Datamark Offers First Customer Loyalty Program For Independent Retailers; Value Plus Program Allows Retailers to Customize Relationship Marketing Programs.

NORTH BRUNSWICK, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 13, 1998--Datamark Technologies, Inc., today announced the release of Value Plus(tm), the newest addition to Datamark's loyalty solution set. Value Plus is a low-cost, image-enhancing loyalty program that allows small to medium sized, independent retailers to build loyal customers while collecting vital customer data.

Value Plus is specifically designed for individual smaller chains, franchises and "mom-and-pop" retailers as well as oil & gas/convenience stores. The program utilizes magnetic stripe card technology and entices customers to participate based on a reward for purchases made. Retailers can customize promotions within their own stores or team up with other vendors to create a network of incentive options. For each dollar spent, points are earned, credited to the consumers card and are later redeemable at any participating location.

"The ability to do this on a local level will create a sense of community between both vendors and consumers," said Jack Kaplan, president, Datamark Technologies. "Smaller, independent retailers will now be able to create customized relationship-marketing programs and use data in the same manner as any large scale chain store - to build customer loyalty and a stronger customer base while increasing sales growth."

One retailer taking advantage of the program is the independent distributors or jobbers of Total Petroleum. Select jobbers located in the mid-west began providing the Value Plus cards to their customers and operating the program as of July 1998.

The cards look sleek, project an upscale image and enable Total Petroleum to compete with the larger, national chains that are continuously offering attractive promotions to consumers. By partnering with other local merchants, it gives them a local advantage by strengthening community presence, while offering real value to the consumer.

Datamark Technologies, Inc. is a marketing driven technology firm and a leading provider of electronic customer loyalty and pre-paid card programs. In operation since 1992, Datamark offers a turn-key solution for card based programs, including all hardware and software, system integration, database management, customer and technical support, and its own database analysis software. Datamark is currently serving the travel, retail, restaurant, oil & gas, and telecommunications industries throughout North America.