If you are running a boutique pet shop, a grooming salon with a retail section, or a large pet retail store, you know how important it is to build customer loyalty. Increasing your customer base and retention should be a key part of your growth strategy.
One of the best ways to do that? Make the most of your dog treat selection. You can get creative and add value to your store by using treat samples, creative bundling, and even creating subscription models for your customers. In this article, we’ll break down how to make the most out of your treats and why buying bulk dog treats can make this process more effective.
Why Customer Loyalty Is So Important for Pet Stores
Before diving deep into the tips and tricks of dog treats, it’s important to understand why customer loyalty is a crucial factor to focus on in your pet business.
Repeat customers who appreciate your store are the best type of customers. Not only are they more likely to try new items or spend a little more on quality products, but they will promote your store almost as much as you.
In other words, anytime they have a conversation about anything dog related, not only are they likely to mention your store, but highly praise it. They help bring in new clientele, which you can then convert into a repeat customer as well. They are the core to the success of your store.
Turning Samples Into Sales
Sampling gives customers a way to try something new without needing to commit and spend money. When someone’s on the fence about price or unsure how their dog will respond to the treat, a sample can turn hesitation into confidence. Samples are a great way to introduce new treats and upsell your customers.
How to Use Samples in Your Store
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With purchases: Add a free treat sample to qualifying orders, especially for first-time customers or large purchases. This is a great way to hook new or high-value customers.
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At the register: Create a treat sample station near checkout to spark impulse interest. Offer the samples to any pet parents with dogs at the store. If the dog likes it, the pet parent is more likely to buy the treats.
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As a giveaway: Use samples as part of an in-store loyalty program, dog birthday club, or local event promotion. This helps promote your store as well as the treats.
Tip: Pair samples with a short description or fun fact about the treat. A little context goes a long way in helping customers make a return visit.
For example, if you sample pieces of yak cheese, you can add something like “Turn Yak Cheese into Yak Puffs! Heat up small pieces in the microwave for 20 seconds and watch them puff up.”
Adding Value with Treat Bundles
Treat bundles are a great way to increase the average sale and move more inventory while giving customers a deal they feel good about. Plus, they're easy to theme around your audience.
Here are a few effective bundle strategies, and how each one can drive value for your store and your customers:
1. Size or Breed-Specific Bundles
Example: A "Small Dog Snack Pack" with softer, smaller chews or a "Large Breed Bundle" with tougher, long-lasting treats.
Why It Works:
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Makes it easier for customers to shop when they know the products are tailored for their dog’s size.
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Helps educate customers who might be unsure about treat durability or digestibility.
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Encourages first-time buyers to try multiple products in one purchase, leading to future full-size sales.
Pro Tip: Add signage like “Perfect for Chihuahuas and Yorkies!” or “Tested by our toughest chewers” to make bundles feel more personalized.
2. Function-Based Bundles
Example: “Training Treat Toolkit,” “Calming Support Bundle,” or “Dental Chew Essentials.”
Why It Works:
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Solves a specific customer problem, which makes the value immediately clear.
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Allows you to combine different treat types that work toward the same goal.
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Encourages customers to try complementary items they might not have picked up on their own.
Pro Tip: Pair bundles with signage or flyers that quickly explain the benefit (“Great for crate training!” or “Soothe separation anxiety naturally”).
3. Seasonal or Holiday-Themed Bundles
Example: “Summer Road Trip Snacks,” “Valentine’s Day Dog Love Box,” or “Howl-o-Ween Treat Mix.”
Why It Works:
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Creates urgency—limited-time themes make customers more likely to buy now.
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Great for social media and email marketing campaigns.
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Adds a fun, novelty element that keeps your shop feeling fresh and exciting.
Pro Tip: Use themed packaging or gift tags so the bundle feels like a special occasion. These can also make great impulse gifts for pet parents.
These are just some of the many ways you can create bundles. Keep in mind your customers' pain points and how you can target them.
If you notice a lot of pets have specific allergies, create single-ingredient bundles. Maybe a lot of senior dogs can’t have tough chews. Then a soft jerky bundle would be perfect for them.
Creating these bundles gives customers a clear reason to buy. It keeps shopping interesting and fun. There’s joy in providing dogs with exciting new treats, and these bundles allow for exactly that.
Bonus Tip: Create In-Store Subscriptions for Recurring Sales
You don’t need an online storefront to offer subscription-style convenience. Many of your customers would love a simple and consistent way to keep their pets stocked with their favorite snacks.
You can even use your bundles as part of your rotating monthly bag with different treats. The subscription provides more of a guarantee for recurring sales. Whether you create your own boxes or use variety packs that come with a mix of treats, a subscription method increases sales and brand loyalty.
Building Customer Loyalty
It’s one thing to make a sale. It’s another to turn that customer into a repeat visitor. If done strategically, you can use your treats as more than just merchandise. Dog treats can help build customer loyalty.
How? Here are a few ways you can build customer loyalty and compete against other retailers or online stores.
1. Treat Punch Cards
Example: “Buy 5 Bags of Treats, Get the 6th Free.”
Punch cards give customers a clear incentive to continue shopping with you instead of going elsewhere. These programs are simple to set up. Create a card and stamp it anytime someone purchases the treat. Once they reach the set amount, they get a freebie!
Over time, customers will come back to your store for your great deals, leading to an increase in sales. You can also boost traffic on slower days by offering double punches or seasonal promos tied to specific treat products.
2. Monthly Treat Tasting Events
In-store treat tastings turn an ordinary visit into a fun experience. Hosting a “Treat of the Month Sampling Day” or a recurring “Dog Demo Day” gives both pets and their owners something to look forward to.
These events let customers test products risk-free and often lead to same-day sales when dogs show enthusiasm for a particular chew or snack. It's also a chance to introduce new or underperforming items in an engaging, low-pressure setting. Pair the event with special discounts or bundle deals for added impact.
3. Loyalty Perks for Bulk or High-Value Purchases
Rewarding customers for spending more is a smart way to encourage higher average orders. For example, you could run a promotion like “Spend $50 on Treats This Month, Get a Free Sampler Pack Next Visit.”
Not only does this nudge shoppers to stock up in one go, but it also sets you up for repeat visits as they come back to redeem their reward. These types of perks are especially effective when paired with seasonal campaigns or themed bundles.
Why Buying in Bulk Makes All of This Easier
Now you may be thinking, giving away samples and providing savings to the customers sounds great for them, but may end up costing you more money. Well, that's where buying dog treats in bulk can come in handy.
If you’re going to offer free samples, curated bundles, or discounted monthly packs, you need to keep your cost per unit low. Buying in bulk from Zenta Pets lets you increase your profit margins.
This also allows you to give more competitive pricing to your customers and provides you with more inventory control. The worst feeling is going to a store and finding out the treats you’re looking for are sold out. Shopping in bulk allows even your top sellers to stay stocked and on the shelves.
Final Thoughts
Customer loyalty isn’t built overnight, but it can grow quickly with the right strategies. By offering samples, creative bundles, and even small-scale in-store subscriptions, you’re giving your customers reasons to come back.
With the right inventory on hand, you can do it all while protecting your profits. If you're ready to take your loyalty strategy to the next level, be sure to check out our full selection of all-natural dog treats and start turning first-time shoppers into lifelong customers.