Just as the Shazam music app allows consumers to identify a song through their smartphones, then purchase and/or share that song, SLYCE Commerce technology offers a similar service for products.
Using the SLYCE visual-based purchasing app, consumers can photograph a friend’s shoes, a stranger’s jacket, a bottle of wine, an image from a print ad ― any product at all ― to access reviews, pricing and exclusive discounts. In real time, users can purchase the product within the app, and are provided a choice of delivery options.
The platform incorporates visual catalogs which brands register with SLYCE, along with the retail locations selling those products. After a product image is photographed, brands direct the customer interaction and brand experience: They can direct the sale for immediate purchase, for in-store or e-Commerce sale at the closest outlet or channel partner site, such as Amazon.
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For retailers, the SLYCE system creates direct sales and customer data capture, and could be used as an incentive and loyalty app. “Retailers also can generate profiles that can include videos, or be built into separate mobile apps for their specific use,” said Cameron Chell, CEO of SLYCE Commerce, in comments shared with Retail TouchPoints. “When retailers begin capturing customer information and purchase history on the system or mobile app, they can incent, reward, market and direct-sell any of those buyers.”
Following a beta launch in February 2013, the SLYCE platform combines proprietary and existing image recognition software; payment processing technologies; bar code and QR code identification. Future versions will incorporate semantic web tagging technology, video identification and near field communication (NFC). The NFC feature will allow customers to be notified when favorite products are at a nearby location and/or new products, deals and discounts are available.
“Giving consumers the ability to act on impulse to buy a product at the very point it catches their eye is a compelling proposition,” said Chell. The patent-pending SLYCE technology “also allows our distribution partners to receive a commission on each transaction generated.”
SLYCE executives currently are negotiating with several mobile carriers to integrate the system into existing mobile technologies. By doing so, the carriers will receive a commission on all consumer purchases made on their networks.
