mDonations: Donations to Charities via Mobile by MobioID
Written on Thursday, March 18, 2010
I got an e-mail recently from one of you (thanks Tara), with information about how charities are expoiting mobile marketing, in order to boost donations and also reach different demographics, especially younger audiences.In the particular scenario, originating from Canada, a mobile barcode payment system is being used (via an iPhone app) to allow people to donate directly to their selected charity.
An example of mobile barcode payment technology advancing the ways people donate to charitable causes is approaching on March 28th during the Ottawa Heart Institute’s annual telethon on CTV. For the first time in history, viewers will be able to use their iPhone and a mobile barcode payment system by Canadian company, MobioID, to make a real-time donation right off of the TV screen.The significance of mobile barcode donation capabilities in the not-for-profit sector includes:
- During the 10-hour telethon, a customized Mobio barcode will be displayed on screen to allow iPhone users to scan and donate instantly.
- If donors are unable to watch the telethon, they can visit the Ottawa Hearts or MobioID website and scan the barcode anytime.
- Barcodes will be distributed in local publications as well as over Twitter, Facebook and email for “anytime” donations before, during and after the event.
- Ability to inject innovation into the widely traditional telethon space.
- Ability to target younger audiences and appeal to Gen X and Y.
- Increased geographical reach (Mobio barcodes can go viral on Twitter, Facebook, email and phone to phone)
- Ongoing donations possible post-event (once a custom barcode is created it can be used indefinitely in print, advertising, TV, T-shirts etc.)
I then came in touch with MobioID, the people behind this idea, to find out more about how their App - and concept -works, and how it's been doing so far.You can stop reading if you like, cause it gets lengthy, but if you found this interesting so far, there's some pretty interesting info contained in the questions as well.
You mention iPhone, are other mobile phones supported?
Currently we are iPhone only, and we will expand to Blackberry and Android this year. We chose iPhone at launch (q4 2009) because of 2 key factors: 1) according to our research, iPhone users used Apps more than other platforms, and 2) the app store distribution method was available and proven, making it easy to get the app to consumers.
Do you have an already existent customer base for your mobile barcode system? If this is an already existing iPhone App, can you provide number of downloads?To use the app, a user downloads it from the app store, registers for the Mobio service, and can then scan any Mobio 2d Code they see to connect with a merchant and purchase goods and services or donate to a charity. typical enrolment time is ~2.5 minutes, subsequent transactions are about 10-15 seconds each in duration from scan to delivery of an email receipt.
The in application flow is:
1 -- scan code
2 -- enter amount and CVV/CVN (that funny number on the back of the card)
3 -- tap pay now
and you are done! This entire process happens within the App itself.
Next time you open your mail (i.e. immediately) there is an email transaction confirmation in your inbox
The actual card transaction is handled by a card processor selected by the charityIn the case of Ottawa heart Institute Foundation, they will use the code on the TV screen and in other (mostly web/email) media immediately, expanding to include in posters, postal direct mail, etc. after the telethon event.
I have not checked this week, I think downloads are in the 10's of 1,000s or soIs the iPhone App free?
Yes, the app is freeWhat payment methods will you support?
Mobio supports the 'big 5' cards -- Visa, MC, Amex, Discover, and JCBHow can people from abroad donate, given that lots of people seeing this on the Internet are in another country, and they can't necessarily text/call in their donation?
Download and register for Mobio, and scan away! the only issue is if you try to donate to a foreign charity and your underlying credit card is 'blocked' for foreign use by the issuer/bank. While we know this is a possibility, we have not seen this actually happen yet. Mobio is global (note: we do not warranty system performance on the International Space Station due to weak 3G coverage). The short answer is yes - people from any country can scan and donate.
We have been using the Mobio system with local charities in the vancouver area for months, and have several more in the process of implementing. Habitat for Humanity is one that has been live for a while.If not, do you have any statistics from past campaigns?
The most interesting feedback we have (anecdotal) is that many of the donors are new to the charities -- this seems to be because the demographic of existing donors and the Mobio donors is somewhat different, with the Mobio donors being on the whole younger than previous donors. charities also like that unlike some mobile methods (e.g. text/sms) Mobio donors can donate substantial amounts.
As a final bonus, here's a couple of videos that illustrate how the concept works:
Posted in
iPhone,
mobile marketing,
mobile payments,
QR codes
|
Online instructional program
Online degrees sound great, and many universities are building the technology to offer distance learning programs. Yet, some universities still require you to use other mediums to obtain your online degrees besides your computer. Some programs require you to use video or telephone conferencing that are less effective. The best online degrees are earned from universities that are fully taught online. Being fully taught via the internet also means that you should look at online degree programs that are taught by qualified professors. Many online programs only hire local teachers………….
www.sangambayard-c-m.com
Todacell works with a select group of publishers including Fringe, Mobiles, Mocospace and Tune Wiki. By limiting the range of publishers that the company works with, they are able to better optimize performance for each publisher. The limited list of publishers also ensures that advertisers know exactly on which publishers their campaigns will appear, bringing complete publisher transparency to the mobile marketing industry.
Study while you work