LS Retail's flexibility allows for complex loyalty program configurations, including controlling which items contribute to member points accrual. While there isn't a single "block discounted items" switch, achieving this requires configuring the system's point accrual rules effectively. This article explores how to prevent discounted items from earning member points within LS Retail, addressing common questions and offering practical solutions.
How Do I Prevent Discounted Items from Earning Member Points in LS Retail?
The key to blocking discounted items lies in setting up conditional point accrual rules. LS Retail allows you to define rules based on various criteria, including item price, discounts applied, and other transaction details. The exact method will depend on your specific LS Retail version and setup, but the general approach involves:
-
Identifying the Discount Mechanism: Understand how discounts are applied in your LS Retail system. Are discounts applied as percentage reductions, fixed-amount deductions, or through promotional pricing?
-
Creating a Conditional Point Accrual Rule: Within your loyalty program settings, create a new rule specifically for point accrual. This rule should only award points if certain conditions are met. Crucially, this rule should exclude items that have been discounted.
-
Using Price or Discount Percentage as the Condition: The condition in your rule should check the item's price after any discounts have been applied. You can check if the item's price is equal to or greater than its original price (indicating no discount) or set a threshold for discount percentages. For example, the rule might state: "Award points only if the item's final price is equal to its original price." This ensures points are only awarded for full-price purchases. Alternatively, you could set a condition: "Award points only if the discount percentage is 0%".
-
Testing and Refinement: Thoroughly test your new rule with various scenarios to ensure it works as intended. Pay close attention to edge cases, such as combined discounts or promotional offers, to prevent unexpected behavior.
What are the Different Types of Discounts in LS Retail?
LS Retail supports a variety of discount types, and understanding these is essential for accurate rule creation. Common discount types include:
- Percentage Discounts: A percentage reduction applied to the item's original price.
- Fixed Amount Discounts: A fixed amount deducted from the item's original price.
- Promotional Pricing: The item is temporarily sold at a reduced price.
- Bundle Discounts: Discounts applied to combinations of items.
Properly addressing each discount type within your conditional point accrual rule is crucial for its accuracy and effectiveness.
Can I Use Item Categories to Control Point Accrual for Discounted Items?
While not directly blocking discounted items, using item categories can indirectly manage point accrual. You can categorize items as "Full Price" and "Discounted," then create separate point accrual rules for each category. This approach simplifies management if you regularly handle a high volume of discounted items. However, it requires meticulous categorization and maintenance.
Are there any alternative ways to manage points for discounted items?
Besides conditional rules, some retailers choose alternative strategies:
- Reduced Point Accrual: Instead of blocking points entirely, they award a reduced number of points for discounted items. This provides a compromise between fully excluding discounted items and rewarding all purchases.
- Separate Loyalty Programs: Some businesses might run separate loyalty programs, one for full-price purchases and another for discounted purchases, offering different reward structures for each.
The best approach depends on your specific business needs and loyalty program goals.
What if my LS Retail version doesn't support complex conditional rules?
If your LS Retail version lacks sophisticated conditional rule functionality, you might need to consider upgrading to a newer version or contacting LS Retail support for assistance in configuring your point accrual system effectively. They may provide workarounds or custom solutions tailored to your specific requirements.
Remember, accurate and well-defined rules are critical for maintaining the integrity of your loyalty program. Consult your LS Retail documentation or support team for specific instructions and best practices related to your version and setup.
