An update on ordering food by text message: GoMobo, which launched in New York City last year (see our previous post) just announced that they're expanding to other major cities in the US. According to GoMobo's founder, Noah Glass, several thousand customers have used GoMobo in New York City and have saved over 3,000 hours of time by using GoMobo to place their orders.
GoMobo's growth is largely organic and fuelled by word of mouth: "We’ve been excited to see new pockets of users signing on each time we launch a new restaurant. The early adopters get a discount on their first orders as a reward for being brave. That’s how we market the service. Nothing sells a customer on GoMobo better than watching another customer use it to skip the line and get their food faster." Members can print out a one-page sheet to give to restaurants where they'd like to be able to use the service. If the restaurant signs up, GoMobo rewards the member with USD 25 in free food.
Glass states that feedback from restaurants is very positive. Average order sizes from GoMobo are 24% higher than in-store orders, and orders can be handled more quickly because payment is made when the customer places his/her order. (Payments are collected to GoMobo and deposited in the restaurant's account.) On the customer-side: GoMobo members feel like they're getting a VIP treatment by being able to skip the line, and obviously save time.
For the national roll-out, GoMobo is recruiting sales reps across the country and giving them all the tools they need to launch restaurants locally. Reps receive a USD 125 commission for each signed restaurant, and over 500 have signed up so far.
Website: www.gomobo.com
Contact: info@gomobo.com
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You can also text 'skiptheline' to 466626 (GOMOBO) to get a $5 credit toward your first order. It's a free service so try it out today. Happy Eating!
Hi Noah,
Really great idea for busy places like mine in Hong Kong...
You are talking about international expansion. I would like to know more. Hope to receive your feedback soon.
B.Rgds.
Fred WU
Hi Noah,
What about Paris ?
Are you thinking about it ?
Regards.
Gregory
Will you be able to order at organic resturants as well or is this just towards fast food and non sit down resturants that give you the option of pick up or sit down?
Thanks for the update post, Springwise!
We're excited to expand all across the US.
If you want to help this idea spread, join the GoMobo Revolution at www.gomobo.com/revolution and demand better, faster service from busy restaurants and coffee shops near you. Stay tuned for international expansion in the coming months.
If you're ready to get out of line, text 'go' to 466626.
Happy Eating!
Noah
Noah N. Glass
GoMobo Founder & CEO
Noah N. Glass | September 12, 2007 10:05 PM