QR code-based mobile payments firm LevelUp is integrating support for Apple's iBeacon after testing showed that pushing instore offers through the technology significantly increased sales.
IBeacons are small devices that can be placed in shops and use Bluetooth Low Energy to ping customers carrying iPhones.
Last month LevelUp added support for the technology to its platform and sent devices to a few of its merchant customers so that shoppers could be alerted to upcoming loyalty rewards.
Participating businesses experienced a 22% average increase in customer spend through the LevelUp app or the business' custom app. Meanwhile the rate of transactions from previously "lapsed" LevelUp users increased by 63%.
Seth Priebatsch, chief ninja, LevelUp, says: "Building iBeacon support into apps built on the LevelUp platform will help customers stay apprised of their upcoming rewards and help businesses earn more through their loyalty programs."
All LevelUp merchant partners are now being offered an iBeacon, which is ready to go as soon as it is plugged in. The firm expects to have delivered up to 1000 by the end of the summer but in the longer term plans to build the technology into its POS scanners.
"Mobile payments have enabled local businesses to track customer spend and deliver unique offers to individual customers like never before. Now with iBeacon functionality, businesses using LevelUp can also communicate with customers during their crucial decision-making process," adds Priebatsch.