Japanese startup TenTen Technologies is to offer retailers USB-based Bluetooth beacons that plug into POS terminals and vending machines so that rewards can be issued automatically to users of the company’s mobile app when they make a purchase.

The company worked with Saatchi & Saatchi Fallon Tokyo on the service’s user experience, including development of the brand architecture, character creation, interface design, social media strategy, content development and consumer rewards and prizes.

“Depending on how much information a customer chooses to allow on their TenTen app, retail staff can also be made aware of valuable and helpful information when the customer enters the store, such as preferences and past purchases,” TenTen explains.

“This can enable the store’s staff to help them with more relevant information and suggestions, leading to a better in-store customer experience.”

“We started with loyalty and how to build a better experience for users to increase interaction and participation, then realised that the smartphone could be even more; a true digital assistant that communicated with the user’s favourite places and groups,” says TenTen co-founder Eric Hamilton. “We arrived at a solution that seamlessly builds relationships with brands and their best customers.”