Magazines Archives - 2007 June

WorldCard brings CRM scheme to retailers
Story 14

WORLDCARD INTERNATIONAL LTD has announced the development of its 360i all-rounded outsourcing customerrelationship management (CRM) service. This service, based on the integration of technology, professional telephone sevicing and the synergy of participating merchants, will benefit all types of retailers said the Hong Kong company.

The high costs of technical devices and human resources have deterred many retailers from developing a comprehensive CRM system. However, to build a sustainable relationship with customers, an efficient CRM solution is essential for every retail-business operation, said WorldCard, pointing the way with its service.

Described as “easy to use and cost effective”, the 360i all-rounded CRM service offers retailers two programmes: Corporate CRM Scheme; and Joint Merchant Scheme.

What merchants need do is simply connect with The WorldCard System by using EPS/Credit Card terminal or a point-of-sale (POS) system provided by WorldCard to collect and feed customer data to the latter’s CRM network.

Services offered under the schemes include CRM database management, customer-service hotline, processing of CRM membership application, issuing of membership card with welcoming message, regular customised special offering (for example, birthday discount for members), gift redemption and monthly sales-analysis report.

As WorldCard has a complete technical system ready, joint-scheme merchants can eliminate all expenses on hardware installation. Once the system has been set up and the activation fee paid, these merchants need to pay only a nominal monthly administration fee for processing transactions to enjoy the services and subsequent benefits that membership affords.

Said Sammy Chan, country manager (Hong Kong region), WorldCard: “To leverage the effectiveness of WorldCard, we have also developed a series of services such as ASP, Pre-paid Card, Gift Redemption Card and Integration of Information Technology. Our goal is to make WorldCard ... a one-stop strategic marketing panel for catering, beauty, entertainment, leisure, travel and any other kind of retail stores.”

With the development of Resorts World at Sentosa (one of two integrated resort developments currently under construction in Singapore) and the rapid expansion of the market in China, WorldCard looks set to become “a globalised business in the future”, he predicted.

Currently, the company services over 2.2 million members in the region, including Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, China and Hong Kong, with the distribution of more than 1,800 joint merchants from various industries.

Established in 1993, WorldCard International Ltd is a joint venture between Genting International Limited and Star Cruises Limited, which are listed on the Singapore and Hong Kong Stock Exchanges, respectively.