field (labeled "Reminder will be sent after setting count days after last earned" or similar)
Enter the number of days after last earning stamps/points when reminder should send
Base on your typical customer purchase cycle
Timing field examples:
Enter "7" → Reminder sends 7 days after last stamp earned
Enter "14" → Reminder sends 14 days (2 weeks) after last stamp
Enter "30" → Reminder sends 30 days (1 month) after last stamp
Optimal timing by business type:
High-frequency businesses (daily/multiple times per week):
Coffee shops, quick service:
5-7 days after last visit
Rationale: Customers visit frequently, week without visit is notable
Example: Regular morning coffee drinker misses a week → reminder
Convenience stores:
7-10 days after last visit
Rationale: Frequent but not daily visits
Balances engagement without annoyance
Fast food, bakeries:
7-14 days after last visit
Rationale: Regular but not predictable visits
Catches customers who've fallen out of routine
Medium-frequency businesses (weekly/bi-weekly):
Casual dining restaurants:
14-21 days after last visit
Rationale: Weekly to bi-weekly dining is typical
2-3 weeks signals they may have forgotten
Gyms, fitness studios:
7-10 days after last visit
Rationale: Regular workout routine, missing a week is significant
Helps maintain fitness habits
Car washes:
14-21 days after last visit
Rationale: Bi-weekly to monthly car washing typical
Catches them before car gets too dirty
Salons, spas:
30-40 days after last visit
Rationale: Monthly to 6-week service cycles
Reminds them it's time for next appointment
Low-frequency businesses (monthly/occasional):
Fine dining:
30-45 days after last visit
Rationale: Monthly or special occasion dining
Appropriate spacing for premium experiences
Specialty retail:
30-60 days after last purchase
Rationale: Infrequent but valuable purchases
Reminds them you exist for future needs
Professional services:
45-90 days after last service
Rationale: Quarterly or seasonal services
Timely for next service cycle
Entertainment, events:
30-60 days after last visit
Rationale: Occasional entertainment spending
Reminds them you're an option for plans
General guidelines:
Too soon (under typical visit frequency):
❌ Customers haven't had time to need/want your product again
❌ Feels pushy or nagging
❌ May annoy regular customers who just visited
❌ Reduces effectiveness through over-messaging
Sweet spot (slightly longer than typical visit frequency):
✅ Catches customers who might have forgotten
✅ Gentle nudge at right moment
✅ Maintains engagement without annoyance
✅ High effectiveness and positive reception
Too late (much longer than typical visit frequency):
❌ Customer already lapsed or forgotten completely
❌ Competitor may have captured them
❌ Lower response rates
❌ Harder to re-engage after long absence
How to determine your optimal timing:
Method 1: Analyze customer data
Review average days between visits in your analytics
Set reminder to 1.5-2x that average
Example: Average 5 days between visits → Set 7-10 day reminder
Method 2: Start conservative and adjust
Begin with 14 days (safe middle ground)
Monitor response rates for 4-6 weeks
Adjust up or down based on results
Test different timings and compare
Method 3: Survey customer preferences
Ask customers when they'd like reminders
Use most common preference
Respect customer feedback
Method 4: Seasonal adjustment
Shorter reminders during high season (7 days)
Longer reminders during slow season (14-21 days)
Adjust based on expected customer behavior
Step 7: Review "Apply to Cards" Field
Verify which cards use this configuration:
The "Apply to Cards" field displays which loyalty cards will use the next visit reminder settings you just configured.
What this field shows:
Card(s) associated with this reminder automation
Typically the card you selected in Step 2
Confirms settings will apply correctly
Why this matters:
Ensures reminders go to correct customer base
Prevents misconfiguration
Helps manage multiple cards
If multiple cards shown:
Some systems link related cards
Settings may apply across card family
Verify this matches your intention
If wrong card shown:
Return to Step 2 (card dropdown)
Select correct card
Reconfigure reminder settings
Step 8: Save Your Configuration
Activate next visit reminder:
Review all settings:
✓ Toggle is enabled (ON)
✓ Message is written and compelling
✓ Timing (days) matches your strategy
✓ Correct card(s) in "Apply to Cards"
Click the Save button
Confirmation message appears
Next visit reminder is now active
What happens after saving:
Settings take effect immediately for future reminders
Customers who haven't visited in X days will receive reminders
System tracks each customer's last visit independently
Works automatically 24/7 going forward
Important: Configuration only saves when Save button is clicked. Navigating away without saving loses your changes.
