Starbucks has recently developed a new mobile application allowing customers to make a purchase by simply uploading the Starbucks mobile card app and having the cashier scan their bar code at the register. Initially when I discovered this new innovation I thought it was somewhat useless. I felt that this was the same concept as using the credit card, and would not benefit the consumer in anyway. However after a little research to my dismay the app turned out to be a valuable conception.
In my opinion, it is still the same concept as a credit card when making a purchase, however there are other key features that make this a desirable application. I decided to download the app on my iPhone to see what the chat was all about. I soon discovered that not only can you insert your credit card or PayPal information and have it saved; you can see what payments have been made which will allow the consumer a convenient way to manage and control their expenses with Starbucks. You can also locate all the Starbucks’ in the area you are located in while using the app. Finally, you are able to track the rewards you have earned.
It is interesting that Starbucks has designed such a simple yet functional app, especially for those who frequently make purchases with them. Technology has definitely taken a turn and it is amazing to see how the world would be in chaos and unable to function without cell phones, lap tops, etc… We are now approaching a stage in technology where people will not be able to effectively function without applications. I believe that Starbucks has created a new cycle of technology and I believe this is something that other companies will imitate.
Although Starbucks has developed a unique way to reach and retain customers, there are a few considerations which may prevent customers from using the payment part of the app. It does not seem to have too much of a security system set up in case a user loses their phone. They will actually have more troubles to deal with and more inconveniences to be bothered by. If they are able to configure a way to control this potential problem this will become the new age of payment options.
Ashley Farrell
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Ashley,
ReplyDeleteYou bring up an interesting point regarding the future of our reliance on our mobile devices. When the day comes that we've got our lives stored on our cell phones, we'll be pretty helpless without them. Of course, my guess is that automatic backup features will minimize potential losses, as well as biometric identification that will allow us to make payments with fingerprint or retina scans. Maybe losing our cell phones won't be so bad.
Thanks for some sensible blogging!
Anthony
e-marketingforsensiblefolk.blogspot.com
Ashley, I agree with your point on the easiness people will have in regards to being able to track expenses. Nowadays people have so many different accounts open that it takes a lot of time and worry to keep track of all of them. Now about the cellphones, people cannot live without them anymore. Our entire lives are in there. Our family members and friends' phones numbers that we no longer need to memorize and even our appointments and schedules. I remember when I was growing up I was lucky enough to have this huge computer monitor sitting on my desk and now I think by the time I have kids they won't know what it is like to not have a computer. Eventually people won't be able to function without cellphones that is why this new app will take over the credit card market and the next generation won't even know what a credit card is.
ReplyDeleteAshley, for years companies have tried to have their own forms of payment to charge their customers. With that been said, companies like Mobil, now ExxonMobil, introduce things like the “speed pass”, a key chain that works likes a credit card; the way this works is similar like the Starbucks App. You touch a key pad with the key chain and the key chain charges your bank whatever amount of money you spend in the gas pump or the gas station convince store. After Visa, Master Card, and American Express came with something like it, when you buy something there is a pad and instead of swiping the card you tap it with the card. Some convince stores, drug stores, fast food restaurant, and other vendors have that option. The reason this companies due that is to make things faster. However, in my opinion, all of these “innovations” to compete with the normal swiping a bank card are pointless, since it still takes the same amount of time an effort.
ReplyDeleteThat’s the truth,
Mauricio
Ironic, when I was reading all this about the new Starbucks app the thing that I correlated it to was exactly the ExxonMobil "speed pass". Although these forms of payment may take about the same time to complete as the swiping of a credit card or handing the cashier a $20.00 bill,the difference comes into play when the purchasing data used by such new forms of payment can be transferred back to the company for market research. Ahhh, the beauty of marketing.
ReplyDeleteAshley, very good research made of the application. I think that you make a good point about what would the world be without any technology. But also think, what about technology taking over us? Up to certain extent is good to have apps and all of that but hopefully that does not turn into job losses. I took a peak at the app also and it is missing some security features that are going to make a lot of Starbuck customers skeptical about getting the application. Most people are very attentive and careful when it comes to their privacy.
ReplyDelete