Giving them priority access, Mobo lets customers order from restaurants and pay for meals using sms.
How it works? Customers create an account, which includes their credit card details. After signing up for the service, they can order online via www.gomobo.com, or by text message/sms. The order appears on the restaurant's in-store Mobo system, and is automatically billed to the customer's credit card. The restaurant confirms the order, and the customer receives a text message stating when the order will be ready for pick up.
Every Mobo restaurant has a separate Mobo Pick Up counter, so when their order is ready, Mobo users can walk straight to the counter, state their name and last four digits of their phone number, and pick up their food. For those customers that can't leave the office, Mobo also delivers.
Since complicated orders (medium rare, hold the mayo) are cumbersome to order by text message, users can store their favourites in their online account, simplifying the procedure to just texting a corresponding number to Mobo.
According to Mobo, the benefits for partnering restaurants are increased profits from new Mobo customers, higher average order amounts, increased customer loyalty and improved operating efficiency. Mobo, which launched in May 2006, currently works with over a dozen restaurants in New York City, with more to join soon. The company is also developing platforms for other services that involve people standing in line, such as transportation and entertainment.
Customers save time (which IS the new currency), get a bit of that oh so coveted VIP treatment with their takeaways, and vendors increase profits. Now that mobile phones are truly ubiquitous, and ordering takeaways online is no longer a novelty, this concept should work well anywhere!
Website:http://www.gomobo.com
Contact: info@gomobo.com & (212) 260-0895
Glad that the good and trendspotting folks at Springwise found Mobo!
As the CEO and Founder, I wanted to let people know where they could find out more about the service, suggest a restaurant, etc.
Our blog is: blog.gomobo.com and you can find our Press Kit at http://gomobo.com/About/presskits.asp
If you're in New York, create a free account at gomobo.com and you'll get a $5 credit when you place your first text-order.
Stop waiting. Skip the line. Go mobo.
Happy Eating!
Noah
But how is it different from calling the restaurant ordering the takeaway?
Thanks for the question, Money Matador.
In short, it's different because it's faster, more accurate, more secure, simpler, and better for the restaurant.
As a user, Mobo lets you order and pay via text, meaning no waiting on hold (faster), no shouting your order to an employee who's in a loud restaurant environment (more accurate), no giving sensitive financial information over the phone (more secure--payment takes place online with authentication from the phone's SIM). And with Mobo, you can order with just 6 digits (simpler -- five digits for the shortcode 46626 and one for your Fave).
For the restaurant, it integrates with their POS system so they need fewer phone operators (cost savings) and maintain tighter control of inventory. They also have no risk of non-payment, as the transaction is billed as soon as they accept the order.
Hope this answers your question.
Thanks again!
Noah
I personally think this is a fab idea. Can you post me more information on this system? Thanks.
Is there any plans to take this to britain or to make the technology availaible in a Business and industry contract catering context
To "British Ideas": I'm not sure about that! Please contact info@gomobo.com or call (212) 260-0895 for more information.