Tag: mobile applications

This application makes it possible for people who are headed out of town to place a hold on their mail.

At this time of year, there is so much going on in terms of gift buying and wrapping, making travel arrangements, and ensuring that everything is packed for the intended destination, it can be easy to forget to take certain steps such as holding the mail, but USPS has created a mobile app to help travelers to overcome this struggle.

The USPS app allows a request for a hold on mail to be submitted over a smartphone or tablet.

When traveling away from home for more than a day or two, placing a hold on mail is a good idea, for several reasons, including security. That said, while many people do intend to do it, it is among the easiest details to forget, particularly when traveling during the holidays, when everything in life is busier and more complicated. It is among the preparations that are most frequently forgotten. However, by using the mobile app, an alternative method can be used to complete this task, whenever it is remembered. Even if it means that the individual is already a day or two into the vacation.

The USPS mobile app is currently available for travelers with both Android and iOS based smartphones.

The mobile application is available for free, and it offers a simple to use “Hold Mail” button that gives customers the opportunity to have their mail held for as few as 3 days or for as long as a month. Arrangements can also be made for the way that the held mail will be collected. For example, a user can request that all of it be delivered in a single large stack, or the customer can indicate that they would rather pick it up from their local post office.

Once the request has been submitted, the user will receive a confirmation email that provides all of the details about the request, such as the applicable dates and the collection information. Once the hold has expired, another email is sent on that day in order to confirm that the mail will no longer be held after that point.

The mobile app also provides the user with helpful information such as the location of the nearest branch, the ability to use tracking codes to trace their delivery of their mail, scheduling a pickup, ordering free shipping supplies, and obtaining price quotes.

Starbucks continues to show strong position in the mobile field

Starbucks is leading the way when it comes to mobile payments. The company has emerged as a sort of unexpected competition for Google, Apple, and others that have invested heavily in mobile commerce. Google was among the most aggressive companies to enter into this market with its Wallet platform. Apple followed suit years late with Apple Pay. Neither of these services have managed to become mainstream successes in the mobile commerce field, but Starbucks’ mobile payment app has.

90% of all mobile payments made in the US in 2013 were done in Starbucks stores

In 2013, 90% of all mobile transactions made in the United States were conducted in Starbucks stores, according to CEO Howard Schultz. Mobile payment volume is also growing by 50% every year, with more than 7 million mobile transactions being conducted at stores every week. Mobile payments now account for 16% of all transactions handled by Starbucks. There have been many questions regarding how Starbucks has managed to find success when competing against large companies like Google and Apple.

Loyalty program provides customers with an incentive to participate in mobile commerce

One of the ways Starbucks has managed to establish such a strong position in the mobile commerce space has to do with the incentives it gives consumers to use its mobile app. The company has been using incentives to encourage consumers to use its own payment solutions for several years now, and these incentives have become part of the company’s mobile strategy. Starbucks’ loyalty program provides rewards for those that make mobile payments, which has proven quite popular among consumers.

Convenience is key to finding success in the mobile commerce field

Starbucks also boasts of a prime environment in which mobile payments can thrive. Many of the people that visit Starbucks stores want to take advantage of fast service, and the Starbucks mobile app can help with that. With the app, customers can place orders before they even enter a store, and pay for these orders quickly from their mobile device. By emphasizing convenience, Starbucks has managed to find success where others have failed.