With retail apps being high on merchants’ agendas, it’s worth knowing which companies have made a big dent in the app market. So, before you reach out to customers with a shopping or payment app, take a look at the following companies who are leading the way for mobile based technologies to see how it’s done best.

PayPal
Seller: PayPal, an eBay Company

Image courtesy of Apple Store

The Pay Pal digital wallet can be used on the go at restaurants, stores, and more. The payment app allows users to pay via their mobile phone and also to order ahead. It also has a send and request money function that lets users transfer money between friends instantly. Users can easily manage their account anytime, anywhere and use the app to check their balance, view transactions, or add and withdraw funds. Special offers are also available to PayPal customers and a ‘snap a photo of a check’ feature that lets users add money to their PayPal account for free.

The latest version of the app v5.1.2 has seen several improvements and bug fixes including:
5.1.2:
•    From Settings, choose your start screen for fast access to the info you need
•    Have the app remember your PayPal ID for faster logins
5.1/5.1.1
•    Your Activity is now the first tab in your Account
•    You can find your PayPal Balance right at top of your Activity
•    See your Total and Available Balances in your Wallet. Tap to refresh so you know just how much money you have on hand
•    Using a password manager app? Now you can cut and paste your password into the login screen
•    No more missing buttons when you’re confirming your identity

Here’s what the customers say:
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“This app is awesome. It makes it so easy to access and review your account, add/withdraw money, deposit checks etc. The overview of all your activity is so clear and easy to read, MUCH better than PP’s online web site. I will use this app from now on instead of the web site. Great job, thanks!”

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“The new feature that allows you to choose your start-up screen is a most welcomed addition. Overall, this is a nice app with some good features. However, the same cannot be said for the design of the app, mainly the “account” part of the app. The store section features an attractive iOS 7 inspired design, whereas the account section inexplicably features an ugly brown design that looked awful on iOS 6 and looks doubly bad here. Not only is it ugly, but it makes no sense. Brown isn’t featured in any other Paypal site or app, and it totally clashes with the slick design of the store. Until Paypal remedies this, this is a 4 star app. Once Paypal updates its app to fully support the iOS 7 design aesthetic, it will be a 5 star app.”

Groupon
Seller: Groupon, Inc.

Image courtesy of Apple Store

The Groupon app delivers big discounts on purchases across fashion stores, restaurants and other everyday shopping list items. Users can buy and redeem Groupon deals directly from their iOS device; track purchased vouchers by location and expiration date and record virtual voucher or coupons. Vouchers are instantly redeemable and deals can be shared with friends, family via social media.

Updates to the latest version 2.9.1 include:
•    Added support for Gift Shop and Gift Finder International
•    Automatically refresh deals based on your current location
•    Notifications for Japanese users
•    Various performance improvements and enhancements

Here’s what the customers say:
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“Efficient, stylish app The app rarely have crashes, and the app is colourful and bright, thus stylish.”

– 
“There are always so many great deals, and the variety has a nice diversity. The only thing that I would like to see in the next update would be to add a way to mark Groupons so that the next time I open the app, my favorites are ready to easily view.”

Ebay
Seller: eBay Inc.

Image courtesy of Apple Store

The eBay app lets users buy and sell items, compare prices, access search tools and more from their mobile.
 Functionality includes a streamlined, mobile-friendly listing flow; an integrated RedLaser barcode scanner that makes it easy to search for items, sell and add tracking information as well as instant mobile bidding, Best Offer and Buy It Now.
 Users can set up notifications and bid alerts to let them know when an item is ending, if they’ve been outbid, won or sold an item, received an offer, payment or message. Saved searches and Saved sellers are a tap way, as are email, SMS, Facebook & Twitter so that users can also share items with friends.

The latest version 3.2.0 has seen a few updates:
•    Use the “Free in-store pickup” and “Click and Collect” options to purchase items from local retailers on eBay and pick them up in stores at a time that’s convenient to you (US and UK only).
•    Your personalized Feed is now accessible from the home screen.

Here’s what the customers say:
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“11/13 – thanks eBay. Saved searches work like they did in the past which is perfect.

9/17 – thank you for listening to our feedback ebay. Back to 5 stars all the way!!!!…Previously…

I use this app folds more than any other. It was awesome and still is, but please bring back the ability to delete Recent Searches (FIXED!!!) My saves searches are now not updating manually after the most recent update. Also, the color white isn’t great as there’s no contrast. A great feature would be keep all Recent Searches. Don’t limit how many are listed. Thanks!”

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 “The thing I mainly use this app for is to keep up to date on saved searches. The swipe back method should really be implemented between the results of a saved search back to the list of saved searches. This would be much more convenient. Or at least make the button do to it bigger, it’s way to small. Otherwise, I have no issues.”

Apple Store app
Seller: Apple Inc.

Image courtesy of Apple Store

The Apple Store app lets users research, personalise, and buy products from Apple. Features on offer include customising a new Mac with options such as larger drives and more memory, adding free engraving or signature gift wrapping, and keeping an eye on order status. While in an Apple Store users can also purchase items through an add on payment app called EasyPay; request help, check in for reservations, and meet up with a Specialist at the store. Lastly app holders can take advantage of making Genius Bar and One to One reservations and sign up for workshops and events.

As well as performance enhancements, Apple’s newest version 2.9.1 has made an allowance for users in select countries to take advantage of gift cards, which can be bought and emailed, to receivers direct from the app.

Here’s what the customers say:
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 “I installed on my previous iPhone just to browse the latest products but when I upgraded my iPhone I noticed I could do a lot more. When I had to buy a new 30pin connector, a member of staff from the Apple Store in Brighton showed me how to scan an item with my own device to save a lot of time and effort waiting in cues. Install it and try it for yourselves. It’s seriously worth it.”

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 “Great App. Still no iPad version I can’t believe Apple has overlooked this for such a long time. Hello Cupertino is there anybody listening. I guess not were just all shouting hot air for nothing.”

Amazon Mobile
Seller: AMZN Mobile LLC

Image courtesy of Apple Store

Amazon describes its shopping app as comprehensive, convenient, fast, secure and universal. Users can sign in using their existing Amazon account to browse, search, get product details, read reviews and purchase products available from Amazon.com and other merchants. Shopping cart, payment and shipping options as well as wish lists, order tracking and Prime membership benefits are all available. The app can also be used to compare prices and check availability instantly by scanning a barcode, snapping a picture or typing a search.

The newest version 3.0.3 has had several bug fixes recently and an update to the new notifications area to make it easier for users to track upcoming shipments, Subscribe & Save orders, and see Deals of the Day.

Here’s what the customers say:
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“This is a must have app if you frequently shop on Amazon. It runs really smooth on my evo, makes shopping on amazon a breeze. Much easier to use than a mobile web browser to view the web page on your phone. I use it frequently when I am out shopping and want to check prices and reviews. Amazon is almost always cheaper than local stores, so its an easy way to save.”

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“I like using amazon.com, but this app pales in comparison. There are no filters for searches. Yes, you can choose a department, but that is the least useful filter. Searching by price, size, discounts… along with all the other filters available on the site would make this app much better. UNINSTALLED.”