Holiday Shopping 2.0 (and Win $4,000 and an iPad2)

How we shop over the holidays has changed dramatically in the past decade. I was just introduced to a new service that is an interesting next step in that evolution: Chinoki. With Chinoki, businesses can connect directly with consumers via text message at any time.

I see a lot of potential here, and beyond the basic and obvious deals and coupons.

For example, imagine if Toys ‘R Us could text you when that hot and hard to find toy is stocked back on shelves a week before Christmas. Or you could be out doing your holiday shopping and get a text about the daily specials at your favorite restaurant.

Perhaps there is an overstock of an item at your favorite shop. You could get a text to alert you that it is on sale. Even thrift and consignment stores could be a good fit. I was just at a local Goodwill the other day, and they had dozens of brand new, in package eco lightbulbs on sale for $1 per pack (with two bulbs to a pack). That is a huge savings over store prices. I shared about the deal on Twitter, but it would have had a big impact if they could have texted all their customers to alert them to that.

It only took a few minutes to sign up. You enter your basic information and your mobile number, and then get a confirmation text with a code to enter on the site. Then, you can go through and select which businesses interest you for your Chinoki messages. That was it.

I like that you can add or remove each individual business. Here is a snippet of my page with included businesses:

If you sign up now through December 16, 2011, they have a contest going. The grand prize is a pretty great one ($4,000 gift card and an iPad2). Go here to sign up and enter the contest.

This post was sponsored by Chinoki.

Related posts:

1. Holiday Shopping for Dads
2. Holiday Shopping Tips for Military Moms
3. 2011 Holiday Gift Guide for Digital Moms and Dads
4. The Better World Shopping Guide Review
5. Avoid Christmas Gift Shopping Stress