CompUSA Woos Small-Business Owners

Tech retailer CompUSA this week launches a loyalty program for small-business owners with a national sweepstakes.

The program, called CompUSA Network for Business, targets small-business and home offices—a $70 billion a year segment.

CompUSA courts the small office/home office owners who spend $70 billion a year on equipment

CompUSA is testing a consumer version, the CompUSA Network, in five markets. But it's the lucrative small-office/home-office industry that's ripe for a rewards program.

"More than half of small-business owners say technology is business-critical, and 76 percent want service and support from the same retailer where they make their purchases," said CompUSA Director of Loyalty Marketing Mark Anderson in a statement.

Members pay a one-time $30 fee (priced at $20 for the launch) for a slate of specialized services and to accrue ConnectPoints, redeemable for notebook computers, iPods, plasma screen televisions or CompUSA gift cards.

Members get a free annual computer tune-up (worth $50), members-only sales and free online shipping.

A MemberConnect Preference Tracking service stores details on equipment needs (such as ink cartridges and printer paper) based on past purchases. A members-only Web site lets members track and redeem ConnectPoints, and offers equipment recommendations based on past purchases.

The program launches Sept. 25 online and at CompUSA's 250 stores with a Win the Ultimate Networking Event sweeps. New members are entered in the random-draw sweeps awarding a $50,000 networking even for clients or customers, including American Airline tickets.

Alliance Data Systems Corp., Dallas, handles the program for Dallas-based CompUSA.