My favorite subject: Shopping

I would have to say that coupons are a way of life for me in the retail world. I subscribe to many online coupon websites and I collect quite a few in the mail through various retailers. I hardly ever purchase an item without some sort of coupon, reward points or discount.

Currently, I do not own a Smart Phone, iPhone, Android or any other type of high end feature phone but current times are definitely making me reconsider. As I have stated in my previous blogs, QR Codes can be scanned on these smart phones, and they also have many abilities that are vital tools for business and personal matters. My next topic of Shop kick also utilizes a smart phone.

What is  Shopkick you ask? This is a free application for iPhones or Android's that is a mobile shopping loyalty service.  I have a million frequent shopper cards, extra care card, rewards cards etc.... This app is similar to a rewards program except the app, when running on your phone tracks your visits to various retailers and offers special discounts that flash on your phone screen while you are in the store. There is also a benefit points program called "kicks" which you receive by simply visiting a store. The plan for this app is to get the online home based shoppers of the world out in the real world and into these stores.

Walmart, Target, Best Buy, Sears, Home Depot, Stop & Shop are just a few examples of companies that are supporting this app. Stores like Best Buy have teamed up with this app and have installed speakers with high frequency sound in order to communicate with smart phones to pick up the location and send the reward to the phones. The system also can locate your exact aisle and generate "kicks" based on the department your in and the send you more rewards based on your interest.

There seems to be some glitches with the specific location technology and the cell phone signals but apparently the "Shopkick" app does work and has been quite effective so far. You can also scan bar codes with the smart phone camera and making purchases can also generate more rewards.

"Shopkick" seems to motivate people by keeping consumers coming back daily. They also can work towards larger earnings and bigger rewards such as gift cards or trips by reaching certain amount of points. It seems to be smart and pretty easy for shoppers who are already out there to simply scan the bar codes and turn the app on.

“The last thing they want to do is reward a customer who’s not actually in the store.” VP of product Management, Evan Tana.... I thought this quote was pretty awesome. It is so true when you think about it, all of my rewards have come from using the credit card within the store after I check out. I would love to have the coupons before purchasing and save as much money as possible.

Check out the link below and let me know your thoughts!

http://www.boston.com/business/technology/articles/2011/06/30/shopkick_app_draws_traditional_retailers/