Groupon isn’t just for coupons anymore. The company has announced Groupon Gnome for iPad, a new accessory and iPad app that aims to let Groupon businesses recognize Groupon customers in store, quickly redeem Groupon vouchers, process payments, keep accounting records, respond to customer service inquiries, and manage your social media or marketing promotions.
That sounds like a big order for a new business application, but Groupon already offers point-of-sale software and payments processing technology separately, and it has the customer base and industry clout to take on customer relationship management (CRM). The company plans to make the Gnome (pronounced GEE-nome) a required part of its service for your business, whether you actually use it or not.
After customers walk through your door, your Gnome can then redeem printed or mobile phone Groupons using a Bluetooth wireless connection for customers who have the Groupon app open and Bluetooth on. You can also search for customers by name, Groupon barcode, or voucher number. Customers no longer have to present a printed voucher or even show their mobile device.
Gnome’s payment processing and bookkeeping functions let you log cash transactions, accept credit and debit card payments, print or email receipts, calculate multiple tax rates, manage menu items, view a transaction history, and issue refunds. Groupon is also integrating Gnome with popular accounting software such as QuickBooks and Xero.
Groupon Gnome for iPad will also connect with customer relationship management software. This can help you build a customer database, customize marketing campaigns based on preferences or purchase history, send mobile alerts to nearby customers, share customer feedback via social media, and respond to customer inquiries or comments with one-click email.
If you are new to starting a business, Gnome comes with preloaded menus and inventory lists for the most popular types of local businesses. You can also add, scroll and search thousands of menu items. Groupon says that Gnome will come with 24/7 live support.
Groupon will charge $10 US per month to rent a Gnome, and a competitive payment processing fee of 1.8 percent plus 15 cents a transaction for MasterCard and Visa purchases.
Groupon says it plans to expand Gnome’s capabilities to enable merchants to connect further with its services and Groupon’s mobile and online user base.
To request more information on Groupon Gnome for iPad, see groupon.com/gnome. Also, check out the one-minute video promo below.
