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Set up your loyalty program

Configure how customers earn and redeem points so you can launch a working program in minutes.

Written by Kashish Ahuja

This guide walks you through the core setup in the Sway admin:

  1. Review key program settings

  2. Add ways to earn points

  3. Add ways to redeem points

  4. (Optional) Turn on points expiry

  5. Test the experience as a customer

1. Review general program settings

Start by checking the basics in your settings.

  1. In your admin, go to the Loyalty and Settings areas.

  2. Make sure these are set up the way you want:

    • Program name (for example: "Rewards Club")

    • Points name (for example: "Points", "Coins", "Stars")

    • When points are awarded (on order placement vs on delivery)

    • What counts toward points (order total vs line items only)

For a full overview of these options, see General setup.

2. Add ways to earn points

Next, decide which customer actions should earn points.

  1. Go to the Loyalty tab and open Earning rules.

  2. Click Add earning rule.

  3. Start with:

    • Place an order as your primary way to earn.

    • Create an account as a welcome bonus for new signups.

  4. (Optional) Add extra rules:

    • Birthdays or anniversaries.

    • Product reviews (requires Judge.me).

    • Social follows or shares.

Keep it simple at first. You can always add more rules later.

  • Concepts: Earning rules: Ways customers can earn points

  • How-to: Configure ways to earn points

3. Add ways to redeem points

Now define what customers can get in exchange for points.

  1. In the Loyalty tab, open Redemption rules.

  2. Click Add redemption rule.

  3. Add at least one core reward, such as:

    • Fixed amount off (for example: 500 points = 10 USD off).

    • Percentage off (for example: 1,000 points = 10% off).

    • Free shipping.

  4. For each reward, set:

    • Points cost.

    • Any minimum order value.

    • Optional caps.

Aim for 1-3 clear rewards to start so customers do not get overwhelmed.

  • Concepts: Redemption rules: Ways customers can redeem points

  • How-to: Configure ways to redeem points

4. (Optional) Turn on points expiry

Points expiry encourages customers to stay active and come back before their points expire.

  1. In the Loyalty tab, open Points expiry.

  2. Decide whether you want expiry on or off.

  3. If you enable it, configure:

    • Inactivity period (for example: 365 days).

    • Expiry amount (for example: 100% of eligible points).

When enabled, customers who do not earn or redeem for the set period will have points expire automatically.

For more detail, see Points expiry and Configure points expiry.

5. Test your setup as a customer

Before launching widely, run through a quick end-to-end test.

  1. Create or log in to a test customer account on your storefront.

  2. Place a small test order.

  3. Open the loyalty widget:

    • Confirm you see the right points balance.

    • Check that your earning and redemption options appear as expected.

  4. Try redeeming a reward on a test order.

If something does not look right, go back to your earning or redemption rules and adjust.

Summary

At this point you should have:

  • Core earning rules and redemption rules configured.

  • (Optionally) points expiry set up.

  • A tested customer flow from earning to redeeming.

Next step: Show your loyalty program on the storefront.

For more advanced options (refunds with points, detailed rule types), see Loyalty tab: Earn rules, redeem rules and general setup.

Configure how customers earn and redeem points so you can launch a working program in minutes.

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