South Africans are now able to rate and review the brands they buy in real time using their smartphones, thanks to a new app launched today by leading market intelligence company Plus 94 Research. The locally-developed app enables consumers to connect directly to businesses and government institutions in order to influence the quality of products and services they receive. In this way customers are able to receive more value for their money by reinforcing features they want while marking down less desirable attributes.

 

“The app will make manufacturers, retailers, service providers, government departments and state-owned companies more accessible to the public,” said Plus 94 Research CEO Sifiso Falala. “We’ve seen astonishing growth in consumer power over the past few years, thanks to social media and online channels, and this app will take it one step further. Our app will share big data directly with businesses, resulting in better customer service for everyone.”

 

There is often a disconnect between consumer expectations and the service experience, said Falala. “Consumers get frustrated when they consistently receive poor service or poor products. We’re empowering consumers to give feedback quickly and easily to businesses, and enabling businesses to rapidly respond, resulting in improvements all round.”

 

The Plus94it App is pre-loaded with South Africa’s 500 biggest brands, including all major retailers, banks, parastatals and government institutions. Consumers are able to suggest new companies for inclusion on the app. Users can participate as often as they want, wherever they are in the country, by giving feedback on their experiences. They are then able to view comments and ratings for the same company.

 

For businesses, the app provides a cost-effective way to gather market intelligence and can highlight potential risks to reputation and satisfaction levels without restrictions on the sample size or location. It will be an essential tool for companies interested in detailed, up-to-date consumer reaction.

 

The Plus94it App is available from the Play Store for Android phones and the iTunes store for Apple users as a free download.