When it comes to earning frequent flyer points as a small business owner, many assume that the earning potential isn’t much different from that of individuals. Others think it’s simply something for corporate businesses or those who travel regularly. But these ideas are far from the truth and it could end up costing you a holiday — literally.
For rewards as a small business, in theory, earning points is much the same, but it’s all about utilising your expenses that make the difference. While most businesses won’t be looking to earn 6 Qantas Points per $1 on a cookie at Mrs Fields, reduced cost of flights and small business promotions such as a three-month trial of Velocity Gold through Virgin Australia’s Accelerate program might spark an interest.
But, like anything worth having, it’s not a simple sign and swipe process. To earn those rewards, which go well beyond that of a regular frequent flyer, the application does require a few extra ticks of approval among forms of identification. Let’s call it learning to earn.
Once you’ve made it through the initial sign-up process, the potential is endless and there are a number of tips and tricks to get you onto that next holiday faster.
1. Earn from your customers
Yes, you did read that right: points potential isn’t a one-way streak. The truth is that as a business owner, you can do a lot more than earning from spending, you can also earn from your sales.
In fact, you might even find some customers would be pleased to know the points mustering is mutual. But how do you go about doing this?
It starts with utilising your mobile payment device. As an example, Live eftpos has a partnership with Qantas, which sees small businesses earn points for each customer spend.
2. Search before you swipe
Business expenses tend to build up like there’s no tomorrow. So why not make the most of them and at least earn a few points? If you haven’t checked which business credit cards are providing frequent flyer points then you’re missing out not only on earning points but a wealth of exciting deals, packages and more.
From lounge passes to free domestic flights annually and more, choosing the right frequent flyer credit card is important.
3. Utilise Pay.com.au
Managing numerous invoices can be as tiring as earning the money which pays them. But thankfully with the help of technology and frequent flyer partnerships, these can be simplified and work in your favour.
One such example lays within Pay.com.au: an upcoming new centralised, secure online payment portal that allows you to manage multiple invoices and pay them all with a points-earning credit card, rather than with traditional EFT.
Pay.com.au promises the lowest transaction rates in the market for business-to-business payments, even for transactions such as ATO payments and other government charges, where you’ll earn full credit card points.
Plus, there are some unique non-payment related perks that the team at Pay.com.au are excited to share with you in the not-so-distant future.
And if you sign up today, you will get access to 3-months of free access to the Premium subscription!
4. Fuel wisely
While the BP-Velocity partnership came to an end in January 2020, it was replaced by a new partnership with Qantas and a number of new ways to earn points for small businesses and individuals.
BP Plus fuel cards can now be linked directly to a Qantas Business Rewards account earning customers 1 point per litre of 98 and 1 point per litre of 91, diesel and ultimate diesel. Aside from Qantas points, BP Plus customers also save 3c per litre on premium fuels and 2c per litre on regular fuel.
5. A quick search
Did you know cafes can earn one Qantas point per two coffee cups bought with Simply Cups? How about Velocity offering two points per $1 spent on Apple products or Qantas giving three points for each dollar spent on Microsoft purchases through using Velocity e-Store or Qantas Shopping?
Frequent flyer programs are forever expanding their circles and partnering with new and exciting companies, so make sure to regularly check out the Points Hacks to stay on top of it.
6. Pick your providers
Even the big four accounting firms are in on frequent flyer rewards nowadays. Services that earn you rewards do range from corporate cleaning to human resources and accounting.
Deloitte, for example, gives you as many as 3 points per $1 spent, while sending packages through Sendle can earn you up to 10 points for each parcel sent. With Optus wifi plans you can earn Velocity Points, while simply paying your bill with Red Energy will top up your Qantas Points.
The best way to figure it out is to look at what vital services you use and compare them to those partnered with frequent flyer programs.
7. Office housekeeping
Needing a new desk or set of chairs for the office break room? How about a new computer? From the likes of Harvey Norman to Super Cheap Auto, many of your everyday office products can be bought through partners turning everyday expenses into holidays, flight upgrades and more.
These offers regularly rotate so it’s best to keep on top of frequent flyer partner pages to ensure you take advantage of the deals which suit you.
Summing up
Earning frequent flyer points as a small business is both as rewarding as it is easy, coupled with a number of benefits and ways to earn points from your customers while they also earn from you.
I love the fact that small businesses can earn some reward for the expenses they incur to provide a valued product or service to the market. Just remember to keep some of the important steps and tricks mentioned above in mind, and you will be well on your way to doing this.
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