Food manufacturers are always on the lookout for new ways to locate new and loyal customers. Customers, like colleges and universities, who aren't afraid to try new products and/or are willing to purchase even greater quantities of the products they prefer. These products don't need to be the typical items at a dining hall or catering event. These can include any food service item that might be sold at the coffee shop or at a convenience store on campus. That's why it makes good sense for manufacturers to check out the Value Plus Program.
Value Plus is the longest running (nearly 30 years) self-operated college and university loyalty or “frequent buyer” program and it's an ideal match for manufacturers looking to add new, steady buying customers while benefiting these institutions of higher learning by allowing them to earn points on sponsor products and then redeem the points to attend National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) national and regional conferences.
Complete Data Tracking
The Value Plus Program provides complete college purchasing data tracking, case growth down to the SKU level, complete with online reporting and detailed push reporting. Value Plus complements the sales/broker call by working together to secure the business. Schools are always looking to the Value Plus Program to see what manufacturers are adding and it's category exclusive, meaning that competing products are not allowed into the program.
At the NACUFS regional show, manufacturers can share a booth with Value Plus and at the national show, Value Plus does traffic-driving stamp cards so that each of the colleges and universities can make sure they visit each manufacturer's booth. At the booth they get a stamp and when their card is filled up they get a meaningful prize such as a charger, leather binder, bag or a cooler. Value Plus also allows the manufacturer to track online when the colleges “redeem” their points.
One-On-One Contact
The program is a great way for manufacturers to establish one-on-one contact and go after the colleges and universities, especially some of the smaller schools. From the college and university point of view there is no downside to Value Plus! They can earn money on things they are already purchasing while being introduced to new products from manufacturers that the schools might not have had the opportunity to meet with before or to test their products.
Well over half of the colleges and universities that are attending conferences are using the Value Plus points in some way, shape or form whether it be for registration, travel, lodging or other associated costs.
To find out more about how your company can become involved with the Value Plus Program, visit valueplusprogram.com. Call us at 877-424-8725 or fill out our contact us form with any questions and to learn more.