UK e-payments outfit PayPoint is introducing a mobile-phone-based loyalty scheme that will allow shoppers to receive money-off coupons via SMS text messages.
The Shop Scan Save service, which was developed by The Light Agency, will enable consumers to receive and request discount coupons by text message as an alternative to traditional paper-based schemes.
Shoppers can sign up to the service by texting a standard rate SMS shortcode. Following registration, a unique barcode ID is sent to their mobile phone. They will then receive regular, personalised SMS offers entitling them to discounts on certain items. To redeem coupons customers present their barcode ID which is then scanned at the till.
PayPoint says the initiative will enable retailers to benefit from coupon schemes without the hassle of collecting paper coupons or having to wait weeks to re-coup their money.
Brands already working with Shop Scan Save include P&G, Nestle, Mars, Unilever and Red Bull.
PayPoint says its involvement with the scheme and planned national rollout follows a successful trial at a Sainsbury's supermarket in Hull, which showed an average coupon redemption rate of 20%. The company views the initiative as a potential precursor to mobile payments for consumers.
Dominic Taylor, CEO, PayPoint, says: "With Shop Scan Save, value flows from the brand owner to the consumer, rather than the other way around. In all other respects, Shop Scan Save delivers traditional PayPoint values to our retailers by driving footfall in to stores and increasing sales."