A Dundee software firm is launching an app specially designed for local, independent businesses.
GifTay is a paperless loyalty card for smaller companies, allowing customers to collect points at their favourite venues.
Developed by Iain Mackay who owns Neirfeno, users sign-up for free for their favourite shops, cafes, hairdressers, barbers and more.
Local businesses served with new digital loyalty card
Iain has worked in software development for nearly two decades.
He noticed a gap in the market for local businesses looking for digital solutions, who were often an afterthought to developers looking to hook larger clients.
“A lot of small businesses are left with solutions which are either too time consuming or just don’t do the job,” he said.
“They are not getting the advantages big businesses are.
“This will provide them with tools which will take them from zero digital tools, for free.
“We already developed a rota app and a working hours tracker for staff.
“But this month, we launch GifTay — a loyalty card app.
“It is a digital version of the paper-stamp loyalty card.”
Dundee businesses on the map
Users will be able to find independent retailers and restaurants using the apps’ interactive map feature.
Iain hopes the roll-out will expand beyond the confines of Dundee, eventually spreading across Scotland.
He said: “The app has an explore map on it, users will be able to see which small, local businesses are nearby.
“We have a goal to expand beyond Dundee. This app will allow you to find independent, local businesses wherever you are in Scotland.
“It is really easy to use. Customers will download the app, sign-up and it will be ready to go.
“It is just as easy on the business side. There will be some details like location, business type, requirements for a profile picture etc.
“It is something a business owner can set-up in a few minutes, you won’t have to go through a long sales process or anything like that.”
Free sign-up
For users and businesses alike, sign-up will be free.
The business model will allow for paid functionality, which companies registered to GifTay can pay for access too.
This will include access to push-notifications and analytics.
“It will be completely free to sign-up.
“We want as many local businesses on board so we can work up to a launch.
“For the first five businesses which sign-up, all of the features we will add to the app, which will be paid functionality, they will receive free for life.
“The paid functions will revolve around push-notifications and analytics.”
