Contactless NFC loyalty from ZAPA launched with Insomnia Coffee in Ireland

ZAPA Technology today announced the deployment of its new ZAPATAG loyalty scheme in all 32 Insomnia coffee shops nationwide.

 

Initially intended for use in loyalty schemes, the ZAPATAG system operates using new Near Field Communications technology.  The tag contains a chip that can store many different applications such as multiple loyalty schemes, club membership, payment facilities, and more, all on one tiny tag which the customer attaches to their mobile phone.  There’s no need to carry dozens of loyalty cards anymore and the customer will never miss out on an opportunity to collect rewards or use the loyalty points they’ve earned.

 

It works by simply fixing the ZAPATAG to the mobile phone handset which the customer then registers at www.zapatag.ie and then simply taps at the ZAPA reader beside the Insomnia cash register to receive loyalty bonuses and rewards.  The technology has the potential for many more applications from the ability to redeem loyalty rewards from advertising posters to payment facilities.  The ZAPATAG also delivers a new level of market intelligence back to the retailer.

ZAPATAG is the largest commercial deployment of Near Field Communications (NFC) technology in Europe.  NFC is a next generation contactless technology which is expected to be integrated into all new mobile handsets over the coming years.  The same tag can be used in all Insomnia shops nationwide and in other retail outlets in the near future.

ZAPA Technology represents a new beginning for John Nagle, who, as former CEO of card payment services company Alphyra, has in-depth knowledge of the payments, mobile and electronic retail transaction businesses.  Speaking about today’s announcement, John Nagle said “Our link with Insomnia represents a very exciting move for our ZAPATAG and for the future of loyalty and bonus schemes in this country.  Insomnia’s customers are now assured of receiving all the loyalty bonuses to which they are entitled.  We believe the deployment of ZAPATAGS in all 32 Insomnia coffee shops nationwide represents the largest commercial deployment of Near Field Communications in Europe.  We believe that as a loyalty scheme, the ZAPATAG system is second to none for both the customer and the retailer and we are in discussion with a number of other retailers with a view to deploying ZAPATAGs in more and more outlets nationwide.”

Speaking on behalf of Insomnia Coffee Company, CEO Bobby Kerr said “We’re delighted to be the first retail group in Ireland to offer this advanced loyalty scheme to our customers.  We operate in a very competitive market and as well as offering the highest quality products and service, we’ve always been keen to offer our customers great loyalty bonuses to help us maintain an edge over the competition. The ZAPATAG appealed to us because it’s so convenient for our customers and gives them much more certainty that they are availing of all their bonuses from Insomnia.  It’s already proving extremely popular with over 12,000 of our customers in receipt of ZAPATAGS since launch.”

Dublin, Ireland 1st October 2009

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For further information contact: Nuala Buttner, Q4 Public Relations, Tel: + 353 4751444 / + 353 85 1744275