Woolworths has decided to take the fight against trolley theft and misuse to the world of apps, by launching a web app that lets users report lost or stolen trolleys location using their smartphones. So, who’s going to use it?
Users who report trolleys go in the running to win a monthly $1,000 reward, so there is something in it for the end user, but it does seem like this app would probably be out of place on most people’s devices. The app uses the mobile’s GPS function to send the precise location of the trolley to Woolies so they can dispatch a collection crew.
More concerning is that you need to register on the app by giving Woolworths your mobile phone number in order to use the app.
Is the slight chance of winning $1000 enough to persuade you to give Woolworths your phone number? Especially when you have to be proactive in reporting missing shopping trolleys to even be in the running?
NacaYoda
Friday, May 27, 2011 at 10:51 AMIf they made a version for Samsung BADA OS I’d install and use it. Seems like a great idea to me.
attila
Friday, May 27, 2011 at 10:55 AMHow would they contact you to tell you that you won $1000 unless you give them some sort of personal info?
I assume your information is used according to their privacy policy – much like when Allure Media competitions ask for various personal details…. ;-)
Morris
Friday, May 27, 2011 at 11:32 AMI would be happy to use their app and give them a hand to find their trolleys – once they give me in writing a guarantee that it would not be used to contact me with marketing.. :)
mick
Friday, May 27, 2011 at 12:00 PMso someone in broadmeadows will most likely win the $1000 each month …
Also I like the idea of the app but does this app encourage people to take trolleys?
Adam
Friday, May 27, 2011 at 2:49 PMThat’s a very good point. What is stopping someone from taking a trolley home with them, then using the app for a free entry and to get the trolley picked up?
Kent
Friday, May 27, 2011 at 3:11 PMFurther more what’s to stop someone taking a whole bunch of trolleys, and on his way home dropping one of in intervals and reporting them..
Ratty
Friday, May 27, 2011 at 5:08 PMI already ring and report abandoned trolleys for no more reward than having them removed off the street. App would be more useful if it was for more than one store.
Still mystified why people drag these bloody things so far, bad enough trying to wheel them around a car park.
diane kohry
Sunday, May 29, 2011 at 4:27 PMLast sunday i sent you a email regarding 2 trolleys located between Chapel Rd and Wickham Rd Hightett victoria. Both trolleys are still their why do i bother notifying you if no action is being taken.
Rey
Monday, May 30, 2011 at 4:10 PMDiane – This is an article written by Nick Broughall of Gizmodo fame – He doesnt work for Woolworths.
He is on the Interwebs… Its the large place at the end of yer Mouse arrow.. yup, the white one…
I dont really think he would even shop at Woolworths…
He certainly doesnt want to hear about yer freakin Trolley Problems ! ! !
Rey
Monday, May 30, 2011 at 4:05 PMThey need a photo upload section of the App – then we could have ‘Awkward places I found your shopping trolly’ competitions…
then it would win/win for everybody
just saying…