The app combines with mobile (airtime and data) offers, which allow students to earn rewards to spend on airtime, data, and products at any Van Schaik store, including online.

Through the app, students can generate income, access free Wi-Fi and WhatsApp, stay informed, and be entertained with a wide range of general, course-related, and university specific content.

Stephan Erasmus, MD for Van Schaik Bookstores, says, "Funding is an issue for university students, and Van Schaik Bookstore is striving to be proactive about the problems that its customers face by introducing an easy way for students to make money for themselves. Students interact with their smartphones all the time, and using the Van Schaik Rewards App offers them an easy way to earn extra income while on their mobiles."

He adds, "The Van Schaik Rewards App makes the lock screen on android phones a source to view, and enjoy, interesting content and, at the same time, reward the user with points every time they interact with the lock screen, which includes simply swiping to unlock the screen. The points earned by unlocking the phone will be available on the App Wallet for spending on airtime and data, as well as purchases at any Van Schaik Bookstore. Spending money from the App Wallet is regulated via a user PIN."

To unlock certain benefits, such as access to free Wi-Fi at all Always On hotspots, free WhatsApp, and special deals, users must spend a minimum amount on airtime or data, purchased through the Van Schaik Rewards App or USSD.

Nick Wallander, who has been appointed as mobile manager, says, "Providing content that’s relevant to students’ lives, and giving them the ability to earn rewards by simply engaging with it, makes the Van Schaik App a really attractive offering. The rewards are tangible. For instance, students can earn up to two Rand per day to spend on items available through the app."

All Van Schaik customers can get a free SIM card, which needs to be RICA’d instore and, upon inserting it into their Android phones, are prompted to download the free Van Schaik Rewards App via a link.

Students register on the app and create a unique, customised profile by selecting topics they would like to receive information about – from fashion and beauty to sport, recipes, news, what’s on in their area, and information on the courses they are studying.

App advertisers

The app aims to offer an effective way for Van Schaik Bookstore, its partners, and tertiary education institutions to reach a large body of students. "Mobile has become a vital platform for advertisers, but users dislike in-app pop-ups and other intrusive display ads – and the last thing we want to do is to alienate loyal customers," says Erasmus.

He adds, "For companies wanting to communicate and get their message through to the students, it’s an ideal platform. The app offers an affordable way for companies to focus their messages on niche, profiled target audiences, and gather data from the way the students interact with their adverts."

"The students will benefit financially, academically, and personally from their interaction with the app. Our partners can benefit from affordable, targeted, and interactive advertising, and Van Schaik will benefit with improved customer engagement and loyalty," he says. 

Background information

The recipient of the Sefika Academic Bookseller of the Year Award for the last six years running, Van Schaik Bookstore has identified the need for a rewards programme that lets its users see immediate benefits.

Erasmus says, "When we repositioned the brand as far back as 2011, we introduced ourselves as a knowledge navigator – somebody that students could partner with on their journey to knowledge and future success. We shifted our focus so that it is all about helping students to get ahead, by growing their knowledge, creating opportunities, and leading the way." 

"With this in mind, we launched our Rewards Card in 2015 – quite a milestone for an academic textbook supplier and a great way to reward our customers. It has been exceptionally well-received and, to date, our Rewards Card membership numbers have grown to over 130 000. With the new app, we believe that members and partners alike will be able to secure even better rewards than before," he concludes.

For more information, visit www.vanschaik.com. Alternatively, connect with them on Facebook, Twitter or on Instagram.