FiveStars

FiveStars Frequently Asked Questions

jeffdoka — Tue, 08 May 2012 02:25:29 +0000

We’ve got answers.

If you have ever studied the eternal art of customer support, you’ll notice a name appear again and again in the ancient texts: Jessica. Here at FiveStars, Jessica has manned the customer support lines with heroic will. Got a stupid question? She’ll make you feel smart while answering it. Didn’t read the instructions on how to use your card? That’s cause we don’t have any.

In Jessica’s quest to make her name immortal among customer support gurus everywhere, she personally wrote our FAQs with her own hand. No silliness. No jokes. Just answers.

If you have any of the questions below, let her lucid mind guide you through.

The FAQ’s:

Where do I type in my barcode for registration?
- You do not need to type in your barcode. Simply register with the same phone number that is attached to your card, here: http://www.fivestarscard.com/accounts/register/. That phone number is the link to the barcode/physical card and your account online.
How do I change my phone number?
- To change your phone number, you will need to signin to your online account or register first. 1. Login or stay logged into your account at www.fivestarscard.com 2. Select “Account” at the top right 3. On the left hand side, select “Update Phone” 4. Type in your new number and select “Submit”
How do I change my email?
- Please signin to your online account or register first. To change your email, 1. Login or stay logged into your account at www.fivestarscard.com 2. Select “Account” at the top right 3. On the left hand side, select “Update Email” 4. Type in your new email and select “Submit”
I forgot my password. What do I do?
- Please go to http://www.fivestarscard.com/accounts/password/reset/, and type in your email to reset your password. You will receive an email with instructions. Please follow the instructions in the email.
How do I stop texts?
- You can opt out of texts by responding “stop” to the FiveStars text you received.
How do I link my card to my online account?
- Make sure you registered your card with the same phone number that you used when you first received the physical card, it will automatically link with your physical card’s bar code. The phone number is the link, so be sure to use that same number. The barcode itself is in our systems, so there is no need to type in the barcode for registration. Please allow some time for your points to sync and reflect on your account.
I just took a card from one of your businesses, how do I register it?
- If you did not register the card to a phone number in the store, you can still make an online account. However, that account and phone number won’t be tied to your card until you register your card in a FiveStars store.
- To register your card, all you will need to do is visit any FiveStars location (www.fivestarscard.com/maps) and hand them your card. The business will scan the card and ask you for your phone number to link the account. Give them the same phone number that you used on the online account, and you are set! Enjoy collecting points and rewards from many different businesses!
I registered, but I don’t see my points online.
- Remember to use the same phone number that the cashier linked with your physical card. To see your points online, you will need to register with that same phone number.
- After the new account is created, please allow 24-48 hours for your points to sync with your online account
How do I see my points?
- Login and/or register online. Signin or stay signed in to your account and select “Rewards” at the top right. You will see your points there.
Where are my bonus points?
- Please allow 24-48 hours for your points to sync with your online account. Your bonus points will be added to your online account, and you will be able to view them added with your existing points on the “Rewards” page.
I bought X at a business but did not get points? How do I get that point?
- To get your points, you should keep your receipt and take it back to the same business for your points. Unfortunately, we are not able to add the points for you, though we would like to. We have to honor the agreement we have between our business and theirs.
I accidently made an account with the wrong phone number. What do I do?
- You can change your phone number on the account to the phone number that you used when you received the physical card. To do this: 1. Login to your account at www.fivestarscard.com. 2. Select “Account” at the top right. 3. On the left hand side, select “Update Phone.” 4. Type in your new number and select “Submit.”
I want a job.
- Thank you for your inquiry. For job opportunities, please send a resume to our HR/Staffing department through email at jobs@fivestarscard.com. They will respond to you if there is an interest in your candidacy.

