Tuesday, June 07, 2005
UpSnap - Yet another SMS Directory play
UPSNAP: "“UpSNAP™ is building the first cellular specific directory listings and entertainment platform powered by paid listings and premium services”
Putting as few obstacles between merchants and potential purchasers has historically proved to be highly successful and created several billion-dollar industries.
In the 1980s, the merchant agrees to pay for each call using 1-800 numbers. Toll free 1-800 services have proved to be phenomenally successful, and offer a simple way for consumers to contact merchants at no cost. Merchants would gain awareness of the 1-800 number through paid advertising in Yellow Pages and other media outlets.
In the 1990s, the merchant pays per click. Paid advertising listings have become very successful in an Overture / Google model. For the consumer it’s free.
In the cellular world, all is reversed. The consumer pays for directory assistance per call, from .69 cents to $2.50 per call, while the merchant pays nothing. Imagine how successful Yellow Pages would be if the consumer had to subscribe to the publication every year, rather than having it delivered for free?
Attempts to use WAP based services failed, because they are essentially trying to push an Internet model onto a telephone, creating an awkward technology mix.
For the first time, UpSNAP™ provides the ability to link merchant and consumer in a merchant pays model, using simple natural language text messaging."
Putting as few obstacles between merchants and potential purchasers has historically proved to be highly successful and created several billion-dollar industries.
In the 1980s, the merchant agrees to pay for each call using 1-800 numbers. Toll free 1-800 services have proved to be phenomenally successful, and offer a simple way for consumers to contact merchants at no cost. Merchants would gain awareness of the 1-800 number through paid advertising in Yellow Pages and other media outlets.
In the 1990s, the merchant pays per click. Paid advertising listings have become very successful in an Overture / Google model. For the consumer it’s free.
In the cellular world, all is reversed. The consumer pays for directory assistance per call, from .69 cents to $2.50 per call, while the merchant pays nothing. Imagine how successful Yellow Pages would be if the consumer had to subscribe to the publication every year, rather than having it delivered for free?
Attempts to use WAP based services failed, because they are essentially trying to push an Internet model onto a telephone, creating an awkward technology mix.
For the first time, UpSNAP™ provides the ability to link merchant and consumer in a merchant pays model, using simple natural language text messaging."
