Facebook Turns Virtual Drinks into Real Drinks

If you have ever received a virtual gift from a friend on Facebook, such as a stuffed animal, cocktail or a cupcake, you may have wished that the virtual gift was the real thing.

Well wish no more – a company called Bartab now makes that possible. Bartab allows users on Facebook to purchase drink vouchers for their friends that can be redeemed at participating bars and restaurants. The drink vouchers are inexpensive, costing the sender and recipient only $1.00 each ($1.00 to send and $1.00 to redeem).

This innovative marketing initiative involves social networking, cell phones and face-to-face interaction as forms of engagement. You send and receive the certificates on Facebook, then use a cell phone application or text message to redeem it from the bartender or server.

Right now there is no cost to the restaurants or bars who participate in Bartab’s Facebook application. According to Bartab’s website, restaurants and bars decide which drinks they would like to offer on Facebook, and keep the recipients $1.00 paid when they redeem their voucher. It has been noted that most recipients redeeming their drink vouchers will often purchase additional beverages or food while at the bar, and will typically bring friends or co-workers to the bar with them.

Bartab believes the service is smart for both consumers and bars. Users get inexpensive drinks and connections with friends, while bars get new customers at a low cost. At the moment, Bartab is available only in the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas and in New York, but Bartab is planning to add 17 markets in the next few months, including Seattle, Atlanta and Houston.

Learn more about how Bartab can increase traffic in your bar or restaurant by visiting their website: http://bartab.webtab.com/