Where's that card again? Check out the Cardagin app!

-By Lisa 

Here’s some stuff that we love here at STSL:

• simplifying our daily tasks
• saving money
• supporting local business so we can keep money in our own community
• cutting down on clutter
• being environmentally conscious

Here are some things that the Cardagin Network believes in:

• all that stuff that I just mentioned.

Clearly, we are birds of a feather. But maybe I should back up, in case you have no clue what I’m talking about.

Here’s the deal.

Customers who sign up for free at Cardagin.com or download the free mobile app have virtual access to more than 120 local businesses offering mobile promotions and loyalty cards. That means no more having to clip coupons or carry reward cards; all the info is held within your smart phone. To redeem coupons, just launch the app and show the ad to the cashier! Businesses that use a loyalty card can just scan your phone at checkout.

This program saves paper, plastic and the hassle of carrying cards, which I think is awesome all around. No smart phone? No worries. You can still sign up and use your phone number at checkout to participate in loyalty programs.

Rob Masri, the founder of Cardagin is a C’ville townie and double UVA alumn. He’s an advocate of local businesses and wanted to create a company that supports them, but is also a win for consumers. “Repeat business is the lifeblood for helping local business stay in business” he says. Masri strives to “empower local businesses by providing them with a self-service ad platform to build, publish and push mobile advertisements to loyal consumers.” And our loyalty as customers is rewarded by making saving a little easier. “Streamlining coupon usage is long overdue” says Masri.

Rob Masri and Mayor Dave Norris 

On Tuesday, the Cardagin Day launch was held on the Downtown Mall and was a flurry of activity, as local participating businesses gave out samples and folks signed up for the program. Mayor Dave Norris spoke and participated in a ribbon cutting, but what I liked best about the event was the sense of community. I am a sucker for that whole kinship thing, and I loved that the crowd included family and friends of the enthusiastic Cardagin crew. Masri introduced his father and said that watching him run the family restaurant for 30 years instilled in him the values of customer loyalty and sustainability; those things are the basis of his company now. The event felt so fun; little kids danced to the great music, dogs ran around, people hugged and chatted. It was festive and friendly and so very C'ville in its spirit. Personally, I love a company that digs that vibe.

Mayor Norris spoke about the fact that patronizing local business is the backbone of bolstering the Charlottesville economy after the nationwide downturn. I feel great supporting local people like Rob Masri and the whole Caragin staff, who are getting involved and encouraging growth in our community. And I get to support them for free by playing with cool new technology?

Sign me up. 

Download the Cardagin app and make a profile. Then head on over to Eppie’s, Baja Bean, Take It Away, Maharaja, Petit Bebe, Young Men’s Shop, Meineke, Barrack Road Shell, McGrady’s, Mona Lisa Pasta, Trinity Irish Pub, Albemarle Angler, Specialty Guitars Plus, Bounce –n- Play, Littlejohn’s, Holiday Exxon, Dunkin’ Donuts, Main Street Arena, and a growing list of Charlottesville establishments and keep your money local! 

For more from Lisa, check out www.justherejustnow.com

Comments

[Staci Burruel]

Loyalty cards do help increase sales and customer loyalty. And it is very eco-friendly since you don't need to produce more and more coupons that end up in trash bins after using. The strategy does not just help the community by providing revenues, it also helps to build a healthy community. And incorporating it with the use of technology is a great way to boost market loyalty, since no one wants to fall in line to grab one. All they have to do is go to the site through their computers or cell phones. Easy, convenient and fast: these are what attract customers to try new things such as loyalty cards.