Bonuses with a limited validity period — is an additional Torgsoft option that accrues bonuses to customers with a fixed validity period and automatically writes them off after the period ends. It is needed when you want to stimulate repeat purchases within a defined period, rather than simply giving an instant discount.
The option is suitable for cosmetics stores, clothing stores, children's goods stores, pharmacies, coffee shops, and restaurants — for everyone who builds a loyalty program and wants customers to return within the required period. It solves the typical problem of regular bonuses: when they accumulate for years and turn into the store's «eternal debt» to the customer, which no longer motivates them to return right now.
You set the rules in the discount card type: the validity period of accrued bonuses, the validity period of returned bonuses, and the expiration date for previously accrued bonuses. Bonuses that the customer has not used expire automatically, and this preserves part of the lost revenue for the store. The customer can be warned in advance about the expiration via SMS or Viber. The option works with the Torgsoft bonus system — on Ultra and Terminal licenses.
Bonuses that motivate customers to return, not accumulate for years
Accrue bonuses with a validity period and automatic write-off — the customer has time to use them within the defined period.
What are bonuses with a limited validity period
Unlike an instant discount, a customer can use a bonus only during the next purchase. That is why bonuses support repeat visits: the accumulation on the card becomes a value for which the customer returns specifically to you. The option adds the main thing to this mechanism — a period. Each portion of accrued bonuses lives for a limited time and is written off automatically after the period ends.
For the store, this works as an internal currency with an expiration date. A deferred obligation costs less than a direct discount, and part of the bonuses remains unused altogether. When bonuses expire, the store benefits in the form of a discount not granted, while still maintaining the attractiveness of the loyalty program for the customer.
Basic concepts
Bonus
An internal point accrued for a purchase.
Validity period
The period during which the customer can use the accrued bonuses.
Expiration
Automatic write-off of bonuses if the customer has not used them before the end of the period.
Discount card type
A set of accrual and bonus validity rules that you configure once.
Returned bonuses
Bonuses that are returned to the card when goods are returned have their own period.
Payment with bonuses
Writing off accumulated bonuses toward payment for goods in a sale.
Who this option is for
Cosmetics and perfumery
Regular purchases with a short cycle — a time-limited bonus brings the customer back for the next batch.
Clothing and children's goods
Seasonality and repeat purchases: time-limited bonuses support visits between collections.
Pharmacies
Regular customers and frequent small purchases — motivation to return specifically to your chain.
Coffee shops and restaurants
High visit frequency: an expiring bonus works to bring the customer back in the coming days.
Who does not need it. If you work only with one-time discounts and do not manage named customers through discount cards, a time-limited bonus mechanism will add nothing for you. The option is also unnecessary where repeat purchases are not inherent in the business.
When to connect immediately
- you already issue discount cards and want to move from a simple discount to bonuses.
- accumulated bonuses «hang» and do not motivate customers to return.
- you need promotions such as «bonuses are valid until the end of the month».
- you plan to warn customers about bonus expiration via SMS or Viber.
What tasks the option solves
How it looks before and after
Before
Bonuses are accrued without a validity period. The accumulated amount grows, but does not motivate the customer to return. Expired points have to be written off manually, and customers do not know about their balances.
After
Each portion of bonuses has a validity period. The program writes them off automatically, and the customer receives a notification and returns for a purchase while the bonuses are active.
How it works: 5 steps
Activate the option. In Settings — List of additional functions, activate the function using the code from a representative or for 30 days for testing, then restart the program.
Configure the discount card type. In Marketing — Discount card types, on the Bonus system tab, set the accrual rules and bonus validity period.
Specify periods and expiration. Set the validity period of accrued bonuses, the validity period of returned bonuses, and, if needed, the expiration date for previously accrued bonuses.
Link customers. In Marketing — Customers, select the discount accrual method Bonus system and the required discount card type.
Sell and write off bonuses. During a sale, bonuses are accrued according to the rules, payment with bonuses is available through Additional actions, and expired points are written off automatically.
Important. Bonuses are not accrued for goods that already have a product discount, are sold at a wholesale price, or participate in a promotion. In Torgsoft, 1 bonus equals 1 accounting unit.
