Qpons Frequently Asked Questions

Qpons basics

What's different about Qpons?
How can Qpons help my business?
How do Qpons work?
How do I know how many Qpons to get?
Do I have to enter the Qpon one at a time?
Is Qpons only for coupons?
What is an Introductory Only Qpon?
What is a Scheduled Alert?
How do I upload new Qpons?
How will my customers know about my Qpons?
How much does a Qpon campaign cost?
Why can't I start with month-to-month?
How does the web widget work?

Customers first

What if my customer says they can't receive my Qpon?
How do my customers receive my Qpons?
Do Qpons cost my customers anything?
Will the Qpon tell my customer where to find me?
What if I have multiple locations?
What if I want a separate Qpons program for each location?

Privacy & customer rights

Can I see my customers' mobile numbers?
How much information can I get about a subscribed customer?
Why are there other messages that arrive before the first Qpon?
Why is there so much fine print?

Carrier guidelines

What can I advertise?
Is there any product or service I cannot advertise?

Qpons marketing tips

What should I say?
How should I say it?

Why is SMS a better marketing tool?

Why are Qpons better than print coupons?
Why are Qpons better than online marketing?
Why are Qpons better than out-of-home marketing?
Doesn't everyone have a smart phone?
But only teenagers use SMS, right?

Frequently Asked Questions

Qpons basics

What's different about Qpons?

Qpons have two major advantages over every other type of marketing.

First, Qpons are an immediate and relevant way for you to get your target consumer's undivided attention.

Second, Qpons are permission-based. The customer who opts in for your Qpons is already a qualified lead.

How can Qpons help my business?

Qpons help grow your business in a number of ways:

increase visits from existing customers
trigger impulse buys
help eliminate overstock
encourage customer loyalty
build brand awareness
build attendance at events
maximize your advertising dollar
reduce the inefficiency, delivery and redemption costs in traditional couponing
stimulate foot traffic on slow days
target the younger demographic
attract and acquire new customers
create a long line for product drops

BOTTOM LINE - INCREASED SALES, WHICH MEANS INCREASED PROFITS!

How do Qpons work?

Qpons is a three-step process. You create the Qpon campaign. Your customers opt in for your Qpons. Business increases.

Local. Immediate. Relevant. Get the ball rolling by registering at qpons.nearu.us.

How do I know how many Qpons to get?

Qpons SBE has a built-in advisor that will show you the best Qpons package for your business. As your program ramps up, we will evaluate your program and provide recommendations for changes in the package, marketing results and reports to demonstrate the effectiveness of your program.

Go to the Advisor and get a recommendation
Go to the advisor and let us help you pick a package
Choose your nickname and pick the schedule for your alerts
Add the package to your cart

Do I have to enter the Qpons one at a time?

No, you can schedule 24 Qpon alerts in the future.

Go to the Builder and create customer offers they can't refuse
The builder will have your alerts displayed on the calendar
The first Qpons is an introductory offer—it is for the early adopters, so make it a good one and they will spread the word
Enter as many Qpons as you like—these Qpons will be sent automatically to your customers on the scheduled delivery dates

Is Qpons only for coupons?

No, Qpons can also be used for announcements, news, or anything else that your customers may find valuable. If you aren't sure, see Qpons marketing tips for more details.

What is an Introductory Only Qpon?

This Qpon is for the early adopters who opt-in before your 1st scheduled alert. This gives your customer an immediate benefit, rather than having to wait for the scheduled alert. Why wait?

What is a Scheduled Alert?

This is the primary feature of Qpons. A scheduled alert is a Qpon offer that is sent to your customers on the days and times that you have selected in the Qpon builder.

How do I upload new Qpons?

You can go the Qpon Builder page at any time and add new Qpon offers. The system automatically reminds you when you need to enter additional Qpons.

How will my customers know about my Qpons?

You can create spiffy posters and stickers/handouts on the Qpons Marketing page and post them prominently all over the place — at the cash register, in waiting areas, in the window, on the dashboard of your car (we don't recommend putting them on the windshield of your car for obvious reasons).

Go to the Marketing page and have fun
Go to the poster and choose your colors
Print and have fun finding places to post them—the more visible; the more traffic
Do the same with stickers and put them on to-go containers, bags, menus, products, the backs of business cards . . . pretty much anything. The Qpons product manager wears them on his forehead!
New! Now you can insert the Website Widget onto your company's website. Just go to the Marketing tab, choose your colors, then copy-and-paste the embeddable code into your site's html!