Managing Next Visit Reminders
Editing Reminder Settings
To modify your reminder automation:
Navigate to Push → Push Automation
Select the card from dropdown
Make changes in Next Visit Reminder tile:
Update message content
Adjust timing (days after last visit)
Enable/disable toggle
Click Save
Changes apply to future reminders
Changes take effect:
Immediately for future reminders
Customers whose reminders already scheduled may receive old message
All new reminder calculations use updated timing
Disabling Next Visit Reminders
To stop sending reminders:
Navigate to Push → Push Automation
Select the card from dropdown
Toggle OFF in Next Visit Reminder tile
Click Save
When disabled:
No new reminders will send
Customers won't receive visit reminders
Settings remain saved but inactive
Can re-enable anytime
When to disable:
Seasonal closures
During major promotions (other messaging active)
Testing alternative re-engagement strategies
Revising timing or messaging approach
Configuring Multiple Cards
For businesses with multiple cards:
Process:
Select Card A from dropdown
Configure Next Visit Reminder for Card A
Save
Select Card B from dropdown
Configure different settings for Card B
Save
Repeat for each card
Each card can have:
Different reminder messages
Different timing (days after last visit)
Different enabled/disabled status
Independent management
Example: Coffee shop with two locations
Downtown card: "Missing your daily coffee! Visit us this week ☕" (7 days)
Airport card: "Welcome back! Your coffee is waiting ✈️" (14 days—travelers visit less frequently)
Best Practices for Next Visit Reminders
Timing Strategy
Start with data:
Review average days between visits
Set reminder to 1.5-2x that average
Test and refine based on response rates
Consider customer segments:
VIP customers: Shorter reminders (they should visit often)
New customers: Medium reminders (establishing habit)
Occasional customers: Longer reminders (respect their natural cycle)
Seasonal adjustments:
Busy season: Shorter reminders
Slow season: Longer reminders (customers visit less frequently)
Holiday periods: Disable or adjust messaging
Monitor and optimize:
Track reminder response rates
Compare different day settings
A/B test timing with different customer groups
Refine monthly based on data
Message Strategy
Focus on benefits:
What customer gains by returning
Progress toward rewards
Special offers or new items
Positive framing always
Create gentle urgency:
"This week" instead of "sometime"
"Don't forget" instead of "You forgot"
Encouragement, not guilt
Personalize tone to brand:
Casual brand: Friendly, fun language
Professional brand: Elegant, respectful language
Luxury brand: Exclusive, valued language
Test different approaches:
Try reward-focused vs. miss-you-focused
Test question format vs. statement format
Compare emoji vs. no emoji
Measure which drives more returns
Combining with Other Tactics
Multi-channel re-engagement:
Day 7: Push notification reminder
"We miss you! Visit this week ☕"
Day 14: Email if no response
More detailed, include special offer
"Here's 20% off your next visit"
Day 21: SMS if still no response
Final touchpoint
"Last chance for welcome-back offer"
Benefits:
Reaches customers on multiple channels
Respects that some miss push notifications
Shows commitment to re-engagement
Higher overall response rate
Coordinate with manual campaigns:
Disable automated reminders during major promotions
Use manual push for time-sensitive campaigns
Re-enable automated reminders after campaign ends
Avoid overwhelming customers with too many notifications
Measuring Success
Key Metrics to Track
Response rate:
Percentage of reminder recipients who return within 7 days
Industry average: 10-25%
Track over time for trends
Visit frequency impact:
Average days between visits before vs. after implementing reminders
Goal: Shorter intervals = more frequent visits
Revenue per customer:
Lifetime value increase with reminders active
Compare revenue from customers who respond to reminders vs. those who don't
Churn reduction:
Percentage of customers who would have lapsed but returned after reminder
Calculate saved customer value
Optimal timing data:
Compare response rates at different day settings
Identify best timing for your business
Refine based on actual customer behavior
Using Data to Optimize
If response rates are low (<10%):
Test shorter or longer timing
Revise message to be more compelling
Add incentive (bonus points, discount)
Check if customers are receiving notifications (delivery issues)
If response rates are high (>25%):
Current timing and message working well
Consider testing slightly longer timing (reduce notification frequency)
Share best practices across multiple locations if applicable
Segment analysis:
Compare response rates by customer type
High-frequency vs. low-frequency customers
New vs. established customers
Adjust strategy by segment if possible
Troubleshooting
"Reminders aren't sending"
Check these settings:
1. Toggle enabled:
Push → Push Automation → Select card
Verify Next Visit Reminder toggle is ON
Save if you made changes
2. Timing hasn't elapsed:
Reminders only send after configured days
If set to 14 days, customer must not visit for 14 days
Be patient—timer may not have reached threshold yet
3. Customers are returning:
Reminders don't send if customers visit before timer expires
This is correct behavior
Means your customers are already engaged
4. Customers have installed cards:
Push only works for "Installed" status
Check customer card status
Non-installed customers won't receive reminders
5. Configuration saved:
Verify you clicked Save button
Return to Push Automation to confirm settings persist
"Low reminder response rates"
Possible causes and solutions:
Timing off:
Too soon: Customers don't need reminder yet
Too late: Customers already lapsed
Solution: Adjust day count, test different timings
Message not compelling:
Too generic or boring
Doesn't offer value or incentive
Solution: Revise message, add incentive, create urgency
Customers don't have installed cards:
Can't receive push notifications
Solution: Send installation links, use email for non-installed
Competition captured them:
Competitor engaged them during inactive period
Solution: Shorten reminder timing, strengthen offer
