Ice Cream Day Discounts for PayPal App Users

PayPal’s recent effort to introduce its app during 2014’s summer festivals now expands to include everyone’s favorite summertime treat. This weekend saw the celebration of National Ice Cream Day and a PayPal promotion for $5 off every app purchase which is good all summer long.

Brad Brodigan, Vice President and General Manager at PayPal, explains new features such as “order ahead” and “check-in” provide consumers less wait time and quicker access to enjoy their purchase.

Brodigan describes some recent promotions for the app which has approximately 27 million users since launching in fall of 2013. The San Jose Giant’s stadium takeover allows fans to circumvent in-between inning log jams with the “order ahead” feature. Fans order snacks directly from their seat and then pick them up without having to wait in long lines. More sports venues are integrating mobile payments with similar hopes of elevating the sporting experience by cutting wait-times and giving fans more time in front of the action.

Similar to the Ice Cream Day discount, “Free Coffee Promos” and “Free Lunch Fridays” provided users dollars off when paying with their mobile wallet. Savings are initiated by selecting a discount icon directly on the app, no email coupons or downloads are required.

Brodigan notes the PayPal app can benefit retailers hoping to differentiate themselves from their competition, acquire more customers, enhance loyalty and increase capacity with easy “order ahead” service.

Payment Week tested the app and gelato flavors in both Manhattan and Brooklyn where response from vendors is positive.

Servers report the app is easy to use and comes in handy when lines form on hot afternoons. By removing card swipes and making change for cash, the press of a button cuts transaction time. Each business states increased app use over the course of the summer and agree the only hold-up occurs if first-time users need coaching on how to access the app on their device.

Brodigan explains that PayPal uses both manual and technical methods for locating new merchant opportunities. A “field solutions team” scouts neighborhoods and identifies the best merchants in the area to possibly accept the app. PayPal also partners with POS (point of sale) providers to scan new retailers in addition to established successful businesses.

While trial use has been popular in high tech cities, Brodigan expects nation-wide expansion soon. In addition to the discounts at ice cream venues in New York, the South Bay area, and Austin (list of participating vendors), the PayPal app features similar offers available in all US cities.