# Social Network Shopping Rewards Plink Integrates Facebook Credits and Real-Life Purchases By Katherinev123 | Published 2012-01-31 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebook-credits References: [brandchannel](http://www.brandchannel.com/home/post/2012/01/30/Plink-Launch-013012.aspx) & [plink](https://www.plink.com/) In 2009, [Facebook](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/facebook1) tested a loyalty program called Facebook Credits, which allowed users to purchase select merchandise on Facebook, such as sneak previews of films and virtual bouquets. Now, a social media-based loyalty program called Plink is integrating Facebook Credits with offline sales through a purchasing program that rewards users with Facebook Credits whenever they shop or dine at their favorite stores and restaurants. Consumers can sign up through Facebook Connect and register for a credit or debit card. Every time you use the card at a participating retailer or restaurant, you will earn Facebook Credits to use online. So far, participating businesses include [Taco Bell](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/taco-johns-1), [Dunkin' Donuts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dunkin-barbie-dreamhouse) and 7-Eleven, among others. As BrandChannel points out, such an integrated system is "seamless and easy for consumers and businesses; no coupons, discounts, or loyalty cards involved, just a percentage of sales generated by Plink members paid to FB." ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 10% | Activity: 52% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Social Media Rewards:** Integrating reward systems with social media to incentivize offline purchases. - **Seamless Loyalty Programs:** Incorporating loyalty programs without the need for physical coupons, discounts or cards. - **Offline-to-online Rewards:** Rewarding customers with online credits for purchases made offline. ### Where This Applies - **Retail Industry:** Integrating loyalty programs with social media to incentivize offline purchases, and encourage online sales as well. - **Food Industry:** Integrating loyalty programs with social media to incentivize offline purchases, and encourage online sales as well. - **Payment Industry:** Developing loyalty programs and payment technologies that provide consumers with reward programs for offline purchases. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Dine-In Loyalty Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lynq-app.md) - [Chicken Restaurant Rewards Systems](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kfc-3.md) - [Shopping Rewards Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paypal-1.md) - [Commerce-Enhanced Payment Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/venmo-debit-mastercard.md) - [Filipino Restaurant Rewards Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jolly-rewards.md) - [Digital Rewards-Integrated Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tranzactcard.md) - [Virtual Restaurant Loyalty Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bao-bucks.md) - [Discount Retailer Rewards Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/poundland-1.md) - [Charitable Loyalty Program Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/charitable-loyalty-program.md)