Product details:
Eat@, which is available on iPhone and Android smartphones, combines a restaurant directory app with a service for restaurateurs to use mobile marketing to retain and attract customers simply and easily.
Using Eat@ restaurateurs can:
- Edit their restaurant's details in the directory including contact details, sample menus and exact location using Google Maps functionality.
- Send offers and vouchers that can be redeemed when diners show the deal on screen in the restaurant.
- Enable diners to leave reviews of their establishment.
- Soon use the app for a table reservation and takeaway ordering system.
USP:
The developer says that, unlike other apps on the market, Eat@ enables restaurants to communicate directly with their customers and potential customers, the app currently has 7,000 members, directly. This can be done through tailored text message, email or in-app alert offers.
The offers, which can be uploaded using a simple web-based console application, can be modified or removed in near real-time if they're not working or are working too well.
Availability:
20,000 restaurants are already on the database supporting Eat@ - proprietors looking to promote their business using the database and the app are advised to contact Appdragon direct.
Price:
The app is free for consumers to download, while restaurants can have a basic free entry in the database for free. Full entry including access to promotions and offers costs from £12.99 a month.
Why should you buy it?
Rakesh Mandani, owner, Woodlands Restaurants, London, said: "I wanted to do something different that allowed me to talk direct with my customers. Eat@ allowed me to do that, quickly and efficiently, without investing in costly app or website development projects."
Simon Eyre, marketing director, Appdragon, said: "Almost everyone has a mobile. Eat@ gives you an opportunity to start engaging with these potential customers. Because mobile provides so many opportunities for restaurants to market themselves to consumers and because it's so different from other marketing media, it's important to ensure you're marketing to mobiles the correct way and only a specialist can do that."
Similar products on the market:
A number of other apps designed to help restaurants' mobile marketing have been launched in the last year including:
- The Alliance Online mobile ordering app.
- Loyalli - a virtual, stamp-based loyalty scheme.
- Kooki, another loyalty card app, which was launched in September.
- A mobile restaurant ordering app combined with marketing called QikServe.
OpenTable has also launched a new service for its restaurant customers to receive help on creating mobile versions of their website.
More information: