Mobile Coupons Gaining Popularity

The concept is actually a couple of years old, but the popularity has grown in recent months. Just recently, retailer JCPenney made its first jump into mobile couponing, with a pilot program in 16 stores in the Houston metropolitan area.

Other companies that are doing it include Starbucks, Domino's Pizza, Caribou Coffee, and other well-known grocery and fast-food brands.

It works quite simple. You receive an email on your phone with a picture of a coupon, and when ready to use it - you show the clerk your phone, and they scan it. It works exactly like a traditional coupon, if not simpler.

Some companies are using the technology to get new customers, but have also found it to be successful when attempting to retain existing ones.

First-hand research shows that redemption rates for mobile coupons are around 10% to 20%. This is much higher than traditional paper coupons, which only see about 0.5% redemption.

If you think mobile couponing can help your business, the following companies can help you get started: CellFire, Proximity Media, MobiQpons, and MobileCoupons.com