Frequently Asked Questions

General

What is the Visa Incentive Network (VIN)?

The Visa Incentive Network is a full-service direct marketing program developed by Visa to help merchants easily deliver relevant offers to a targeted group of high spending Visa reward cardholders.

Will VIN help my business gain new customers?

Yes. VIN will target customers in complementary merchant categories who are likely to shop with you. It can also maximize spending among current customers.

Is VIN appropriate for all types of retail businesses?

Yes. VIN has generated a lift in spend for merchants in a variety of categories including groceries, office supplies, gasoline, clothing and specialty retail.

Will VIN provide any feedback after my campaign is complete?

Yes. Every VIN campaign includes a detailed summary and comprehensive analysis of program results. This gives you a better understanding of customer spending patterns and behaviors that drive response. These insights can improve the success of future campaigns.

Targeting

Who receives VIN offers?

VIN offers are sent to Visa Signature and Traditional Rewards cardholders. These individuals have proven to be prime spenders and are more apt to take advantage of offers that help them save money and earn rewards.

How large is the database used for VIN campaigns?

The database of Visa consumer credit rewards cardholders has over 100 million rewards cardholders. This number is constantly growing as more individuals discover the advantages of carrying a Visa card that features a rewards program.

How are the most appropriate prospects for my campaign selected?

VIN uses proprietary modeling techniques to analyze the spending of your current best customers and determine the spending patterns that are most relevant. This information is also used to identify cardholders who do not currently shop with you but have similar spending patterns.

Can I target customers geographically?

Yes. VIN models locate cardholders within your desired geographic region or those within a specified distance of your retail locations. Geographic modeling helps support your entry into a new market, drive customers to a new store location and defend against competitive threats at a specific location.

Program Materials

How much will a VIN mailing cost me?

VIN campaigns are funded entirely by Visa. This includes program management, targeting costs, creative development and production, postage and post-program analysis. You are only responsible for the offer redemption costs.

Who decides what the offer will be?

Your VIN team will work closely with you to determine a "best-in-market" offer, meaning one that is better than any other promotion you run at the same time. Your Visa team will help you determine the best creative approach, targeting methodology, campaign timing and more.

Will I have to create and produce my own materials?

No. Visa will design, write, print, mail and track all your promotional materials. You can even choose to test multiple offers and/or audiences and Visa will take care of the development, management and costs for you.

What kind of success have other merchants achieved?

Program results depend on many factors. However, on average, VIN merchants have achieved a 48% lift in activity and a 52% lift in incremental shoppers. The fact that 44% of VIN participants are repeat merchants illustrates that the program works!

(Note: These statistics are based on the average results of more than 35 unique VIN campaigns from June 2005 to April 2008.)