More Questions? Well, home boy, we got more answers:

I lost my card. How do I get a replacement?
- To receive a replacement, you can go to any of our FiveStars locations (www.fivestarscard.com/maps) and ask for a card. Use the same phone number for your current account, and let them know that they can override and issue you another card. If you do not like to carry a card, you can always just use your phone number as well.
Do I get a point for every visit?
- Rewards can be based on transaction/dollar amounts/visits. The businesses tailor their own rewards to thank their customers, such as yourself, for purchasing or visiting. They vary from place to place, so be sure to ask what the reward is when visiting or view the reward structure on our website at www.fivestarscard.com/maps.
Do I use this card at just one location?
- No. The FiveStars card is universal and can be used at all partnering businesses. To see a map/list of businesses near you, please visit www.fivestarscard.com/maps.
How do I redeem my points?
- You redeem the rewards in-store.
I don’t want to be spammed.
- Good. We do not either. That is why you have full control over your information, and you can opt out texts, emails, etc. We will never sell any customer information.
Is my personal information safe?
- Yes. Your information is stored on secure servers and encrypted for your safety.
I forgot to redeem my points. Do the points expire?
- No.Your points will stay on your account and do not have an expiration date. Your points will continue to accumulate, and your reward will also be there until you redeem it.
Do I have to carry a card?
- If you prefer not to carry a card, please don’t. If you forget or prefer not to carry a card, simply use your phone number.

Get Involved with FiveStars — Become the Next Star

jeffdoka — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:42:25 +0000

If you are reading this blog, there’s 40% chance you’ve got a decent idea of what FiveStars is and what we do. If you don’t, read this: You and Your Five Stars Card. Now that you’ve read that, you understand. Yes, we are as awesome as we sound.

If you are like most people, at this point a tear is dripping down your cheek as you murmur, “I want to be like them.” Your room falls silent. All your life choices flash through your mind as the seconds pass, then you shrug and say, “Ok, I’d settle for at least hanging out with these heroic specimens of humanity.”

Fear not!

We’ve got some options for you.

1.) Interning

Yes, we may extort you like coffee farmers in Nicaragua, but think of all you’ll learn. Just read more of this blog and you’ll see that one time we even let an intern articulate his thoughts and write articles for us! There may have been someone behind him with a whip shouting, “Write faster, weakling!” And that person may have been me, but at least he learned about start-ups and social media and merciless discipline! You’re welcome, Tim.

In all seriousness, though, FiveStars is recruiting! We are heading to the super awesome Recruiters Day and Career Fair at UCLA to look for intern and full time workers, and hiring is also in full swing in the Bay Area office.

If you are interested, please, for heaven’s sake, e-mail us at: jobs@fivestarscard.com you could be like these people:

You will be the learner, and we will be the older woman teaching you everything you'll ever need to know.

2.) Fun-Lanthropy

We “FiveStarians” are involved in our communities and all that nonsense. And so can you!

With our one step plan, you too can “give back” to your community alongside FiveStars. Step 1: Join us.

We are working with some great non-profits in the area, and whether or not you work with us you should still get involved! But you better work with us, or you’ll really hurt our feelings.

The first group we work with, is 1000 Hearts for 1000 Minds. They sponsor a group called “Reading Partners,” and we are looking for more people to join us as we help improve literacy in the bay area!

In fact a reading partner session looks a lot like this:

In this case, we would be the older lady teaching kids everything they ever need to know... about reading.

Reading partners is SUPER FUN, and if a little voice in your head says, “I could use this as a positive reason to hang out with the awesome FiveStars crew,” listen to it. Contact: angela@fivestarscard.com for more details!

3.) Exercise With Us!

Just kidding, but there will be some hard work involved, because we are working with 2nd Mile (which sounds a lot like an exercise group if you ask me) to help with construction for a local elementary school.

Their events are not as regularly scheduled as Reading Partners nor do they have as many cool pictures of us showing people how to read, but we’re jumping in on a project with them this weekend and we’d love to have you along.

In this picture we would be the guy showing everyone proper etiquette in cement-wheelbarrow use.

You might ask, “Jeff, why the short notice?” And I’ll reply, “DON’T ASK QUESTIONS!”

