By MAULIK SHAH

Manufacturers in the plywood and laminates industry have realized that quality and pricing alone no longer secure dealer loyalty. For decades, competition focused on cost, supply timelines, and promotions, but these have become table stakes.

Today, the differentiator is how effectively manufacturers engage their dealers. Engagement now means building lasting relationships, making dealers feel valued, recognized, and part of the brand’s growth.

In the digital era, loyalty platforms have emerged as a key tool, creating ecosystems of trust, motivation, and measurable growth. Here are the latest trends transforming dealer engagement:

Loyalty programs

QR codes printed on plywood sheets, laminates, or packaging allow dealers, retailers, and carpenters to scan and earn points instantly. Each scan validates

genuine purchases, prevents counterfeit materials, and ensures transparency across the channel.

Dual wallet system

LoyaltyXpert’s dual wallet feature has quietly become a game-changer in the plywood and laminates loyalty landscape. It acts as a fraud-prevention and transparency mechanism by dividing loyalty points into two compartments—a primary wallet and a secondary wallet. The primary wallet holds the points that belong to the channel partner, such as a dealer or distributor, and can be redeemed directly.

The secondary wallet is designed for transferring loyalty points to the immediate downstream partner—for instance, a distributor rewarding a dealer or a dealer rewarding a retailer or carpenter. This two-tier structure enhances visibility, eliminates misuse, and promotes seamless collaboration across the value chain.

Gamification

Skill-based challenges, leaderboard contests, quizzes, and digital learning games make loyalty programs interactive and emotionally engaging, motivating dealers and carpenters to participate actively.

Redemption schemes

Converting loyalty points into real-world rewards gives programs tangible value. Manufacturers often collaborate with e-commerce platforms or retail brands to allow points redemption for electronics, fuel, or other everyday products, boosting participation and sustained engagement.

Multi-tiered engagement

Tier-based systems reward each level of the channel ecosystem—manufacturer, distributor, dealer, retailer, and carpenter—based on performance, knowledge, or engagement metrics, fostering progression, recognition, and motivation.

Dealer engagement in the plywood and laminates sector is evolving rapidly. Loyalty platforms are no longer just about rewarding purchases—they are about rewarding relationships, trust, and long-term collaboration, making all the difference in an industry built on craftsmanship.

– The writer is the CEO & Co-founder of LoyaltyXpert.

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