In the age of digital transformation, mobile wallets like Google Pay and Samsung Pay have emerged as game-changing payment solutions. As consumers increasingly prioritize speed, security, and convenience, retailers are racing to adopt these contactless technologies to stay competitive. But which stores have successfully made the leap?
In this article, we‘ll take an in-depth look at 711‘s mobile payment capabilities, with a special focus on Samsung Pay. As one of the largest convenience store chains in the world, 711‘s approach to digital wallets offers valuable insights into the evolving retail landscape. Join us as we explore the current state of mobile payments at 711, the unique advantages of Samsung Pay, and expert tips for mastering contactless checkout.
The Rise of Mobile Payments
To understand 711‘s mobile wallet strategy, it‘s essential to examine the broader shift towards contactless payments. According to a 2021 report from eMarketer, the number of in-store mobile payment users in the U.S. grew 29.0% year-over-year to reach 101.2 million. This represents nearly a third of the country‘s total population.
Several factors are driving this rapid adoption:
- Convenience: Mobile wallets eliminate the need to carry cash or physical cards, enabling quick and easy transactions.
- Security: Tokenization and biometric authentication help protect sensitive financial information from fraud and theft.
- Hygiene: Contactless payments reduce physical touch points, a key consideration in the wake of COVID-19.
- Rewards: Many mobile wallets integrate with loyalty programs, allowing users to earn and redeem points automatically.
As Dominic Hofer, CEO of payment platform Loyalzoo, explains: "The pandemic has accelerated the shift towards cashless, contactless payments by at least 5 years. Consumers now expect a frictionless, digital-first experience across all touchpoints, including in-store checkout. Retailers must adapt quickly or risk being left behind."
711‘s Mobile Payment Landscape
So where does 711 fit into this rapidly evolving ecosystem? The short answer is: at the forefront.
As far back as 2016, 711 began accepting a wide range of mobile wallets, including Apple Pay, Google Pay (then Android Pay), and Samsung Pay. This made them one of the first major convenience store chains to embrace contactless payments on a large scale.
Since then, 711 has continued to expand its mobile offerings. In 2018, the company launched a redesigned app with features like mobile checkout, digital coupons, and a loyalty program. The goal was to create a seamless, end-to-end experience for customers, with mobile payments playing a central role.
According to a 2020 press release, more than 10 million 711 app users have now enrolled in the 7Rewards loyalty program. This high level of engagement suggests that shoppers are increasingly comfortable using their smartphones to pay at 711 stores.
"We‘re always looking for ways to give our customers a more frictionless experience," said Gurmeet Singh, Chief Digital Officer at 711, in the same release. "Integrating cutting-edge mobile payment platforms is a key part of that strategy. We want to make it as easy as possible for people to get in, get out, and get on with their day."
Google Pay vs. Samsung Pay: What‘s the Difference?
While Google Pay and Samsung Pay offer similar core functionalities, there are some notable distinctions between the two platforms.
Google Pay, originally known as Android Pay, is a digital wallet service developed by Google. It allows users to store payment information from credit cards, debit cards, and loyalty programs in a single app. To make a purchase, users simply unlock their phone and hold it near a compatible NFC (near-field communication) terminal. Google Pay is available on most modern Android devices.
Samsung Pay, on the other hand, is a mobile payment system exclusive to Samsung Galaxy smartphones. In addition to NFC, it also supports MST (magnetic secure transmission). This technology enables Samsung Pay to mimic the magnetic strip on a traditional credit card, making it compatible with virtually any card reader. As a result, Samsung Pay boasts wider acceptance than Google Pay or Apple Pay.
"Samsung Pay is accepted nearly anywhere you can swipe or tap your card," said Sang Ahn, Vice President of Samsung Pay, in an interview with CNET. "That was our goal from the beginning – to create a service that works almost everywhere. We believe this is a key differentiator for our platform."
Another unique feature of Samsung Pay is the ability to add loyalty and membership cards directly to the app. This allows users to store all their essential cards in one place, without having to fumble through their wallet at checkout.
Maximizing Your Mobile Wallet at 711
Now that we‘ve established the basics of mobile payments and 711‘s approach, let‘s dive into some practical tips for using Google Pay and Samsung Pay at your local 711 store. These insights are based on hands-on testing and expert analysis.
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Set a default payment method: Before you head to the store, make sure you‘ve selected your preferred card in the app settings. This will streamline the checkout process and prevent any last-minute fumbling.
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Position your phone correctly: When using NFC payments, hold your device about an inch away from the terminal. With Samsung Pay‘s MST technology, you can position your phone up to a few inches away. Avoid tapping too quickly or at an angle, as this may cause the transaction to fail.
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Use the 711 app for added perks: While you can pay directly with Google Pay or Samsung Pay, using the dedicated 711 app unlocks additional benefits. These include mobile checkout (scan and pay), digital coupons, and 7Rewards points on every purchase. You can even order delivery through the new 711NOW service in select markets.
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Be prepared for occasional hiccups: Although rare, mobile payments can sometimes encounter technical issues. If a transaction doesn‘t go through on the first try, don‘t panic. Simply wait a few seconds and attempt again. It‘s always wise to carry a backup payment method, just in case.
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Educate cashiers on Samsung Pay: Because Samsung Pay‘s MST technology is less common than NFC, some cashiers may not be familiar with how it works. If you encounter any confusion, politely explain that Samsung Pay can mimic a magnetic strip. You can even demonstrate the process on the card reader if needed.
The Future of Mobile Payments at 711
Looking ahead, it‘s clear that mobile wallets will only become more prevalent at 711 and beyond. As consumers continue to embrace contactless payments, retailers have a strong incentive to invest in digital infrastructure.
"The future of retail is mobile-first," said Jordan McKee, Principal Analyst at 451 Research, in a recent report. "Stores like 711 that prioritize seamless digital experiences will be well-positioned to attract and retain customers in the years ahead. It‘s no longer a question of if, but when."
Indeed, 711 shows no signs of slowing down its mobile innovation. In addition to expanding its 7NOW delivery service, the company is experimenting with cashierless technology à la Amazon Go. In 2021, 711 piloted a fully automated store in Seoul, South Korea, leveraging a combination of cameras, sensors, and AI to enable walk-in, walk-out shopping.
While such futuristic concepts may not be widespread just yet, they hint at a retail landscape where mobile technology is deeply embedded at every touchpoint. For now, 711 customers can enjoy the convenience and security of Google Pay and Samsung Pay at the vast majority of locations.
As Raghu Mahadevan, Vice President of Digital at 711, puts it: "Our goal is to meet customers where they are and provide a seamless experience across all channels. Mobile payments are a critical piece of that puzzle. By embracing platforms like Google Pay and Samsung Pay, we‘re making it easier than ever for people to shop at 711 on their own terms."
Conclusion
In summary, 711 is a leader in mobile payment adoption, accepting both Google Pay and Samsung Pay at most of its stores nationwide. While Google Pay relies on NFC technology, Samsung Pay also supports MST, allowing it to work with traditional magstripe readers.
To make the most of your mobile wallet at 711, be sure to set a default payment method, position your phone correctly, and take advantage of perks like the 711 app and 7Rewards program. As contactless payments continue to gain popularity, expect 711 and other forward-thinking retailers to double down on mobile innovation.
Whether you‘re a diehard Samsung Pay user or a Google Pay devotee, one thing is certain: the future of retail is in your pocket. Happy (contactless) shopping!
