Instaply has released what it says is the first Mobile Customer Interaction Platform (MCIP) which enables consumers to find text-friendly businesses and text directly with those businesses from their iPhone or Android device. At the same time, Instaply lets businesses register and get immediate exposure to new customers.
“Instaply wants to fundamentally change the way consumers and businesses interact,” said Fabien Degaugue, CEO, in a statement. “When it comes to contacting businesses, the existing communication channels are too restrictive, slow and unsatisfying and break down rather than build up relationships.”
“There is a real need for a new technology solution that enables consumers to quickly and easily get the information they need from their favorite businesses, and enables businesses to deliver a great experience beyond their four walls,” said Sheryl Kingstone, Yankee Group Analyst, in a statement. Sixty-six percent of businesses want to allow their customers to SMS/text customer service via their mobile phone. The time has come for a texting platform that does not require the exchange of phone numbers, does not spam or market to customers and costs nothing for both consumer and business.”
Instaply features include:
- Directory of text-friendly businesses: customers can discover text-friendly businesses and there is no need to remember or share cell phone numbers.
- Ability to text: Instaply looks and feels just like texting. Customers simply choose the business they want to contact from the directory and send them a message. Businesses reply straight back with the answer.
- Multi-platform for businesses: Instaply conversations aren’t tied to a single device like traditional texting. Business users can start the conversation on one device and flip to another at their convenience, from phone to tablet to computer and back depending on business needs.
- Keep in touch: just like texting friends, customers and businesses can follow up at any time in the future.
Available immediately, the Instaply app is free to both customers and businesses and can be download from the iTunes App store or Google Play.