LevelUp Launches iBeacon Support to Increase App Usage

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwired - June 17, 2014) - LevelUp, the mobile payments company with over 1.5 million users and 14,000 accepting business locations, is announcing the successful use of iBeacons as a means of increasing mobile payments occurring at participating businesses.

iBeacon is one of Apple's latest updates to iOS location services through bluetooth technology. "Beacons" are devices typically small enough to fit in your hand and uses Bluetooth Low Energy to ping customers carrying iphones.

LevelUp launched their iBeacon program in early May. Just 30 days later, participating businesses experienced a 22% average increase in customer spend through the LevelUp app or the business' custom mobile payments app running on the LevelUp platform. The rate of transactions from previously "lapsed" customers (those who returned to using LevelUp after an absence of more than 30 days) increased by 63% following LevelUp's iBeacon roll-out.

The increase in mobile payments at LevelUp businesses is resulting in increased customer spend for businesses as customers are reminded of upcoming loyalty rewards.

"By analyzing data from hundreds of our merchant partners, we've found customers to typically spend up to 60% more than average when they know they're about to unlock a loyalty reward," explained Seth Priebatsch, Chief Ninja of LevelUp. "Building iBeacon support into apps built on the LevelUp platform will help customers stay apprised of their upcoming rewards and help businesses earn more through their loyalty programs."

LevelUp has already delivered Beacons to 50 participating businesses with plans to deliver as many as 1,000 more before the end of summer.

"Brick & mortar businesses used to lack the intelligent tools of e-commerce giants like Amazon," said Priebatsch. "Mobile payments have enabled local businesses to track customer spend and deliver unique offers to individual customers like never before. Now with iBeacon functionality, businesses using LevelUp can also communicate with customers during their crucial decision-making process."

Any merchant partner using LevelUp is eligible to receive a LevelUp iBeacon for their business. Installation is as simple as plugging the beacon into any standard power outlet.

About LevelUp

LevelUp is the largest open payments network in the U.S. Consumers use their LevelUp account to pay with their smart device or web browser, demonstrating the fastest and easiest way to pay. Businesses accept transactions for just 1.95% flat, thus enabling dramatic cost savings they can pass along to customers. LevelUp is backed by Google Ventures, Balderton Capital, Continental Investors, Highland Capital, Transmedia Capital and T-Venture, the venture arm of Deutsche-Telekom. Learn more at thelevelup.com.