The supermarket chain, Kroger has this wonderful program that they run in conjunction with Proctor and Gamble. Instead of clipping coupons you can know go on-line at Kroger’s web site and check off the coupons that you want. Kroger then downloads the coupons to their computers. When you shop in the store and purchase the items the discount is automatically taken off at the register. This is all tied to your loyalty card number. It’s easy, brainless and actually works! There are only two problems that I have encountered. First, if you don’t write down the discounted products you’re apt to forget which ones they were when you go the store 3 days later. The second problem is availability. Currently, P&G is the only manufacturer participating and then the selection is usually quite limited (maybe 14 items or so per week). If you don’t need Miss Clairol this week or you use a different brand you’re out of luck. I hope as this becomes more widely accepted, other manufactures will jump in and get involved.
This week Kroger, Cellfire and several manufacturers also announced a new coupon program via cell phone initiative. This experience could take couponing to a new level. Download Cellfire’s mobile application and install it on your phone. 
The company says that any data enabled phone can be used (approx 180 million currently). Anybody who has been involved in downloading software, updates etc will really appreciate how easy (read brainless) Cellfire’s process is. Literally, it’s just a few simple clicks and then a confirming email and you are off and buying. Once you have selected your zip code and downloaded the available coupons, redeeming them is incredibly easy. Launch the app, display the coupon and code to clerk and voila. Discount at point of sale! The other really great thing about Cellfire is that they are a Mobile Messaging Service not a Text service. The only way you get the coupons is by launching the app and asking to see what’s new. No unwanted spam texts from these folks!
Like all new companies Cellfire suffers from the proverbial case of “which comes first, the chicken or the egg.” In order to attract advertisers they need subscribers (it’s free). In order to get the subscribers they need to have great advertisers with useful offers. Currently they have over half a million subscribers many of which are in the cherished 18-34 demographic. The new pilot program with Kroger should go an awfully long way to helping grow that list. So, who should and could take advantage of this now? I’d say any company in the food industry is a prime candidate. Imagine going to your fast food joint showing your phone display and getting a 2 for 1 offer right there? No fuss, no muss.
Mike Morawski, Food & Tech Lover
