Handy Apps Retailers Are Using
Though few are using apps for their businesses, early adopters are realizing how some can help them move transactions more efficiently By Jamie Sorcher
ers. More consumers are using them on a daily basis, and now retailers are starting to embrace these tools, too, which can offer instant access to information as needed, increased ef- ficiency and even boosted profits.
W Presently there are more than 500,000 apps in the Apple
store, and at press time, the Android market was poised to have 500,000 as well. While consumers use apps for compari- son shopping and daily deals, apps can also be a big bonus for car audio businesses. For some, apps are providing the convenience of vehicle fit guides in a compact format (no more lugging around large installation guides), while stores are also experimenting with promotions and point-of-sale.
APP DABBLING But not everybody is on board yet. Mike Bartells, owner of Me- chanicsville, Va.–based Extreme Audio, has yet to make the leap. “Thus far, we haven’t really done much with apps, although may- be where it’s really more applicable is with the installers,” he said. Bartells has gotten his feet wet with the Metra Electronics
28 Mobile Electronics June | July 2012
hether mobile electronics retailers like it or not, there is a whole new world out there brought on by the exploding world of apps — whether in the Apple universe, Android market or one of the oth-
app (for its vehicle fit guide) and has multiple car audio apps on his smartphone. “We have also used the Groupon app for a few promotions,” he said. Tapatalk is another app Bartells uses frequently to stay on top of industry issues. “There is a 12-volt forum that keeps me connected to the community. It gives me 24-hour access to a forum so I can see what’s going on with beta testing and issues with a certain type of car, and can just keep my finger on the pulse in mobile electronics,” he added.
RETAILERS FIND GOOD USE FOR APPS One of the more progressive retailers using apps is King Pin Car Audio based in Wilsonville, Ore. “We’ve been in business 20 years and, all of sudden, this is something that we have to be doing,” said Brent Hunter, store manager. “Where we have had the biggest impact using apps is with Square. Now we can use our cell phones to swipe a credit card.”
The Square app has been especially effective at outdoor
events and has allowed the retailer to boost sales. “This really comes in handy at outside events,” Hunter noted. “We do a classic car swap meet and the Portland Swap Meet, so we got it primarily for the car show, and it has been the best investment. Without this, it would be cash or nothing at the meet, and we’re
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