Google Checkout has reached 6% penetration in the online payment market since its launch eight months ago, but will need to resolve customer satisfaction issues before posing a serious threat to PayPal, according to a J.P. Morgan survey.

As we continue our monthly survey of Loyalty 101, it’s important to pause for a moment to discuss the most enjoyable aspect of loyalty program design: redemptions. After all, the privilege of redeeming for rewards is the reason your customers join your program in the first place.

If one accepts the premise that promotional devices can engage targets, two critical questions come to mind: Which activities will provide the best return on a promotion investment? How can promotion activities and budgets best be sequenced?

Coca-Cola is once again promoting its ties with the hit show this season by introducing new TV spots and offering special rewards to its loyalty members.

What are the best business applications for podcasting? That's what E-Centric recently asked Lisa Wehr, founder and CEO of OneUpWeb.

(Promo) Here's a hot tip for marketers who want to stay in touch with their customers: Take a page from the past and try a customized magazine. Though more costly than e-mail, it can serve as the perfect setting for promotional offers.

DIC Entertainment is working to build loyalty and viewer retention around its Saturday morning programming block with a watch-and-win sweepstakes.

Lexus is launching its new hybrid car with a special offer for Nieman Marcus’ inner circle

Marriott International Inc. is giving members of its loyalty program the chance to buy additional points online to earn rewards.

Macromark Inc. has been appointed list manager for the Penn Foster School master file. Some 103,814 buyers from the last 12 months are available.