Online Rewards has outlined how a global rewards catalog can support customer incentives across different reward categories. Its June 2021 guide connects product selection with the actions a business wants customers to take and the experience of redeeming earned value.

The article discusses merchandise, prepaid cards, retailer gift cards and travel or experiences as separate catalog categories. Physical and digital formats can serve different delivery requirements, while local product and currency availability affect which options suit a recipient.

The company recommends defining the earning behavior before selecting the reward. Examples include a purchase, a referral or another customer interaction that supports a specific business objective.

Branding and integration are also part of the plan. A catalog should fit the company’s customer communications and connect with the systems used to manage the wider loyalty program.

Mobile access, assistance during redemption and participant feedback receive particular attention. Online Rewards suggests using reviews and program responses to understand which rewards are useful and where the experience needs improvement.

The guide brings the earning action, the reward selection and the redemption process into one plan. Online Rewards recommends deciding the program's goals and budget before choosing the catalog and software to deliver it.