Dunkin’ Donuts is maintaining its status as a leader in mobile retail applications by keeping users interested in ordering rewards through special giveaways.

They key to building a strong user base and relationship with loyal customers is rewarding them for their continual business. To keep users coming back, Dunkin’ Donuts is offering a free travel mug to any eligible rewards members.

Dunkin’ rewards
While many loyalty programs take on a points racking system, Dunkin’ Donuts is making an impact on users by surprising them with an extra reward.

Users in the New York metro area recently got a push-notification from Dunkin’ on the mobile app, informing them of a free travel mug. The travel mug does not require point redemption to receive, and is simply a gift for being a member.

To receive the free travel mug, users must scan their app when purchasing a coffee at a Dunkin’ location in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut.

Through the end of March, users will be able to get refills in their new travel mug for $1.79.

The offer expires at the end of March as well, and is only available to rewards members when purchasing a coffee. Dunkin’s offer will remind users to keep on using the app for added bonuses, and also drive sales.

Mobile strategy
Dunkin’ Donuts is also taking the current mobile ordering trend a step further with curbside pickup for its mobile application users.

The coffee chain is testing a new feature where consumers can order food through the mobile app and have it brought out to their car for them. Curbside pickup is only available for its loyalty rewards members but may expand to all users in the future.

Mobile ordering is already a popular trend among fast casual dining chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts. The retailer was one of the first to popularize the trend, letting consumers order their food through an app and simply pick it up from the counter, skipping the line altogether (see more).

Dunkin Donuts continued its emphasis on mobile transactions in the New Year, this time through a partnership with the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers to offer special mobile-only discounts through the former’s application.

The primary allure of the partnership for consumers will be these discounts, which will take effect during Sixers home games. The deal is the latest in a series of like collaborations for the partnership-happy Sixers, which also has been testing relationships with brands such as StubHub (see more).