We may be a little late in the game on informing everyone about this event, but we promise to be better in the future. Contact Angela at angela@fivestarscard.com and she’ll keep you posted on the cool stuff we’re doing in the future!

In Conclusion:

Join us.

And you can learn from our awesomeness like so:

The woman symbolizes us teaching awesomeness to the world.

–Jeff

Jeff Doka is a FiveStars employee. He likes long walks on the beach, moonlit nights, and loyalty cards. He studied under the great loyalty gurus Ghu Zin Wheng and Cho Ni Bah under their minds he grew to new levels of limitless reward card enlightenment.

You and Your FiveStars Card – Part 2 (The Facebook)

jeffdoka — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 00:23:32 +0000

You’ve had a long day, and you know the one thing that can make it a little bit shorter is a extra large boba tea from Verde Tea Cafe. As you squeeze into line, you notice the person at the counter isn’t ordering, they’re on their phone checking into Facebook and twitter. Only after two minutes of loading and updating does that person finally make their order. Next person in line? Same thing. Next person? Same thing. Day getting longer? Thought so.

I know how you feel, but wipe those tears of impatient agony from your eyes. We are here to stop that from ever happening again. EVER.

Before I break down some of the cool FiveStars Facebook stuff, let me do a quick recap of Part 1: FiveStars is a universal rewards card. With your FiveStars card you can earn points for shopping and hundreds of local business, and earn rewards (free stuff) for being a good customer. You only need one FiveStars card to eliminate all your paper stamp cards and make your life easier. Say it with me, “This is my FiveStars card. There are many like it, but this one is MINE…” Too much? Maybe, but I’ll let you decide after you hear about what we can do with social media:

1.) Instant Check Ins: Making Social Fast

Remember that long day and that thoughtless fellow (yes, I said fellow) in the front of the line checking in on his cell phone?

Thing of the past. Imagine a world where scanning your FiveStars to get your points instantly checks you in on facebook. We did:

They come fully stocked with adorable pictures and simplicity. All you have to do go to www.fivestarscard.com, input your phone number, and click on the big “Connect with Facebook” button as demonstrated below.

It's easy. Do it. Do it NOW!

And when you register with Facebook, you can earn points faster. This means two things: 1.) you are cooler–people respect people who check-in to support their local business AND 2.) You get cool rewards (yes, that means free boba tea–win).

2.) Reward Wall Posts: Because Bragging Rocks

Imagine you just got a free fro-yo from Tutti Frutti with your FiveStars Card. It’s your day. Joy at the free deliciousness you’ve just received wells up in your heart. The longing to share your happiness, to share the simple pleasure of a free frozen yogurt with the world grips you. You must express your surprise. You must express your glee.

We got your back.

Awww Yeah

Now, you don’t have to put down your yogurt to tell all your friends you just got hooked up. Enjoy your tasty treat, and know that somewhere out there, one of your friends is jealous.

3.) Your Like is our Command: To Hear is to Obey

We understand. You’re looking through the awesome local businesses on FiveStars, and you notice that you are only one point away from a free empanada at the Mmoon. You are happy. Ok, happy’s an understatement. You are livid with bliss (if that’s even emotionally possible).

How do you express yourself before the nuiance of your feelings fade. Don’t desperately fumble over the internet trying to log into Facebook and find Mmoon’s page

Like them on the spot. From your FiveStars points screen.

Mmmm. Empanadas.

Inner peace at being able to immediately express your emotions… priceless.

4.) More Facebooks = More Points

I touched on this earlier, but I wanted to say it one more time before I released you to your mundane lives. IF YOU CONNECT YOUR FIVESTARS CARD TO FACEBOOK, YOU CAN EARN REWARDS FASTER.

Got it? Ok, just wanted to make sure.

Phew! We went over a lot today, but the moral of the story is: Facebook + FiveStars = your life easier. And remember, if being completely off the map is your thing, you can always go here to turn your facebook features off and on.

Well, that’s all for today. Whether you choose to Facebook everything you do or ninja through life (and FiveStars), you’ll get some great rewards with FiveStars, and at least now you know your options.

