Instant activation program for electronic payment system allows retailers to enrol customers on-site in 2 minutes

How many times have you seen a good idea that would offer compelling features and benefits and elected not to join because the process is just too time-consuming? Removing the barriers to entry of such systems is something that marketers have been battling with forever, which is why ExxonMobil’s latest enhancement to its Speedpass electronic payment system is worth a look – it offers a significant step forward in customer convenience. The Speedpass electronic payment system is one of the fastest ways to pay for gas and other purchases at Exxon and Mobil stations across the U.S. The new enhancement utilizes wireless hand held computer technology, to enable enrollment and activation within about two minutes at Exxon and Mobil retail locations or other remote sites. Customers no longer have to initiate the enrollment process using paper applications, wait for the device to be mailed to them, and then call to activate the device.

Speedpass electronic payment allows customers to make gasoline purchases at the pump and for inside convenience store purchases all with just the wave of a special key ring fob. More than 6 million Speedpass devices have been issued in the U.S. since it was introduced in 1997. Speedpass is accepted at more than 8,800 Exxon and Mobil retail locations in the U.S.

"Speedpass Instant Activation is the next step in convenience, and delivers on our promise to provide speedy purchases for our customers," said Mark Shores, U.S. retail sales director, ExxonMobil Fuels Marketing. "Not only does it allow customers to obtain and use a Speedpass in only a few minutes, it helps our retailers build on their existing base of loyal Speedpass customers."

ExxonMobil is supporting the Speedpass Instant Activation program with a gasoline rebate offer. Through December 31, 2006, at participating retailers, ExxonMobil will offer customers who enroll and activate a new Speedpass account at an Instant Activation store event a 5 cent per gallon rebate on fuel purchased with their Speedpass device for a 90-day period from the date of activation (up to a maximum of US$20 per account). The offer is valid for new Speedpass customers who activate through December 31, 2006. In states where the rebate is prohibited by law (Fla., La., Mass., N.J., N.C., R.I., S.C.), new Speedpass customers will receive a US$20 ExxonMobil Cash Card (or US$20 ExxonMobil Credit Card statement credit if they link Speedpass to an ExxonMobil Credit Card).