[patrickk]

As a consumer, the last thing I want is more plastic in my wallet. Something like Cardstar (http://www.mycardstar.com/) would be a start, but maybe that's a typical early adopter HN attitude more than a typical consumer response.

Your landing page needs simpler, bigger, attention-grabbing text.

Also, I'll second the comment below about the big bright signup button. The CardStar link above has a nice example that you might draw inspiration from.

EDIT: Just watched a video from a link on HN:

http://www.avc.com/a_vc/2010/05/draw-your-ideas.html

And the website behind Jack Dorsey's new idea:

https://squareup.com/

He makes the point in the video that 90% of America uses plastic to pay for stuff, but only 2% of America can accept payments from plastic sources.

If you can come up with a killer common-sense line like that (and a killer landing page like Square's), that will become the raison d'etre for your concept.

[loyaltyspace]

Thanks very much for this.

I wasn't aware of CardStar - a fair amount of overlap there.

+1 to that killer application in a sentence. I'm not quite there with my elevator pitch.

[patrickk]

You're most welcome. The very best of luck to you!

I'll be in your shoes in a couple of months, just finishing up college now so I can't really work on my numerous ideas. Can't wait to get into it!

You might also consider keeping a blog of your progress, like this guy with Bingo Cards, of all things:

http://www.kalzumeus.com/

Even though his product isn't pitched at a HN-type demographic, the process of how he develops his ideas makes for an interesting read. It's a great way of generating free buzz - writing passionately about your startup with no BS. Something you may wish to consider also.

[olegp]

http://www.thepocketagency.com are doing something similar to CardStar in the UK, let me know if you want an intro

[loyaltyspace]

Yes would really appreciate that - seems like we may be complimentary in some ways.

[Zak]

As a consumer, the last thing I want is more plastic in my wallet.

Quoted because I only get one upvote.

There are several grocery store chains in my area. One of them does not have a loyalty program; they still have traditional sales. The price of certain items is reduced, and no plastic card or other identifying information is required to get the reduced price. I shop at that chain almost exclusively, in large part due to the lack of a loyalty program. It's not so much that I'm worried about privacy - I simply find them highly annoying.

Sorry, LoyaltySpace. I think your startup sucks. I don't want more stores doing this.