Get mall specials, updates via free smartphone app

A new free smartphone app allows users to view specials, as they enter a shopping mall. The app, developed and launched by South African company DialMedia, runs silently in the background without causing inconvenience or negatively affecting the battery performance. 10 Feb 2012 11:42

New app rewards Shark supporters

In what is described as a world first, The Sharks have created a free mobile application, Sharksfrenzy, that directly benefits loyal supporters on a daily basis and offers exclusive specials, discounts and rewards at pre-selected reward partner outlets nationwide as well as at all The Sharks home games at Mr Price Kings Park. 3 Feb 2012 12:36

[2012 trends] Back to school for marketers on teen basics

[Cathryn Treasure] It's back to basics for marketers on teen marketing - between all the talk about millennials and the born-digital, marketers have been swept up in a wave that makes it easy to forget the fundamentals. Here are several that marketers need to keep in mind when talking with today's teens (age range 11-19), regardless of what channel you choose to use. 25 Jan 2012 12:23

Peugeot revitalising its image

[Henrie Geyser: motoring editor] As part of Peugeot South Africa's plans to boost the brand's image, service and sales during 2012 it is introducing for the first time in the French carmaker's history a full five-year maintenance plan for its entire passenger car range. 25 Jan 2012 08:11

eBucks see 60% growth over festive season

Despite slow to steady retail sales forecasts for the 2011 festive season, eBucks saw its highest activity since inception, with members spending R140 million between October and December 2011. This is a growth of 60% on its 2010 festive results of R87 million. 23 Jan 2012 10:57

Nedbank launches client service for home loan defaulters

In an effort to assist clients who can no longer service their home loan repayments, Nedbank has launched a Payment Solutions website, which provides a description of the four main options available to clients. The decision to develop the website came after noticing the number of clients who refused to participate in the banks debt recovery programs, often to their own detriment. 20 Jan 2012 12:33

[2012 trends] Loyalty programme trends for 2012

[Greg Whitfield] When reviewing loyalty programmes, which are proliferating, the key question is, "Are they adding value to the customers' experiences?" Here is what I think will make loyalty programmes stand out from the pack in 2012. 16 Jan 2012 11:50

McDonalds apologises for guide dog incident

The managing director of McDonalds South Africa has apologised to a blind woman who was chased out of one of the hamburger restaurants on Christmas Day because she had brought her guide dog inside. 29 Dec 2011 08:43

The customer is always right... even if they're wrong

[Chris Moerdyk: @chrismoerdyk] Walk up to the average South African retailer and whisper the magic words "customer service" and he'll react as though you stuffed a terminally venomous South American crotch eating spider down his shorts. And I really don't understand why. It isn't a stringent set of rules and regulations. In fact, customer service is nothing more than an extremely simple way of making lots of money. No more and no less. 6 Dec 2011 14:36

Difficult customer? Exceed expectation!

[Chris Moerdyk: @chrismoerdyk] There are a lot of cute little phrases in marketing - most of which make those of us who have been in the business for a while want to go outside and throw up in the gladioli. But there are some buzzwords that have a huge amount of merit. Like "exceeding expectation". 28 Nov 2011 14:42

Ocean Basket launches customer care line

Ocean Basket has recently launched a customer care line. The centre operates from 11am to 7pm, seven days a week and is operated by Digital Service Group (DSG) - a cost-efficient solution that negates the need to invest in systems, people and infrastructure. 25 Nov 2011 11:01

Spend, earn eBucks at Wetherlys

eBucks has announced Wetherlys as it newest earn and spend partner, offering members 4% back in eBucks on any purchases made in the stores. In addition, FNB and RMB Private Bank will also reward members with eBucks when they pay with their branded cheque card or linked credit card. 9 Nov 2011 10:24

Woolworths' virtual store supports World Diabetes Day

Woolworths will once again mark the occasion of World Diabetes Day on 14 November 2011, with a month of activities to help raise awareness of this disease and the important role nutrition plays in helping to control it. As part of these activities, it is launching an online virtual store tour led by dietician, Maryke van Zyl, to help diabetics and their families learn more about making better food choices. 8 Nov 2011 10:22