How to Encourage the Use of Payment Apps Amid COVID-19
With the world focusing on social distancing and touchless and contactless everything, handling cash and coins gives customers one less thing to worry about. Most retailers offer payment via the store apps as well as accept popular payment apps. For example retailers such as Dunkin’, Panera, Walgreens, Whole Foods and more accept Apple Pay and Google Pay. Encouraging the use of payment apps is just another way to keep your employees and customers safe during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic. Here’s how.
Stores like QuikTrip, Target and Walmart offer curbside pickup service which requires customers to use the store’s mobile app. Most store apps also allow shoppers the convenience of paying ahead. If you’re not already including a free offer or extra points for folks using your app, this is the perfect time. For example, Chick-fil-A recently sent an email offer to app subscribers stating: “Thank you for helping us reduce contact by using the Chick-fil-A App. To show our appreciation, you’ll earn 20% bonus points for your mobile order through the Chick-fil-A App, April 1- April 30, 2020.”
Payment and delivery through third-party apps like DoorDash, Grubhub, Postmates and Uber Eats obviously eliminates the use of cash. What’s more, DoorDash recently announced the addition of 1,800 convenience stores such as Casey’s, Circle K and 7-Eleven allowing customers delivery of household essentials.
Giving customers the option to use a scan and go feature makes it easy for customers to confidentially minimize interaction. To support social distancing during the COVID-19 crisis, Sheetz recently launched “SHcan & Go!” allowing customers to scan and pay for items through the Sheetz app. Costco, Kroger and Walmart stores also offer scan and go functionality making it easier for shoppers to get what they need and exit even faster.
Earlier this year, ExxonMobil announced they were teaming up with Amazon’s Alexa to integrate voice-activated payments. This means drivers with an Alexa-enabled vehicle can fuel up at more than 11,500 gas stations without having to worry about the exchange of cash.
As shoppers become more accustomed to using payment apps, consider enhancing your existing apps or providing incentives for frictionless shopping Post-COVID-19. Mobile payment apps are convenient, easy-to-use and offer a smart way to collect helpful data. “For merchants with a loyal customer base, mobile payment functionality is a helpful addition to a merchant-specific mobile wallet that allows customers to earn loyalty rewards, save gift cards, and redeem coupons,” Chris Tweedt, a research analyst at Parks Associates told Retail Dive.
GSP is here to help you brainstorm, design, produce and/or print signage to help promote the use of payment, loyalty or store apps at your store. Let’s get started today!