The Pontiflex Blog

Freedom from paper coupons?

March 11, 2010

As if the ability to scan a barcode from your mobile device and board a plane isn’t enough. Target recently announced mobile coupons that are scanned right from your cellphone screen at the time of purchase and work on any phone with a web browser. They’re not the first to liberate consumers from having to remember to bring the coupons they printed or clipped to the actual store (I can’t count the number of times I’ve forgotten to bring my 10% Bed Bath and Beyond coupon with me) – but they are the biggest retailer to date to offer such robust mobile coupon capabilities.

Here’s how it works:

1. You sign up to receive SMS from Target by either going to http://m.target.com or by texting COUPONS to 827438 (TARGET)

2. Once a month, you get a text message with a link to multiple offers.

3. You bring your phone to the register and get your coupon scanned.

It sounds pretty straightforward. The media has, of course, pointed out a few shortcomings: the offers aren’t customized, and they don’t appear when you’re near a Target store – but I think it’s a decent start.

Read more at the Wall Street Journal.

Entry Filed under: Online Advertising. .