Starbucks Expands Mobile Payment Test
On Monday, Starbucks Corp. will begin expanding its test of a mobile payment system to nearly 300 stores in New York City and surrounding counties. The payment application is available for select Blackberry phones, Apple iPhones and iPod touch devices that allows guests to pay and manage their accounts by using their phones the same way they would use a loyalty card. This application is available through a free download. The app can be used for payment using a barcode on the phone screen that can be scanned at the register. Customers also can use the app to reload their Starbucks Cards, check their rewards status and find a nearby store.
I think that this test of a mobile payment application could prove itself to be a great opportunity for mobile technology in the retail world. I believe that this is a great way for Starbucks to help their businesses succeed by having customers use their smart phones as new mobile wallets.
With today’s on-the-go society, where most people carry their cell phones and aren’t always at their computer, it only makes sense that mobile marketing and customer loyalty programs have become the preferred method of reaching consumers.
What are your thoughts on the new Starbucks mobile payment application? Would you use it?
