[smart3]

We have a start-up affinity program where customers will get discounts when they present their membership card to retailers. The card will track 'points' earned and % of sales for the affinity service. Pros for using the Smart Card are $450 per terminal (pass along cost to retailer) + $1.50 per card. Magnetic Card has a $10,000 fee plus $100 to install each terminal plus other fees + $.25 per card. I could foresee us having 500 retailers join the program over the next few years. Choosing the Smart Card because it has no fee nor installation costs looks good initially, but we need expert advice on this long term decision. Can you offer any insight?