Often those slips invite you to take a customer satisfaction survey. You complete the questionnaire to help a company improve its service, and in return the business hands out discounts or freebies.
Not every receipt offer is created equal, though. Here’s how to tell which surveys are worth your time, and what you might score.
Why Companies Request Feedback
I’ve seen these surveys from the other side.
For several years I worked as a manager at a movie theater. I was one of the people who reviewed survey results and addressed customer comments.
Sometimes complaints were unrealistic and beyond our control. (I’m sorry the previews seem long, but I don’t make them nor do I decide which ones run.) Still, other feedback revealed areas where we needed to do better.
Those surveys helped us gauge how we were doing, and I appreciate the insight they provide businesses. That’s one reason I usually fill them out for other companies — that, and the perks.
Instant Perks vs. Sweepstakes Entries
Not every company hands out an immediate reward for completing their survey. I’ve noticed more businesses offering to enter you into a drawing for a gift card or shopping spree. Winning would be nice, but the odds are usually against you.
If you’re spending time to share your impressions, you should earn a small token of appreciation each time — not just a chance at a prize — so look for offers that promise a definite reward rather than only sweepstakes entries.
Businesses That Provide Guaranteed Rewards
Here are some brands that guarantee a reward or discount for sharing your feedback:
- Wendy’s: $2 off your next order
- Dunkin Donuts: Free donut with purchase of a medium or large drink
- Burger King: Free Whopper or original chicken sandwich with purchase of a medium or large drink and fries
- Baskin Robbins: $1 off your next order of $4 or more
- Moe’s: $2 off your next purchase
- IHOP: Free short stack of pancakes on your next visit
- Subway: Free cookie
- PetSmart: $3 off your next purchase
- Victoria’s Secret: $10 off your next purchase of $50 or more
- Bath and Body Works: $10 off your next purchase of $30 or more
Also, if you’re interested in how technology is changing shopping habits, you might find useful information about grocery shopping technology that complements these reward programs.
How to Redeem Your Reward
Visit the website printed on your receipt. (Most survey pages are mobile-friendly.) Enter the survey code—usually a string of numbers or letters shown on the slip.
Then answer the questions as honestly as you can. Most are multiple choice, though there’s often a text box where you can elaborate on your experience.
After completing it you’ll receive a verification code or be asked for an email address so the code can be sent to you. Write that code on your receipt and present it on your next visit to claim your discount or free item.
Read the instructions carefully, because some offers apply only to the same store or restaurant where you completed the survey.
The best part is, your comments don’t affect whether you get the reward: You receive the same perk whether your feedback is positive or negative.
If you plan to return to a particular business, you might as well save a little by taking these surveys. And who knows — your feedback could lead to a better experience next time, made even sweeter with the reward.
Your Turn: Do you complete customer satisfaction surveys? What rewards have you received?
