If you want the savings of coupons sans the hassle of paper, Rob Deubell has your number. He's president of
MobileCoupons.com, a website where consumers can redeem coupons for restaurants and other merchants by showing its image on a cell phone screen.
Deubell's plan for the marriage of money saving and mobile was several years in the making. The former Convergys VP wrote a business plan for cell phone coupons in 2003, shortly after taking a position with RACO Industries. He describes consumer apps as a "holy grail" for cell phones.
"Your cell phone is always in your pocket. It's the perfect way to marry what you want with what merchants have to offer. In 2004, other people in the industry were writing games and ringtones for cell phones. We bought the URL, MobileCoupons.com, back then, and waited for the right time."
BlackBerry, iPhone, and Google Droid all propelled the industry forward; the recession magnified the need for a good deal. And the Tri-State proved fertile ground for the coupon revolution.
"Cincinnati is high in adoption of mobile internet and text messaging - one of the top ten markets nationally. And we're also a Top 20 market for coupon redemption," says Deubell.
OpenMotion LLC, the parent company of MobileCoupons.com, was an early pioneer of mobile web content. Now, its partnerships enhance the functioning of the site. Consumers looking for a coupon can access yellowpages.com content; the website for Cincinnati Bell Yellow Pages has clickable icons for mobile coupons. There's also an option of printing coupons from a PC. An easy-to-use interface allows business owners to create coupons in just five minutes.
After launching in December 2009, MobileCoupons.com has more than 400 coupons in the Cincinnati market, with a smaller presence in the top 20-25 markets nationwide. Six employees manage their Blue Ash data center; Deubell plans to add more in the next year.
Consumers and businesses are not charged for using Mobile Coupons. Deubell, a careful observer of internet culture, plans to add premium services after building up the brand.
"Our ultimate goal is to be the default place consumers go when they're looking for deals."
MobileCoupons.com is wholly owned by OpenMotion LLC and RACO Industries.
Writer: Elena Stevenson
Source: Rob Deubell, President, MobileCoupons.com
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.