Girl Scouts use mobile credit card payments to boost sales

Two Girl Scout councils have accepted credit card payments through smart phones in an effort to help improve their cookie sales.

Girl Scouts San Diego has begun using iPhones with a card reader in a trial run at certain retail sites and booth sale in San Diego. The Girl Scouts of North East Ohio also launched a mobile payment trial on March 11, with 200 troops participating in the event. Consumers sign a receipt through touch screen and receive payment record through text or email message.

On February 24, 10 troops began taking mobile credit card payments, said Mary Doyle, Communications Director for the San Diego Council. Based on troop leaders report, the system was user-friendly and the technology seemed to intrigue customers, she said.

The customers loved it; they came over to see what it was all about, said Lynne Shinohara, leader of Troop 3099. The troop made use of the mobile payment system when selling at a booth located nearby a grocery store in Point Loma, California.

The capability to accept credit cards will ultimately result in more sales and contribute to the business and financial expertise of the girl scouts, said Doyle.

When Girl Scouts are selling cookies, they are becoming entrepreneurs. This just gives them another level to go to as entrepreneurs.

If you are interested in boosting sales for your business or organization via wireless or iPhone, Blackberry, Droid, or other smart phone applications, just let us know! Feel free to give a call at 888.326.3480 or email contact@merchantsolutionsllc.com.