7-Eleven has launched a new app that enables customers to check and ‘lock in’ fuel prices across 434 of its stores.
The new 7-Eleven Fuel App is a global first for the convenience store chain and allows drivers to search their local 7-Eleven stores to find the lowest price on fuel. Consumers can then ‘lock in’ that price and redeem petrol for that amount at any 7-Eleven store in the country within seven days.
7-Eleven says the app is the first of its kind as it uses a customer’s current location and real time fuel price data to allow them to secure the best local fuel price.
The app searches for local 7-Eleven fuel prices using a unique algorithm and geo-location technology. Users then register for a 7-Eleven digital wallet and select the type and volume of fuel they would like to purchase.
Customers then ‘lock in’ an amount of fuel up to their 7-Eleven wallet balance. Motorists can then fill up at any 7-Eleven fuel outlet and complete the transaction in store by scanning the barcode on the app.
Paul Wallace, digital marketing manager at 7-Eleven, said the new app was part of 7-Eleven’s ongoing efforts to provide new and exclusive products to customers.
“The 7-Eleven Fuel App is a world first innovation that forms a key part of our strategy to continue to be Australia’s number one convenience store. The launch of this app is about providing customers with digital products that are easy to use and allow them greater choice when purchasing fuel.”
If the price of petrol at the store is lower than what customers have ‘locked in’ then the lower price is what they pay. Also, if the price expires after seven days, customers can ‘lock in’ another amount of fuel up to their 7-Eleven digital wallet balance which can then be spent in store at any 7-Eleven without affecting their locked in price. Paying for fuel only occurs when customers fill up at the 7-Eleven store.
“Unlike other fuel discount schemes, the fuel app doesn’t require customers to spend money instore to redeem fuel savings,” said Mr Wallace.
The app has been in planning and development for more than 18 months following a five month pilot involving all 628 stores across Australia including customer testing and feedback. The 7-Eleven Fuel App is available on both iOS and Android and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
Not really the first of it’s kind second actually, it is exactly the same as a product that was created several years ago called Fuelmarket which unfortunately at the time could not get a retailer to support the concept.
So if it never got off the ground it is a “First of its kind, to hit the market”. I don’t believe anyone can count ideas that never eventuate. I think it is a great idea. Well done 7-Eleven.