Finding, and Rewarding, Your Best Customers

Knowledge at Wharton

Episode Description

Delta Air Lines' recently announced decision to base frequent flyer rewards on dollars spent rather than miles traveled is a better, more customer-centric way to distribute product benefits, says Wharton marketing professor Peter Fader. When it comes to customer value, Fader notes, "one of the rubrics we celebrate is the notion of RMF — recency, frequency [and] monetary value. [It makes sense to] reward customers on that basis." With just 4% of Delta's customers accounting for 25% of revenues, the choice seems clear — if overdue — Fader explains.

Brief Summary

Pete Fader discusses Delta's shift to a spending-based rewards program and its implications for customer value and loyalty.

Key points

  • Delta's New Rewards Program. Delta Airlines shifts its frequent flyer program to prioritize spending over miles flown.
  • Customer Centricity Explained. Professor Pete Fader discusses the importance of recognizing customer differences.

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