Notification delivery issues:
Device settings, connectivity problems
Solution: See "Troubleshooting Push Notification Delivery Issues" article
"Customers complain about too many reminders"
Possible issues:
Timing too short:
Reminding customers who visit frequently
They don't need reminders yet
Solution: Increase day count (longer intervals)
Multiple automation types active:
Feedback + next visit reminder + manual campaigns = overwhelming
Solution: Reduce total notification frequency, coordinate better
Customer visits often enough:
Regular customers don't need reminders
Solution: Can't segment within automation, but consider longer timing
Messaging feels pushy:
Tone too aggressive
Solution: Soften message, make it friendly not demanding
"Want to send different reminders to different customer types"
Current limitation:
Cannot segment within automation
All customers with the card receive same reminder at same timing
Workarounds:
Option 1: Multiple cards
Create separate cards for customer types
Configure different reminders per card
VIP card: 7-day reminder
Standard card: 14-day reminder
Option 2: Manual campaigns
Disable automation
Send manual push to segments based on inactivity
More work but more control
Option 3: Accept one-size-fits-all
Set timing for your average customer
Accepts that high-frequency customers may not need it
Low-frequency customers may need it more
Advanced Strategies
Incentivising Returns
Add value to reminder:
"Come back this week for 2X points! 🎉"
"We miss you! Visit now for a free [item] 🎁"
"Welcome back offer: 20% off your next purchase ☕"
Benefits:
Dramatically increases response rates
Creates urgency and motivation
Shows you value their return
Considerations:
Cost of incentive
Don't condition customers to only return with offers
Test incentivised vs. non-incentivised messages
Progressive Reminders
Escalating engagement strategy:
First reminder (Day 7):
Gentle: "We miss you! Visit soon ☕"
Second reminder if no response (Day 14):
Stronger incentive: "Welcome back offer: Free item with next visit 🎁"
Third touchpoint (Day 21):
Different channel (email/SMS)
Final offer before considering lapsed
Limitation: May require manual campaigns for 2nd/3rd reminders if automation doesn't support multiple reminder levels.
Win-Back vs. Keep-Engaged
Two strategies:
Keep-Engaged (shorter timing):
7-10 days after last visit
Prevents lapsing in first place
Maintains momentum
Higher success rate
Win-Back (longer timing):
21-30 days after last visit
Attempts to recover lapsed customers
Lower success rate but still valuable
May need stronger incentives
Recommendation: Start with keep-engaged (shorter timing) to prevent lapse rather than recover from it.
Combining with Loyalty Mechanics
Leverage card progress in message:
"You're 3 stamps from a free coffee! Don't lose momentum ☕"
"Your rewards are piling up! Visit to see what's waiting 🎁"
"One more visit unlocks your next reward! ⭐"
Note: May require manual campaigns with segment-based messaging if automation doesn't support dynamic content.
FAQ
Q: Can I send reminders only to certain customers? A: Next Visit Reminder automation applies to all customers with the configured card. You cannot segment within automation. For targeted reminders, use manual push campaigns to specific inactive segments.
Q: How many reminders will a customer receive? A: One reminder per inactive period. If customer doesn't return after X days, they receive one reminder. If they return, timer resets. If they ignore reminder and remain inactive, behavior depends on system—may send another reminder after another X days.
Q: Can I set different reminder times for different customers? A: Not within automation. All customers on a card receive the same timing. Create separate cards for different customer types if you need different timings.
Q: What if a customer visits but doesn't earn stamps/points? A: Reminder is based on last time stamps/points were earned. If they visit but don't scan card or earn anything, timer doesn't reset and reminder will still send.
Q: Should reminders be shorter or longer than average visit frequency? A: Slightly longer (1.5-2x average). If customers visit every 5 days average, set reminder to 7-10 days. This catches customers who've fallen out of routine without annoying those who visit regularly.
Q: Can I disable reminders for customers who visit frequently? A: Not within automation—it's all or nothing. If your regular customers visit before the reminder day count, they won't receive reminders (timer resets). The automation is self-regulating to some degree.
Q: Do reminders work on both iOS and Android? A: Yes, next visit reminders work on both platforms as push notifications. Ensure customers have notifications enabled on their devices.
Q: What happens if I change the day count after it's been running? A: New timing applies to future reminder calculations. Customers whose timers are already counting use the old timing until their next visit (which resets timer to new timing).
Q: Can I see who responded to reminders? A: Track response rates in your Analytics/Reports section. You can compare visit frequency before/after reminder implementation, and potentially see which customers returned within days of receiving reminders.
Q: Should I offer incentives in reminder messages? A: Test both approaches. Incentives increase response rates but cost money and may condition customers to only return for offers. Many businesses find success with friendly reminders without incentives, reserving incentives for lapsed customers (manual campaigns).
Related Articles
Push Notifications - How Automated Messages Work - Complete automation overview (all types)
Feedback Collection Automation - Automated feedback requests after visits
Birthday Congratulations Automation - Automated birthday wishes
Sending Push Notifications to Customer Segments - Manual re-engagement campaigns
Troubleshooting Push Notification Delivery Issues - When notifications don't reach customers
Customer Filters and Segmentation - Identifying inactive customers manually
Need help with Next Visit Reminder automation? Contact support for assistance with configuration, timing optimization, or troubleshooting delivery issues.