Paytm First Looks for Loyal Users, Goes Up Against Flipkart Plus
The popular mobile payment player launches its first loyalty program that includes cashback and free delivery.
Paytm is the latest online brand to venture into a loyalty program and it’s called Paytm First. Loyalty programs are designed to keep consumers confined to one platform, and with First, Paytm wants people to pay for most of their shopping via its available options.
Paytm First has been priced at Rs 750, to be paid annually and for a limited period, this offer is bundled with Rs 100 cashback, as claimed by the company in its statement. Paytm First goes up against existing programs like Amazon’s Prime and Flipkart’s ‘Plus’ initiative, which was launched back in August 2018.
For its loyalty program, Paytm is banking on partners like Zomato, Uber and Gaana among others.
What You Get With ‘Paytm First’
After paying Rs 750 for one year, Paytm users with First will get three months of subscription to Zomato’s Gold program. You also get an annual subscription plan from Gaana, the music streaming service, one-year sign up for Sony Liv, the video streaming platform, and access to ViU and Eros Now for 12 months as well.
The company claims that in addition to this, those signing up for Paytm First will also be able to avail benefits on Uber up to Rs 6,000), Uber Eats up to Rs 2,400 and other partner offers worth more than Rs. 12,000.
And finally, “Paytm First customers will also get over Rs. 1,500 cashback including Rs 100 cashback on movie ticket booking each month. There would also be exclusive offers for shopping on Paytm Mall with unlimited free and priority shipping, in addition, to access to priority customer care as well’, the company has pointed out.
Clearly, that’s a lot of goodies for someone paying Rs 750 for the whole year. So how does this loyalty program compare with Flipkart’s?
Where Does Flipkart Plus Stand?
Flipkart Plus is a free-of-cost loyalty program, unlike Amazon Prime, which costs Rs 999 annually. It isn’t surprising that Flipkart is playing a different game in the membership business.
After all, Flipkart doesn’t have movies or a music catalogue to boast of. The smart money for Flipkart is to have partnerships with existing players like Hotstar and even Netflix if possible.
The more one shops on Flipkart, the more coins get added to the wallet (like credit points). If one accumulates these coins, they can be used for deals with Flipkart’s partners, with brands like Zomato for food delivery and joints like Cafe Coffee Day or even Pizza Hut.
Besides these benefits, one also gets regular stuff like fast delivery options, early access to some exclusive products and discounts on products as well.
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