–Jeff

What Happens in Vegas Goes Nationwide

jeffdoka — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 03:23:37 +0000

Some have said that those of us at FiveStars like to “do it big.” I would assert that they are indeed correct. Our presentations in Vegas’s Pizza Expo and Bar and Nightclub Expo last week were as big as it gets. We talked to some of the heftiest restaurant, bar, and pizza chains the great nation of America has to offer (as well as a few other chains based in other great nations like Spain). We regaled them with the glory that is FiveStars and described how their customers deserve the hook ups FiveStars provides.

So yes, we had to tell Spain to wait, but if you take a look at our FiveStars Map, which I know you will, you’ll see a couple of new locations in Dallas, North Carolina, and Oklahoma. All because of the awesome FiveStars people that went to Las Vegas and the b-e-a-uuutiful stand:

Suggestive? Sure. Effective? You know it.

This little stand blew it out of the water. A direct quote from one of the FiveStars team members who attended, “The stand was so busy when the expo started I could barely walk. At one point I was talking to ten different business owners.”

Oh, yeah, that reminds me. The team staffing the stand were cool too, I guess. Here are pictures of some of them in action!

Gracie and Angela spreading the FiveStars Gospel.

I know what you’re thinking, “The decked out display and attractive FiveStars people are all right and whatever, but, Jeff, what did the brochures look like.”

STAY CALM! I got you.

Mmm... Brochures.

Ok, well that’s pretty much a picture story of the Las Vegas Pizza Expo and Bar and Nightclub Expo, but the tale doesn’t end here.

As we speak, there are cheerful and excited FiveStars sales people lighting the phones up in those areas to make sure that every person at the expo who drooled a bit and mumbled, “Me likey FiveStars for my restaurant,” gets their wish. FiveStars is going nationwide, and it’s starting now. It could be tomorrow, it could be next month, but FiveStars will be in your city. Soon, gnarly rewards will sprout up nationwide. Very, very soon…

My Tpumps Adventure!

Tim Salisbury — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 16:53:02 +0000

It’s always important to know what customers are thinking. Five Stars used this past Wednesday to catch up with card users at Tpumps, a boba house, in San Mateo. Needless to say, we had plenty of Five Stars swag handy. I personally passed out at least thirty pairs of Five Stars sunglasses.

The origins of this event date back to last last year. I thought it would be great to write a blog post about customer reactions. So here it is.

Leading up to the event, I was super excited, but soon realized I was in over my head. As the event date approached, I felt anxious; super anxious because I would be meeting tons of people I didn’t know.

This event accomplished many things, not least of which, was allowing me to break out of my comfort zone and connect with lots of interesting, unique people. It also gave me a deeper understanding of the program at the consumer level.

I asked a wide variety of questions ranging from what places do you use your Five Stars card at to what features would you like to see from Five Stars in the future.

Many of the people didn’t know that Five Stars was all over the Bay Area. When I told them we were in over 500+ and not just Tpumps they were shocked. I explained you can follow us on Foursquare or use fivestarscard.com to lookup Five Stars providers.

One really interesting suggestion I heard was from a guy named Gabe. He had a great idea. It would be nice if you could Five Stars points towards buying Five Stars branded merchandise on our website. We’re always exploring new ideas, so expect the unexpected!

What that really stood out to me was Alex, the owner. He signs up virtually everyone that walks through the door. This has allowed Tpumps to take off even more and bring in more customers, more frequently. Virtually everyone had a card that I spoke with. Talk about sweet rewards!

Overall, the experience was a lot of fun. My biggest take away from talking to people was that they love the rewards their earning, which keep them coming back. Essentially the program creates enduring loyalty. Bingo! Exactly what our team strives for everyday.

And yes, I give the experience Five Stars!…

Interning Round 2

Tim Salisbury — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 05:51:56 +0000

People always ask me, “what is interning at a start up like?”

In the last article I touched on some of my responsibilities.

Through this post, I’ll paint you the picture, the whole picture and nothing but the picture (Jack Nicholson reference lol)!

