| Pizza Patron Debuts Groundbreaking 'Unlimited' Phone Card to Mexico |
[Dec. 2nd, 2007|01:40 pm] |
Pizza and prepaid phone cards: The marketing synergy may not leap out at you right away.
Pizza Patron has been named the premier distributor for the initial launch of BlagCard(TM), the world's first truly unlimited calling card to Mexico. The chain will begin retailing the cards in each of its 65 locations beginning Friday, July 27th. The new calling cards are the result of a strategic alliance between Pizza Patron Inc. and BlagPhone(TM) International. All calls will be carried on the AT&T network.
"This partnership means much more than just pizza and phones," said Anthony Knape, CEO/President of BlagCard, Inc. and BlagPhone, Inc. "We get deep satisfaction and joy from participation in the vitality of the Hispanic culture, the uniting of families and the living of an unstoppable dream." Pizza Patron is small but nationally known, Mr. Knape says, which allowed BlagCard to enter the market in a limited way while making a big splash with the target market. "We wanted to control the ramp-up so that we could maintain quality of service while we build up the volume and work out the kinks," Mr. Knape says. "Pizza Patron's relationship with the community made it an obvious plus for us."
Unlike traditional calling cards which charge by the minute, these new cards allow unlimited calling to any area code in Mexico with no additional charges or penalties. The cards are available in three denominations -- five, ten and thirty dollars and will allow for unlimited talk for two, seven and thirty days respectively. Customers will have the option of purchasing cards in either U.S. currency or Mexican pesos.
The introduction of the phone cards comes on the heels of four consecutive quarters of double-digit, same store sales increases for the chain. "We are extremely excited about what this product brings to our customers," said Andrew Gamm, director of Brand Development for Pizza Patron. "The phone card industry is notorious for its deceptive marketing practices, and for preying on the most vulnerable segments within the immigrant population. Now, for the first time ever, we have a phone card to Mexico that does not punish the caller. We are very proud to truly offer 'Mas Minutos' for 'Menos Dinero' to the families that visit our stores."
Source:
www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2007/07/23/2803638.htm |
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