How much does a Qpon campaign cost?

Not only are Qpon campaigns less expensive than other forms of advertising, you also get a much bigger bang for your marketing buck because Qpon campaigns are targeted to your customers like a smart missile.

You can register at qpons.nearu.us to find out our competitive prices.

Why can't I start with month-to-month?

You'll notice that you have the option of choosing a 3-month plan or a 6-month plan to start, and then you can continue on a month-to-month basis after that. The reason for this structure is that just like for any permission marketing service, you need some time to build a base.

You build your base by putting up your posters, stickers, and spreading your Qpons via word of mouth, allowing your customers some time to learn about the service so they can opt-in. Sometimes this can take up to a month. But once you've got a solid base, you can leverage the power of your Qpons program indefinitely.

If you'd like to discontinue your Qpons service for whatever reason, simply . . .

How does the web widget work?

The web widget allows customers visiting your website to opt-in for your Qpons on the spot – no mobile phone required! You can implement this widget in 3 easy steps:

Customize your widget's colors in the Marketing section of your Qpons account.
Click the "Get Code" button to generate your widget's html snippet.
Copy and paste this html snippet directly into your website's html.

That's it! Visitors to your site will now be able to sign up via your website widget.

Customers first

What if my customer says they can't receive my Qpon?

Make sure they've properly opted-in using their mobile phone. They can check immediately by texting your nickname to 63278.

If they still don't receive your Qpon, it may be the case that their wireless plan isn't from one of our supported carriers (Alltel, AT&T, Boost, Dobson, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, Verizon Wireless and Virgin Mobile US) or their account has been suspended.

How do my customers receive my Qpons?

Your customers will associate the nickname you choose for your Qpons program. The customer text messages [your nickname] to 63278.

Your customer will receive a confirmation message that tells them when to expect your Qpons. And they receive the Introductory Qpon you have set up in the Builder.

Do Qpons cost my customers anything?

No more than they would pay to receive a standard text message. If your customer is on an unlimited text plan, there won't be any additional charges.

Will the Qpons tell my customer where to find me?

Yes. If you enter your business locations, the text message will include an option to get your business listing.

What if I have multiple locations?

If you have entered multiple locations, the listing option will give the customer the address closest to their zip code.

What if I want a separate Qpons program for each location?

In this version of Qpons Small Business Edition, you can create a program for each location by creating a separate nickname for each location.

Privacy & customer rights

Can I see my customer's mobile numbers?

No, you can't. Wireless carrier requirements prevent us from sharing that information with anyone. And it's none of your business, anyway.

How much information can I get about a subscribed customer?

Qpons Reports will provide you with aggregate user data based on your customers' zip code. You will be able to see how many subscribers are in each zip code area.

Why are there other messages that arrive before the first Qpon?

Wireless carriers require that a confirmation message be sent to the customer. Plus it's good manners to thank your customer for opting in.

Why is there so much fine print?

Because our lawyers required it.

Carrier guidelines

The policies listed in this section complement our Terms and Conditions and describe NearU Search's advertising policies with regards to products and services. The practical application of these guidelines involves an element of discretion; we reserve the right to reject or approve any ads. As noted in our Terms & Conditions, you represent and warrant that all Qpons will comply with all applicable laws. Yet another reason there is so much fine print . . .

What can I advertise?

Lot of things, but some are restricted. Here are guidelines for products and services that have legal guidelines.

Alcohol is restricted and vary based on local regulations and type of alcoholic product. All Qpons promoting alcohol beverages must stipulate that the offer is restricted to individuals of legal drinking age. Your business jurisdiction may: require government permits for the advertisement of alcoholic beverages; prohibit advertisements for beverages with a certain level of alcohol content; and/or require certain disclaimers in advertisements for alcohol beverages. It is the advertiser's responsibility to comply with all local laws.
Tobacco and cigarettes, including cigarettes, cigars, tobacco pipes, and rolling papers must stipulate that the offer is restricted to individuals of legal age.

What products or services cannot be advertised?

