Glossary /
Retention vs acquisition spend
Written by PEKO Team.Last updated: 05/18/2026.
The split between budget aimed at new guests vs at existing ones. Most service venues over-spend on acquisition by 2–3×; reallocating to retention typically lifts EBITDA without changing topline.
Published: 05/18/2026
Updated May 2026 — The split between budget aimed at new guests vs at existing ones. Most service venues over-spend on acquisition by 2–3×; reallocating to retention typically lifts EBITDA without changing topline. The split between budget aimed at new guests vs at existing ones.
Quick facts
- Definition
- The split between budget aimed at new guests vs at existing ones. Most service venues over-spend on acquisition by 2–3×; reallocating to retention typically lifts EBITDA without changing topline.
- Why it matters
- The split between budget aimed at new guests vs at existing ones. Most service venues over-spend on acquisition by 2–3×; reallocating to retention typically lifts EBITDA without changing topline.
- Related terms
- Loyalty program ROI
The split between budget aimed at new guests vs at existing ones. Most service venues over-spend on acquisition by 2–3×; reallocating to retention typically lifts EBITDA without changing topline.
In the Vietnamese market, this concept interacts tightly with Zalo OA reach, VND cash/QR payment mix, and the district-cluster dynamics of competing venues. Applied properly it can move 5–15 points of 90-day cohort retention.
PEKO operationalises this concept as part of the loyalty layer that runs alongside the venue's existing booking system (Booksy, Fresha, Mindbody, KiotViet, or paper) rather than replacing it.
FAQ
Which Vietnamese verticals does retention vs acquisition spend apply to?
Best fit for barbershops, nail bars, hair salons, spas and beauty salons — verticals where rebook discipline and the guest-stylist relationship drive most of the revenue.
How long does implementation take?
With PEKO, a small venue typically goes live in 3–5 days: contact import, Zalo OA connect, basic reminder cascade switched on, then tuning over the first 2–3 weeks.
Do I need to replace my current booking system?
No. PEKO is positioned as a loyalty layer on top of existing booking systems — Booksy, Fresha, Mindbody, KiotViet or paper diaries all stay; PEKO adds retention on top.
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