News - Retailers try and geofence smartphone customers

[HEXUS]

Trying to halt the browsing in store then buying online phenomenon.

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[neonplanet40]

If shops were not so much more expensive than the online etailers then they wouldn't have anything to worry about.

Why shouldn't I buy it online if it is cheaper?

[TheAnimus]

because you only know which product to buy, thanks to the store.

There is a cost if you have say a laptop out on show, a cost for the rent, the staff even if they are dixons grade usefulness, they at least stop some theft etc.

I'm rambling, but I'm just trying to suggest that there are plenty of times when people choose something thanks to a shop, then buy online.

That said, I've frequently bought something in a shop because I needed it urgently, based entirely on online reviews.

[Animus404]

I don't like the idea of "geofence their customers when they enter or get near to the retail premises" what if I'm in a pub a few doors down from a geofenced shop and want to do a price search for something.

Sounds bloody annoying.

[valhar2000]

Strange. I am much more likely to do the opposite: google on my phone to find out if something does what I need it to do, and then buy it in the shop. If I'm in the shop in the first place it's because I want the thing right now. If I don't mind waiting for it to be delivered I'll browse the web from my home, where it's much more comfortable.

[shaithis]

As long as it stays opt-in.....I am fine with it.

But the name "Geofencing"......makes it sound a lot more invasive then it is.....

[Saracen]

As long as it stays opt-in.....I am fine with it.

But the name "Geofencing"......makes it sound a lot more invasive then it is.....

That about sums up my attitude, and really, to just about any form of marketing not just this method.

I have no objection to anything companies want to do to promote themselves provided they only do it to those that opt-in. But I'd be staggered if this stayed opt-in only unless legislation forces it to be.

My personal attitude is that I don't want marketing messages of ANY type coming to my mobile phone, under any circumstances whatever. Period.

I do not want to be "geo-fenced", I don't want coupons or promotions, and I don't care who it's from, or what their offer is. I simply want my mobile phone to be left the bleep alone by marketing people.

And there is one pizza place that lost my custom permanently because they pestered me with texts, and continued to do it after I told them to stop. The result is I haven't bought anything from them for several years, and have no intention of doing so.

So for me, I will not EVER opt in to this kind of thing, but if other people want to, then why not? Just leave me the hell alone.

[blueberry99]

If shops were not so much more expensive than the online etailers then they wouldn't have anything to worry about.

Why shouldn't I buy it online if it is cheaper?

You're free to buy everything online from online retailers, as long as you don't complain when all the shops in your area (bar the pawn shops and pound shops) have closed down.

[Spud1]

If it's opt-in only then fine, I don't have a problem with this..the issue is, who would actually want to opt in? All it means is you will be spammed with text messages when you walk past the shop (and in this sort of situation with text marketing, even 1-2 texts is annoying enough to be "spam").

Bit of a crazy idea but I recognise the problem - I have done it myself many times. My favourite one is still at PC World, where I wanted a new keyboard + mouse which were listed at approx £60 each in store, but were on offer for approx £20 each online. I asked the store manager if I could buy them for their web price, he said no, so I promptly got out my phone and reserved it online there and then in front of him. He couldn't refuse to sell it at the point so I got it for £40 instead of £120.

Fun as it is for the large shops that shoot themselves in the foot like that, it's a painful problem for smaller retailers