Starbucks launches new social media apps
Starbucks has unveiled mobile payments and two iPhone apps for its loyal coffee drinkers in the US, and is offering BT WiFi access to UK reward scheme members.
MyStarbucks uses the phone’s GPS capability to find nearby Starbucks establishments, search ingredient and calorie information for Starbucks beverages, study coffee bean varieties, and build virtual drinks to see what exactly would be in one if you ordered it.”
The second app “allows for balance check and refilling of Starbucks gift cards, which the company has expanded into a customer loyalty program by offering discounts, free refills, and two hours of free Wi-Fi to cardholders. for a limited time, the first time you reload $25 or more using your Visa card, you’ll even earn a $5 bonus.”
Starbuck payments app tipped to prompt raft of followers
Starbucks has revealed an app for the iPhone that allows customers in the US to pay for their order by using the phone. This will undoubtedly prompt other companies to unveil a multtude of e-commerce applications. The technology has been there for some time, but the infrastructure for accepting payments has dragged behind.
Called the Starbucks Card Mobile App, it allows users to sync their prepaid Starbucks Card with the app and check their balance and purchase more credit if running low. Some stores even allow the app to be used to pay for coffees and snacks.
The way the app works is that users select the “payment trial” function on the app, which then displays a QR code. The iPhone is scanned, the cost is deducted from the balance and the purchase is made.
Sixteen stores in Seattle and Silicon Valley will be participating in the trial. The reason for the location is due to high usage of iPhones and Starbucks Cards. The next step is for the programme to go nationwide and other retailers having similar apps.
Those who try out the app early can look forward to free coffee refills and two hours of free wifi.
Starbucks aren’t the only company at the moment trying to break in and dominate the “mobile phone wallet” market.
Both Nokia and PayPal are working on mobile payments projects and it seems finally that retailers are getting interested in the project albeit in a closed loop way at present.
In the UK, Starbucks is offering free WiFi to Starbucks loyalty scheme members. Many are hoping the mobile payments app will be launched here too.