Snipsnap started with a pack of diapers.

Recently, according to foreign media reports, Snipsnap is an iOS app that helps you easily scan and manage coupons printed in newspapers and magazines, starting with the application of a pack of diapers, bringing paper coupons into the mobile age, and the following is an introduction to this application by a well-known tech blog read and write network:

It all started with a pack of diapers. Tedmann (Ted Mann) is the regional digital director of Gannett, America's largest newspaper group, when he was recently promoted to father. While waiting in line at the supermarket checkout, Mann found himself without a diaper coupon. Mann and his family cut off a lot of coupons from the local newspaper and put them in a small box, but often forgot to take them when they shopped. At the time, Mann felt he had to figure out a digital solution.

Mann began using the iphone to take pictures of coupons He and his wife found in the newspaper. Although this method is very primitive, but still quite effective. When other customers asked Mann what application he was using, he realised there was potential to be dug.

In August 2011, Mann resigned from the job of managing 6 digital newspapers in southern New Jersey and launched the Snipsnap. By helping consumers Scan and manage paper coupons, this mobile app takes them into the 21st century.

How extensive is the use of paper coupons? In the face of the decline of print media and the rapid rise of mobile e-commerce, you may think that traditional paper coupons are dying. But they don't.

A survey conducted by Inmar, a collaborative business firm, showed that consumers exchanged about 3.5 billion coupons last year. The overall exchange rate for coupons rose again in 2006 after a few years of decline. Since then, the overall exchange rate of coupons has risen by 34.6%.

From print to pixel

In Gannett's work, Mann became interested in the coupons for the first time, and he wanted to know how they adapted to the new digital world.

"I don't really like the apps that are available," said Mann, "One day I thought: What would happen if I took a picture of the paper coupons?" ”

That's what Snipsnap is for, but it comes with other features: Snipsnap not only take photos, but also digitize the details on coupons, such as face value, expiration date, barcode and store name. Snipsnap will notify you when a coupon is about to expire, and it will remind you when you are near a store where you can use coupons.

Mann recruited iOS developer Costas Nassis (Kostas Nasis) as chief technology officer, and mobile designer Kermadin (Kyle Martin) as vice president of the product. The trio took part in the Dreamit Ventures Venture acceleration project and then took part in the Project Liberty incubation program. Project Liberty is an entrepreneurial incubator launched early this year by The Philadelphia Inquirer (Philadelphia Inquirer).

Last week, snipsnap a demonstration at the TechCrunch Disrupt New York station.

Snipsnap's user base has been growing. "We have a lot of structured coupon data, Exchange data, coupon cut data, and location data," Mann said. At present our focus is to use this data to provide effective services. ”

The company's immediate plans include the ability to provide some functionality at the user's request, and develop more social functions to make it easier for users to share coupons with friends and family. In terms of the revenue model, Snipsnap is going to sell a paid coupon version to a big brand. Clothing retailer Aeropostale will be the first partner of the program.

Currently Snipsnap only iOS apps, but the Android version will be launched later this summer.