Mapping points, tier status, member history, and the overnight cutover that doesn't lose a single member.
Most loyalty migrations fail in two places: (1) members lose points or tier status, (2) the email + on-site widgets break mid-cutover. Here's how we run a clean migration.
Step 1: Export everything from the old tool. Member list, point balances, tier status, historical actions, redemption history. CSV is fine. Most platforms have a CSV export; the ones that don't have an API.
Step 2: Map fields. Old platform's "Gold" might be new platform's "Platinum." Old points might be redeemed at $0.01 each; new at $0.02. Build a mapping spreadsheet before importing anything.
Step 3: Dry-run in staging. Import to a staging store. Spot-check 20 members manually. Compare balances to the source.
Step 4: Overnight cutover. Disable old widget, run final delta import, enable new widget. Total downtime: 1-3 hours, scheduled when traffic is lowest.
Step 5: Comms email. Send a member email the next morning explaining the new program. Reassure that their points are intact.