Anabolic Steroids: No anabolic steroids, muscle-enhancing stacks and cycles, bodybuilding steroid supplements, and related content, irrespective of an advertiser's claims of legality.
'Anti' and Violence: No advocating against any organization, person, or group of people. Advertisements may not promote violence or advocate against a protected group. A protected group is distinguished by their: Race or ethnic origin; Color; National origin; Religion; Disability; Sex; Age; Veteran status; Sexual orientation/Gender identity.
Counterfeit Designer Goods: No products that are replicas or imitations of designer goods, or anything containing the trademarked name or logo of a designer brand but is not made by that brand.
Drugs and Drug Paraphernalia: No drugs and drug paraphernalia, including drug accessories, illegal drugs, and herbal drugs such as salvia and magic mushrooms.
Fake Documents: No Qpons for false documents such as fake IDs, passports, social security cards, immigration papers, diplomas, and noble titles.
Gambling: No casinos and gambling activities, including, but not limited to: sports books/sports betting; lotteries; bingo; poker; and/or Russian Roulette
Miracle Cures: No miracle cures. You can't cure leukemia overnight, so why say it?!
Personal attacks: Ads must not include accusations or attacks relating to another individual's personal life, nor can they advocate against a protected group. If you're soliciting political donations, your must clearly state that the donations are non-tax-deductible.
Prostitution: No prostitution. Period. Full stop.
Sexual content: No sexual content, consensual or not.
Weapons: No weapons, such as firearms, firearm components, ammunition, balisongs (switchblades), butterfly knives, and brass knuckles. Peace.
Solicitation of funds: This requires special program approval form the carriers to ensure that the funds do not incur heavy tariffs. Contact us directly. Your business should possess and clearly display tax-exempt status such as 501(c)(3) status in the United States, and will have to meet carrier rules regulating donations.

Qpons marketing tips

Below are tips that will help you create effective ads to meet your advertising goals. To get the most from your Qpons program, stick to the basics.

Be direct. Be brief. And be relevant. You have the customer's undivided attention. If you want to keep it, you need to say something important to them.

What should I say?

Check out the templates in the Builder for ideas. Click on a template and start editing!

How should I say it?

You have 135 characters. Go crazy! But . . .

Accurately represent your product or service
Use correct grammar and spelling; TXT SPK is OK to fit the 135-character format, and common chat abbreviations like TXT, LOL, and GR8 are preferred
Don't use inappropriate language, spelling it incorrectly doesn't make it any more appropriate
Support advertised prices, discounts, and free offers. Deliver on your Qpon
Use standard punctuation and symbols
Don't use unnecessary repetition—this is text, no time (or space) for repetition!

Why is SMS a better marketing tool?

Why are Qpons better than print coupons?

Traditional print coupons tend to wind up forgotten at home, or thrown out with junk mail and old newspapers.

In fact, the International Herald Tribune reported that around 99% of the 200 billion coupons distributed annually in the U.S. end up in the trash.

Since Qpons show up on your target consumer's mobile phone, wasting dollars on unfocused advertising becomes a thing of the past. Since your customers are mobile, your offers should be too.

In short, immediacy, relevancy, and targeting. Not to mention the green thing.

Why are Qpons better than online marketing?

Immediacy! Email coupons tend to get treated as spam. Even if they don't get caught by your customer's spam filter, by the time the email is opened, the offers have probably expired.

Recent research shows that the average email is opened between 24 and 48 hours of receipt. Contrast that with the average read time for a text message – 15 minutes!

Why are Qpons better than out-of-home and mass media marketing?

Targeting! Billboards, arbitrons, and mass media cost upwards of thousands of dollars. They cast a big net. But is it a net that includes your customers?

Wouldn't you rather spend ~$800 and get and keep an audience you can count on to be local and loyal?

Doesn't everyone have a smart phone?

No. Even though smart phones are getting faster and more elegant — we love the G1 with Android — t he most popular use remains . . .TEXT MESSAGING!

That's right! In the U.S., we send more text messages than we make phone calls.

But only teenagers use SMS, right?

Not exactly. Nielsen reports that the average mobile phone subscriber placed or received 204 calls, compared with sending or receiving 357 text messages.

For the first time, the number of text messages sent by the average U.S. mobile phone subscriber has exceeded the amount of phone calls made. We can thank the skyrocketing popularity of the service for getting us there, as SMS usage has grown at a rate of 450% while phone usage has remained steady.

Teens do lead the way with a whopping 1,700 text message per month!