I’ll take you on a voyage through the mind of a start-up intern. So get ready, start up, and go!

Core Mindset 1:

You MUST have an entrepreneurial mindset.

Most of the time I am expected to initiate projects. I am expected to identify tasks where I can improve FiveStars. Throughout the week, I work with Eric who is like my boss, but the nature of my work is very self-directed and dynamic. Realistically, I can take on ANY project I can conceive that will create value. It’s nerve wracking. It strange! But most of all it’s awesome! The nature of this dynamic keeps work fresh; super fresh! By virtue of this workflow, I always feel engaged to think outside of the box. Metaphorically, the balls in my court so I aim to dunk it every time. Bottom line: it’s all about creating projects and projecting success into them.

Core Mindset 2:

You need to be constantly aware; aware of the changes taking place around you. Everything is fluid. Everything is in flux. These means staying connected with my coworkers through cell phone, email, signal flair, Navajo Cyptology, google docs, beacons of Gondor, morse code, telepathy, and any other “in vogue” means of connecting. Being part of FiveStars means I am part of a team. Being part of this team means staying in sync.

Interning is a state of mind. In turning this page of my life, I have grown immeasurably. And for that I am thankful.

Over and Out,

Send a Comment, Send a Shout

-Tim

A Day In The Life

Tim Salisbury — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:57:36 +0000

February marks my 3rd month of interning at FiveStars. You guessed it, I give it Five Stars!

A day in the life here is sooo different from day to day. Working at FiveStars is sort of like being in the Beatles. Not to say I’m a rockstar, but I definitely jam with the best team of rockstars this side of the bay. In my short tenure here, I have done everything from interfacing with local businesses to reengineering the social media experience to rigorously testing software. The best part is that I have tremendous latitude in designing what I work on and when. I can even telecommute part of the time which makes scheduling a breeze.

One of the best parts about working at FiveStars is gaining unprecedented access to the world of startups. Being an entrepreneurship major, it makes a world of difference to see what you’re studying in classes come to life in front of you.

For the past few weeks, I have been charting new waters writing copy for various promotional materials. I’ve done everything from brochures to emails. Currently, I am re-grooving a manual designed to introduce business owners to the FiveStars experience. I am especially excited about these opportunities to write copy because they allow me to flex my writing skills and determine if I want to write professionally in the future.

As for the rest of my internship, I have no idea what’s in store. I look forward to sharing my ideas, watching them evolve, and bring them into fruition. This is what start ups are all about!

Expect to hear plenty more from me. Over and out.

-Tim

Get Social

Tim Salisbury — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:12:35 +0000

We’re living in the midst of a digital revolution. For the first time in history, millions of people are accessing and sharing information instantaneously. At the epicenter of this movement is social media. That’s why FiveStars loves sites like Facebook and Foursquare so much.

Part of my experience as an intern has been designing the FiveStars social media experience, primarily on Facebook and Foursquare. It’s all about engagement! These sites allow us to get to know you.

Check us out on Facebook! We’re always thinking of new ways to turn the page with our fan page. How many times a week do use your card? What’s your favorite type of FiveStars business? Let us know in one of our featured polls. Need some pocket change? Tell us what your favorite reward is for a $25 gift certificate. We’re always running contests to spread the love. Q and A. We got the Q’s, do you have the A’s?

We got polls! We got contests! So what’s next? Next week we’ll be rolling out three awesome new ways to enhance your social media experience. Make way for Facebook check-ins! These will allow you to earn points 50% faster every time you visit a FiveStars business and check into Facebook. Look out for Facebook reward sharing! Let all your friends know when you get that mouthwatering empanada or that irresistible milk tea. Then get pumped for the opportunity to rake in massive points whenever you near a reward. All you have to do is “Connect with Facebook” at www.fivestarscard.com and update your account to enable Check-ins under “Facebook Settings”.

