Shopkick and WeRewards – getting paid for real world actions

How would you like to get paid for doing every day things you already do? Well, you’re in luck. Two mobile applications – WeRewards and Shopkick – reward consumers for walking into their favorite store or eating at their favorite restaurant.

Nearly 1 in 4 U.S consumers use mobile LBS – even more impressive, 63% of iPhone owners use it at least once a week. This surge in mobile location services has led brands like Domino’s and American Eagle Outfitters to stand up and take notice.

Domino’s has partnered with Izea’s WeReward (available at more than 15MM businesses) in order to propel discovery of specific locations, to build a deeper relationship with loyal customers, and to make the brand viral. Users find a location or business and check-in via the WeReward app. Upon check-in they are sent directions on how to earn points. All points are worth .01₵ and can be turned into cash via PayPal. In Domino’s case, users earn points by taking a picture of their Domino’s pizza box, making sure the receipt is visible. The app is also integrated into Facebook, Twitter, Foursquare, Yelp, Google and Citysearch, so users can also unlock badges and share their experiences. The goal is to provide an incentive that’s fun and profitable for the user, but it benefits all parties because the advertiser can set their own price, giving them flexibility while decreasing risk.

Shopkick is equally as compelling for retailers – users open the Shopkick app and simply walk into a store! Their unique technology ‘communicates’ with consumer’s phones recognizing their presence, so there’s no ‘fake check-ins.’ Users immediately get ‘kickbucks’ just for walking in the store, but they can earn more for taking further in-store actions such as trying on clothes or scanning the barcodes on specific articles of clothing. The app, in conjunction with the retailer, also offers special discounts and deals. ‘Kickbucks’ can be turned in for Facebook credits, gift certificates or users can even donate the money they’ve earned to their favorite causes.

We will see more and more retailers jumping on the mobile LBS bandwagon, but it seems as though applications like WeReward and Shopkick have developed win-win programs for consumers and brands alike. They drive in-store traffic and sales conversations while creating a ‘coolness’ factor for users who are ‘in the know’!