Coupons Coming To Your Cell Phone

Mobile coupons — usually text messages with discount codes sent to a cellphone — are becoming the blue-light specials for the digital age, promoting last-minute clothing sales, two-for-one entrees and cheap tickets to the theater.

The widespread adoption of text messaging and sleeker, richer phone interfaces also makes mobile transactions easier. Some shoppers are turning to mobile applications that collect coupons, like Coupon Sherpa, an iPhone application that handles coupons for retailers like Kmart, Toys “R” Us and Zales. Since its release in April, Coupon Sherpa has been downloaded more than 65,000 times.

Analysts say mobile coupons are also more likely to be redeemed. Cellfire says its redemption rate for mobile coupons is 15 to 20 percent. Paper coupons, by comparison, have redemption rates lower than 1 percent.

“It’s so easy because the coupons are already sitting on your phone,” Mr. Gilmore said. At check-out, he simply shows the coupon on his cellphone screen to the cashier, who enters a code to apply the discount.

“It doesn’t feel like it has the same stigma as walking up to the cashier with a Velcro pouch, fishing around for a coupon, like my mom used to do,” he said.

Coupon Sherpa Mobile Coupons - In Store Coupon Application for the iPhone and iPod Touch

Printable Coupons in New York City, Free NYC deals guide | 8coupons.com

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