Join us on Foursquare! Haven’t used Foursquare before? It’s a site that lets you check-in online and leave tips with your mobile phone when you visit a business. By checking into a certain number of times at certain businesses, you can unlock nifty badges. By achieving the most check-ins, you can become the “mayor” of a business. At our office, everyone wants to be the mayor. Sign up for an account and run for office today!

What have we been doing on Foursquare? Lists, lists, lists! To make Foursquare more user friendly we created brand spanking new lists that distinguish between the hundreds of different types of businesses using our service. This includes places like FiveStars restaurants, nightlife, bakeries, etc. Each list is tricked out with tons of cool pictures and tips letting you know the awesome reward being offered.

Come join the party on Facebook and Foursquare!

You and Your FiveStars Card – Part 1 (The Basics)

jeffdoka — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 07:31:05 +0000

When a tired looking employee first gave me my FiveStars Card, even I was a bit confused. He mumbled something that sounded like, “mmm… reward… table seven… phone number.” That that was about all I got. I smiled, shrugged, and waited for my food, and it wasn’t for another two weeks when I finally went to the FiveStars website and figured out what it was.

So, grasshopper, I am here to tell you WHAT IT IS!

A universal rewards card. If that term is a bit unfamiliar, try these on for size: punch card, frequent shopper ID, stamp card, loyalty program, get-rewarded-for-being-a-good-customer card. Each time you shop at a business, you get a certain number of FiveStars points for the items you buy. After enough points, you can get a complimentary item from your favorite business, SHAZAM! You’re welcome.

Now comes OUR SPIN on it.

Instead of having your wallet crammed with punch cards from every business you frequent. You have one card that works at all of them.

One card to rule them all,

One card to find them

One card to bring them all

And in the dark…. oh wait…

So I may have watched Lord of the Rings one to many times, but imagine the convenience of one punch card for all your favorite local places. No matter where you got your FiveStars card, you can use it at any location in our network. Imagine the same loyalty card earning you a free coffee after ten lattes at Bean Scene and giving you a free appetizer after three dinners at Taste Buds. Imagine FiveStars. And Gollum. Ok, no more lord of the rings.

If you’re still confused (I really hope you aren’t by now), here’s an illustration:

And here’s a better designed visual aide:

The above picture leads me to my next point: FiveStars is a wild tornado absorbing everything into one card (including Dorothy and Toto and Facebook). It may not actually be that extreme, but it’s pretty close. The moral of the story is that there’s a lot more to FiveStars than punch cards. I’m not knocking punch cards, but I know you’ll be as excited as I am when I can show you everything that little tornado of a card in your wallet can do.

More posts coming… Now ride Shadowfax! (Sorry)

Happy New Year

Tim Salisbury — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 04:54:38 +0000

First post from a new member of the Five Stars Family—Tim! We are stoked to have him on the team. Lately, he has been busy writing copy for FiveStars and tricking out our Facebook/Foursquare pages. He is a senior at San Jose State studying entrepreneurship. He enjoys surfing, big words, producing music, meditating, soccer, self help books, and mastering new accents/impersonations. In the favorite food category, his favs are: candy, candy, candy, more candy, cheese cake, and the occasional NY steak(medium). His favorite FiveStars spot is Rock N Salsa. Check out his first post below:

2011 must have been the year of the bull because our loyalty program was raging. We are equally excited about 2012 and in the process of taking our loyalty program to the next level.

What’s the latest with Five Stars? We are paving the future of loyalty with facebook auto check-ins. This will allow people to automatically share their location on Facebook when they use their card at their favorite Five Stars business. What better way to spread the reward?!

Going into the future we want to do our very best to make sure the Five Stars program is a continued success for all our wonderful users. When it comes to loyalty, it’s essential to make the absolute most out of the program. There are two core components to making this happen.

1. Getting the customers excited.
2. Getting the employees excited.

When the customers are juiced through amazing rewards, they become devoted to patronizing your business every week to gain points. The only way this can happen is by having dedicated employees set on spreading awareness of the program and signing people up. The recipe for a loyal customer is as easy as getting a name and a phone number.

The sky’s the limit with Five Stars. Build your fan base today!