Try it in your store
Download the Torgsoft demo version and test bonuses with a validity period using your own rules. The demo works free of charge for 30 days, and the data remains on your computer.
Option capabilities
Automatic customer notifications about accrued bonuses and warnings about expiration are available when the «Bulk customer messaging» option is activated.
Scenarios by niche
Cosmetics store
Bonuses for a purchase are valid for 30 days. Before the period ends, the customer receives a Viber reminder and returns for skincare cosmetics while the bonuses are active.
Coffee shop chain
Bonuses are accrued for every coffee and expire at the end of the week. This supports daily visit frequency and returns in the coming days.
Children's goods store
Seasonal bonuses with a limited validity period stimulate repeat purchases between collections, while unused points expire automatically.
Example
The example is illustrative. A clothing store issues customers discount cards with a bonus system. Bonuses with a validity period of 45 days are accrued for every purchase. A few days before the period ends, customers receive an SMS notification.
Some customers return and use the bonuses for the next purchase, while some bonuses expire automatically. The store receives repeat sales from those who returned and preserves the discount not granted from those who did not make it in time — without any manual write-offs.
Which options and equipment it works with
- Bulk customer messaging — for SMS and Viber notifications about bonus expiration.
- Discount card verification via SMS — protection of bonus write-off with an SMS code.
- Barcode scanner — for quick reading of the customer's discount card during a sale.
- Printer for printing discount cards with a barcode.
Comprehensive automation. Bonuses with a limited validity period are part of the loyalty program in Torgsoft. Together with discount cards, bulk messaging, and customer accounting, they form a unified customer retention system.
Price and connection terms
- Licenses. The option works with the Torgsoft bonus system — on Ultra and Terminal licenses. The bonus system is not available in the Start version.
- Connection. The option is purchased for each workplace for separate versions, or one per local network, or one per terminal license server. Available from Torgsoft version 2019.2.0.
- Demo version. Free for 30 days, data is stored on your computer.
How to connect
- Submit a request on the website or contact a representative in your region.
- Receive the activation code and activate the option in Settings — List of additional functions.
- Configure the bonus validity period in the discount card type and start accruing bonuses.
Frequently asked questions
What are bonuses with a limited validity period
This is a Torgsoft option that accrues bonuses to customers with a fixed validity period and automatically writes them off after the period ends. This way, bonuses motivate customers to return within the defined period.
How bonuses differ from a regular discount
The customer receives a discount immediately, while bonuses can be used only during the next purchase. Therefore, bonuses support repeat sales, and the validity period makes this return timely.
What happens to bonuses after the period ends
Bonuses that the customer has not used are written off automatically. No manual actions are required — the program cancels expired points according to the rules of the discount card type.
Can the customer be warned about bonus expiration
Yes, the customer can be notified by SMS or Viber message about the approaching end of the validity period. This requires the activated «Bulk customer messaging» option.
Where bonus validity periods are configured
The rules are set in the discount card type on the Bonus system tab: the validity period of accrued bonuses, the validity period of returned bonuses, and the expiration date for previously accrued bonuses.
Are bonuses accrued for promotional goods
No. Bonuses are not accrued for goods with a product discount, goods sold at a wholesale price, or goods participating in a promotion.
How much one bonus costs
In the Torgsoft program, 1 bonus point equals 1 accounting unit, meaning bonuses are tied to the accounting currency.
Which licenses the option works with
The option relies on the Torgsoft bonus system, so it works on Ultra and Terminal licenses. The bonus system is not available in the Start version. The option is purchased for each workplace for separate versions, or one per local network, or one per terminal license server. Available from Torgsoft version 2019.2.0.
Can a purchase be paid with bonuses
Yes, accumulated bonuses can be written off toward payment for goods in a sale through Additional actions — Pay with bonuses. By default, there must be at least one item in the sale without bonus payment; otherwise, the corresponding message will appear. This condition can be disabled in the discount card type settings.
How to test the option before purchase
Download the Torgsoft demo version — it works free of charge for 30 days, and the data is stored on your computer. In the demo version, you can configure bonus periods and test the mechanism using your own rules.
Go back to the previous step