Technology is changing so fast it's hard to keep up. Software makers and restaurants have teamed up to present wireless discounts to the consumer on the go. Here's how it works. Those with iPhone and iPod Touch can download the software application, then have access to coupons from more than 100 merchants that have so far signed on. The couons show up on the cell phone with either a bar code or a promotional code number. The phone user shows the screen to the cashier, who scans the bar code or enters the promotional code into the cash register to redeem the coupon. Participating merchants include Rubios, California Pizza Kitchen, and Islands Restaurants.
Two forces are driving mobile coupons, said Greg Hallisnan, chief marketing officer with Verve Wireless in Encinitas. One, coupons are back in vogue due to the recession, and two, faster cellular networks have boosted what can be delivered to the wireless phone. Consumers see these phones as more like a personal information device that's not just for making voice calls.
Mobile couponing is convenient and easy for busy consumers. So far the download for the iPhones has had more than 250,000 downloads this year. The trend is growing, and is seen by most merchants as a compliment to traditional print coupons. Coupons are making a comeback. At the height of their peak in 1992, 7.9 billion coupons were redeemed. In 2008, 2.6 coupons were redeemed, but the trend is definitely increasing, and mobile couponing is just one more way for merchants to try to get our business. Very interesting. I wonder what's next. Thanks, Barbara, for bringing this story to my attention.
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