For those times when it’s too inconvenient to order pizza online or via text message, Domino’s now lets Tivo subscribers fill out their orders using nothing more than a remote control.
“This is the first time in history that the ‘on-demand’ generation will be able to fully experience couch commerce by ordering pizza directly through their television set,” Rob Weisberg, a Domino’s marketing VP, said in a press release. “You’ll see a television ad for Domino’s and you’ll click ‘I want it’ through your remote. In about 30 minutes, your pizza will show up at your door.”
This ultimate service for couch potatoes has received predictable derision, with headlines suggesting the goal is “to make us all fat” or “to encourage sloth, obesity.” But it’s just the latest in a series of experiments to reach out to the younger, tech-savvy generations. Pizza Hut set up an ordering application on Facebook last month, and as of today, Papa John’s is offering a free pizza to Facebook users who become Papa John’s “fans” on the social networking site.
So what’s next? Customers can place orders with their computer, with their phone (by calling, sending a text message or ordering online with their phone), and now with their television — where can the pizza chains even go from here? Is there anything left?
I’m sure someone will think of something. But in the meantime, expect expansion of existing services — like Domino’s enabling SMS ordering in India as of January, 2009.
