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Add local coupons to Passbook using Valpak
Valpak has rolled out Passbook integration in its iPhone app.
(Credit:
Jason Cipriani/CNET)
Arguably, Passbook is off to a fairly slow start. Even after having a few months with developer previews of iOS 6, companies and developers have taken their time in rolling out support for Passbook now that it's public.
Starbucks, Target, McDonald's, Airbnb and even a few airlines have rolled out Passbook integration, but it's been a slow process. There's hope after Major League Baseball announced Passbook adoption by e-ticket users surpassed all expectations. Hopefully businesses take note, and either speed up or commit to implementing Passbook.
Big companies have more resources (read: money) to investigate Passbook integration, while small businesses don't have the same luxury. Services such as SnipSnap (Passbook support coming soon), Gyft and even Valpak are great alternatives to both customers and businesses alike.
Have you heard of Valpak? Yes, the envelope full of local coupons that has traditionally shown up in your mailbox also has an iOS app. And with a recent update, the iPhone version of the app now supports Passbook. You can browse local coupons, add them to your Passbook in just a few taps.
To add a coupon through the Valpak app, find a coupon you'd like to use and then tap on the share icon.
From the list of options, select Add to Passbook. The app will take a few seconds to create a pass for the respective coupon, then give you a chance to add it.
(Credit:
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)
(Credit:
Screenshot by Jason Cipriani/CNET)
The pass will alert you when you're close to a business where you can redeem the coupon. If you'd rather not get alerted, just turn the pass over (tap in the "i" in the lower-right corner of the pass) and turn off the Show on Lockscreen option.
According to Valpak, the merchants with digital coupons available through the company take a "show and save" approach; meaning the customer simply has to show the coupon (or Passbook pass) in order to save money.
Download the Valpak iOS app to start adding local coupons to Passbook. If you go out and use one of the Valpak coupons through Passbook, comment below and let us know how your experience was.
